Almondell and Calderwood Country Park
Encyclopedia
Country park
A country park is an area designated for people to visit and enjoy recreation in a countryside environment.-History:In the United Kingdom the term 'Country Park' has a special meaning. There are over 400 Country Parks in England alone . Most Country Parks were designated in the 1970s, under the...
in Mid Calder
Mid Calder
Mid Calder is a town in West Lothian, Scotland. It is located on a steep hill overlooking the River Almond and Calder Wood, around west of Edinburgh...
and East Calder in West Lothian
West Lothian
West Lothian is one of the 32 unitary council areas in Scotland, and a Lieutenancy area. It borders the City of Edinburgh, Falkirk, North Lanarkshire, the Scottish Borders and South Lanarkshire....
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
. The park is split into two main areas, Almondell Park which comprises the Almondell estate which originally belonged to the Erskine family of Broxburn
Broxburn
Broxburn is the name of more than one place in the United Kingdom:*Broxburn, East Lothian, Scotland*Broxburn, West Lothian, ScotlandIt is also the name of a place in Australia:*Broxburn, Queensland, Australia...
and the Calderwood estate which once belonged to the Barons of Torphichen.
The Almondell Estate follows the line of the River Almond, with well made paths and roads criss crossing the river over a variety of bridges. It is a popular location with walkers and families.
The Calder Wood Estate is less developed with most paths being unpaved and often very muddy after wet weather. It is popular with walkers and mountain bikers. The two estates are separated by Mid Calder town centre but are linked together by a path following the line of the Murieston Water.
The Park is served with ample space for visitors’ cars, served by four main car-parks. These are situated near Broxburn, Livingston, Mid Calder and East Calder. The North car-park is closest to the Visitor Centre (EH52 5PE). Visitor Centre is housed in the former stable block of the Almondell Estate, with a coffee shop, aquarium, and classroom and function room facilities. There are many woodland and riverside walks, BBQ sites, toilet facilities and children's play areas. The Ranger Service arranges talks and school visits.
