Torphichen

Wednesday’s ride is to lunch in St Johns Hall in Torphichen with coffee stop at the Corner Café in Currie.  Total distance is 45 miles.

We meet at 9.50 am for a 10 am departure at Redhall Park Carpark.  We will head along the canal to start but will leave it to head north to Gogarbank, Roddinglaw, Ratho and then to the footbridge over the A8 to our toilet stop at Kirkliston Leisure Centre. We will head off to West Lothian via Niddry, Faucheldean, Ochiltree, gradually climbing to skirt round the side of Cairnpapple before a short descent into Torphichen. (22 miles)

After lunch we can enjoy more descent through Bathgate to join the cycle path through Easter Inch Moss Nature Reserve and through Livingston Village.  We will take up the Almond Path to reach East Calder.  It’s a gentle climb to Kirknewton, delightfully downhill along the Long Dalmahoy road and then a short ascent to the Corner Café.  I expect most will want to head straight back down the busy Lanark road into town, but if anyone prefers the quiet route back, I will lead back via the Water of Leith Path to finish near our starting point which is the route provided here.

https://www.strava.com/routes/22251415

This route is on roads or tarmac cycle path but there may be a covering of wet leaves in places, which might make the surface slippery so do take care.

Everyone is very welcome to attend but for riders new to the group, our riding guidelines on the following link are essential reading prior to coming out on the ride to ensure safety for yourself and the other riders.  https://www.cyclinguk.org/group/page/guidelines-safe-riding   You will be expected to join Cycling UK after 3 rides.

Do take note of my phone number in case you get separated from the group. 07974113737 and for new riders, I will collect your details prior to the ride.  If you intend to be a regular rider with us please email icectc.lb@gmail.com with your contact details and a contact number in case of emergency, so that we will have your details available.

Please make sure your bike is roadworthy and that you have 2 spare inner tubes and basic tools to change an inner tube.  Do take note of the weather and dress accordingly! You will need to have water, packed lunch money for coffee stop and a bike lock.  Remember you are riding at your own risk and whilst the group will always try to help out as best as possible with punctures and mechanical problems, you are responsible for looking after yourself and getting yourself home.