Muiravonside

Our meeting point for Wednesday 4 Sept’s ride is still Slateford Viaduct, at 10.00 am. We head out along the canal to the usual toilet stop at Heriot Watt University. From there to Kirknewton, East Calder and Pumpherston Road. At the Almond river we head left along NCN 75 through to Livingston Centre. We then take a walking path, which is paved or hard gravel under wheel (there has been some run-off onto it in parts) to reach the B7015.

Coming out of Livingston we follow the B7015 all the way through to Stoneyburn and Bents. We then turn right up Hens Nest Road to Whitburn. There we turn right on the more heavily trafficked B8084 to Armadale. Through Armadale we turn left onto Bridgecastle Road, to Bridgehouse and then join the B8028 to Westfield. There we turn left until just before Strathloanhead where we turn right onto a minor road, which we follow through the Candie Estate.

We exit the Candie Estate onto the A801. Taking due care we cross this fast road with heavy lorries and take a wooded track through to Muiravonside Country Park. For those unwilling to take this track it is possible to ride approx 700 ms on the A801 and take the 4th exit onto the B825 at the ensuing roundabout, then follow the road to the entrance to the Country Park. We will picnic in the grounds of the Country Park cafe, which provides soup and sandwiches but mediocre coffee. For those wanting more wholesome fare, the Bridge cafe on the B825 is recommended. (54 kms, 34 miles)

We leave the park onto the B825, past the cafe and onto the canal towpath, which we follow into Linlithgow. There we turn right onto Preston Road, head up out of town and climb up to Ochiltree. We then cruise down to Faucheldean and Niddry, turning left under the M9 up to the B9080 and thence into Kirkliston. (The alternative, flatter route via Philpstoun to Duntarvie Castle is possible, but the Bullyeon Road to Dundas Castle will be closed from 2nd Sept for four weeks, so we would have to drop down to the B9080.) Our coffee stop will be at Conifox Nurseries just outside Kirkliston. We will return home via Carlowrie and the Kirkliston road to Cramond Brig and on to the Roseburn Path meeting point, where the ride will end. (88 kms, 55 miles, with 891ms of climbing, which is average for the distance.)   

The route can be found on Strava here; https://www.strava.com/routes/21185135  

Additional information

Please ensure your bike is roadworthy, especially the brakes. Follow our safe riding guidelines: https://www.cycling.org/group/page/guidelines-safe-riding

On the day bring suitable clothing for the weather. Also bring 2 inner tubes and puncture repair equipment. 

Bring snacks, drinks and a picnic lunch.

Do carry emergency contact details with you (on person and in wallet/purse and ice in mobile).

I will compile an attendance register on the day. Please note my mobile number is 07410 932926in case you need to contact me.

The group will always do its best to help anyone having difficulties during the ride. However ultimately you are responsible for getting yourself and bike home.

I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday!

John