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Cycling

West Lothian has an extensive network of both local and long distance cyle paths. There is a 350km network of Greenways and Footpaths in and around the new town of Livingston which was planned with facilities for cycling in mind.

There are a number of maps and guides to cycling in West Lothian.

Spokes produce the West Lothian Cycle Map which can be ordered online.

Harveys produce a Livingston for Cyclists map that is available on their website.

Sustrans, the charity that helps build and promote cycle routes, has a number of guides to the National Cycle Network routes that pass through West Lothian. These are the Clyde to Forth route, Round the Forth route, Forth & Clyde and Union Canals route and the overall guide to the National Cycle Network in Scotland.

Linlithgow Cycle Tours

Lying between the River Forth and the Pentland Hills and between Edinburgh in the east and Falkirk in the west, West Lothian offers many country by-ways to explore the different attractions in the district. Go to their website for some suggested itineraries.

Encouraging walking and cycling in West Lothian has become easier thanks to the publication of the West Lothian Physical Activity Atlas.

The atlas is the result of a partnership between NHS Lothian and West Lothian Council to link the strategic provision of foot and cycle paths with Health Improvement. It features clear maps of each community showing short measured walks, cycle routes and place such as parks, community centres and schools where there are opportunities to be active.

The complete map is available from libraries and council offices. In addition individual maps of each community are available on the website below.

Two routes on the long distance National Cycle Network pass through West Lothian. Route 75 the "Clyde-Forth" Cycle Route runs the length of the county from the outskirts of Edinburgh to Bathgate and beyond to Airdrie and Glasgow. Route 76 runs through the north of the county linking South Queensferry and Boness as part of the Edinburgh to Callander, "Round the Forth" route.

The Union Canal towpath also provides an excellent cycle route through the county. More details can be found on the British Waterways Scotland website.

Another useful local resource is SPOKES, the pro cycling campaign group for Edinburgh and the Lothians. They produce the West Lothian Cycle map that can be ordered from their website, as well as campaigning for better cycling provision across South East Scotland.

The Cyclists Touring Club is the UK's national cyclists' organisation and offers a comprehensive and specialised service for the leisure and commuting cyclist.

Pedal for Scotland is an annual 50 mile ride across the stunning countryside of West Lothian between Glasgow and Edinburgh. It is a sponsored cycle ride that raises money for Children's Charities and last year over 1200 people took part.

If BMX is more your scene then check out the acclaimed Livingston Skate Park, one of Scotland's top locations for skating and BMX.

The council subscribes to a freephone service called Clarence, which can be used by the general public to report road, cycle path, street lighting, traffic signal and road sign defects and hazards only.

Freephone: 0800 232323 Textphone for hearing impaired: 18001 01506 651115 Fax: 01506 776568 Email:customer.service@westlothian.gov.uk