Calderwood, Almondell & Ratho
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Come and discover the picturesque side of West Lothian for a Wednesday Walk
This walk is a linear route that starts within a couple of hundred meters of the station by following the Murieston Water into Calderwood park, which is a SSSI because of its mix of ancient woodland, grassland and wetlands - unusually for West Lothian this area has never been developed.
The path takes us round the back of Mid Calder, now following the River Almond, and into Almondell Country Park. There are a number of bridges to admire, many from the Victorian era, from the tall and slender Camp Viaduct, the practical Almond Feeder Viaduct, the Mandela Bridge which was named after one South African politician to the many and varied bridges on the Union Canal.
The path brings us out onto Lin Mill Viaduct on the Union Canal around the half way point, we then follow the canal into the western reaches of Edinburgh for the rest of the route.
Photos : Taken by AMD
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What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: decent footwear is required as a few bits of paths are muddy and slippy
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Food & drink
You must bring a packed lunch, along with plenty of drinks and snacks for the whole day.
There is a Co-op and Day-Today by the station in Livingston for last minute stuff.