Almondell & Calderwood Country Park |
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Almondell and Calderwood Country Park incorporates three areas:
Almondell
Most of our walks and events start at the Visitor Centre which was the stables block when Almondell was a private estate. The estate originally belonged to the Erskine family who had connections with Kirkhill House in Broxburn. Some of the features within the park come from Kirkhill such as the entrance gates and the astronomical pillar. There are woodland and riverside walks, grassy play areas, toilet facilities and barbecue sites (which you must hire in advance). Within the Visitor Centre you will find the ranger service office, various displays, a slide presentation and a shop offering a selection of gifts, refreshments and information leaflets.Calderwood
Like Almondell this was also a private estate, having once belonged to the Barons of Torphichen. This area has been left undeveloped deliberately to encourage wildlife. Rough
tracks lead along the top of steep valleys, thickly wooded with gean (wild cherry), oak and hazel, and across the large open area between them, which in spring is a mass of bluebells and young bracken. In the past Calderwood was greatly undermined for oil bearing shale. This was a very important local industry, remnants of which can still be seen to the south of Calderwood - the Oakbank shale bings.Oakbank
This former shale bing is a reminder of West Lothian's industrial past. Landscaped in the 1980's it now supports growing populations of plant and animal life. The walker is rewarded with excellent views of the Lothians and Fife.
The Ranger Service
The ranger service is available throughout the year to lead walks, or give illustrated talks to local community groups. To book the rangers or any park facility please telephone.
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Opening Times
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(2006 times)
Open 7 days a week.
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Admission Charges
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(2006 prices)
Free entrance to the Park. BBQ sessions £19.15 (2006/7 tariff).
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Directions
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North Car Park (closes at sunset). Signposted off the A89, the entrance is 2 miles due south of Broxburn. This is the entrance nearest to the Visitor Centre and disabled car park. South Car Park Just west of Wilkieston take the B7015 off the A71 and the car park is at the east end of East Calder Village. Mid Calder Car Park From East Calder follow the B7015 for a further mile then turn onto the B8046 Pumpherston/Uphall road. Use this car park when visiting Calderwood. Special arrangements can be made for people with walking difficulties, to drive into Almondell and park next to the Visitor Centre, telephone in advance to have the gate unlocked. |
| Show map of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park... |
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Nearby Attractions
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Livingston's Countryside
(3 Miles)*
There is a wealth of wonderful countryside throughout Livingstone. Why not explore some of the rich habitats for yourself and discover some of the local wildlife? |
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Malleny Garden
(5 Miles)*
A peaceful haven from the bustle of the nearby capital, this three-acre walled garden has a delightful collection of old-fashioned roses and fine herbaceous borders. |
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Beecraigs Country Park
(6 Miles)*
Just three miles south of historic Linlithgow, nestled high in the scenic Bathgate Hills, West Lothian Council caters for a wide range of leisure and recreational interests within its 370 hectare (913 acre) Country Park. |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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