Almondell & Calderwood Country Park lies in the valley of the River Almond between Broxburn and East Calder. Its trails and local history offer different reasons to explore the area: from woodland and river scenery to marked routes and market and industrial history.
Almondell & Calderwood Country Park
The park is home to a natural woodland on a plateau bordered by Linhouse and Murieston Waters. Calderwood is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Entry to the park is free; temporary arrangements may change. Check current information before your visit.
The park is suitable for horse riding and provides access to National Cycle Route 75. The path along the former railway line is also open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It connects Almondell, East Calder and Uphall Station. The Almondell Community Heritage Trail runs through the wooded areas of Almondell and along the River Almond—a route description in its own right, with a focus on woodland and river scenery.
Next to the Visitor Centre is a playground for toddlers and older children. The Ranger Service runs guided walks and activities; the programme may vary. If you would like to plan your visit around a guided walk or activity, check the latest dates in advance.
Walks with specific route details
The Almondell Walk is 4 miles (6.5 kilometres) long, passes through the park’s woodlands and goes beneath the viaduct. The Almond Aqueduct Walk starts at the Visitor Centre. This 3-mile out-and-back route leads from the park to the Almond Aqueduct; it is listed as taking 1.5 hours. The route also offers views across the West Lothian countryside. At 4 miles (6.5 kilometres), the Almondell Walk is longer than the 3-mile Almond Aqueduct Walk, which is listed as an out-and-back route taking 1.5 hours.
On the WL18 Feeder Canal Path, the River Almond is crossed via the Mandela Bridge. Surface and access conditions may change; check current conditions before making firm plans to use the path.
Traces of local history
The former stable block at Almondell opened as a Visitor Centre in 1981. On the Almondell walking route, you pass the ruins of St Cuthbert’s Parish Church in East Calder. Ormiston Hall, built in 1851, is also associated with East Calder. These places offer different historical connections: a former use of a building, church ruins along a walking route, and a 19th-century structure.
Cattle trading was part of East Calder’s history as a market town. Traders transported cattle from Edinburgh, the Highlands, Crieff, Falkirk and Linlithgow. These places of origin illustrate the wide reach of the trade. In 1846, East Calder and the surrounding villages grew with the advent of the railway and the discovery and subsequent boom of the shale oil industry.
The East Calder Gala in June also has a long history: it dates back to 1919. If you would like to plan your trip around the gala, check the latest event dates before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Linlithgow, Bridgend, Pencaitland, Kirknewton, Dunbar, Whitburn, Armadale, Pumpherston.
For the regional travel overview: Lothian.
