Wednesday 9th October 2019 Tarbrax and West Lothian

Hello All,

After tranquil Mid and East Lothian last week the ride on Wednesday will be to the wilds of West Lothian. Lunch will be apicnic in the Tarbrax Village Hall.

We start from Redhall Park EH14 2HG near Slateford Viaduct. From there cycle along the canal tow path as far as Bridge 12 and then cross the busy A71 and enter Heriot Watt’s Campus for a toilet stop. From there it is Cocklaw, Dalmahoy Mains, the pavement of A71 for a short spell, East Calder, Mid Calder and then into the maze otherwise known as Livingston cycle paths. Stick close!

With a bit of luck we will pop out at South Livingston Railway Station continuing Westward towards Brucefield then on minor roads Parkhall, Broadshaw B7008 to Lang Wang for a couple of miles to the turn off for Tarbrax , once a thriving shale mining community the only remains of which is the large bing in the village!  Picnic lunch in the village hall (50p or £7 for the season)                                                         40K

After lunch we head for Woolfords, over the col at Pearie Law, the delights of Addiewell, once the centre of shale oil industry, and from there B7015 and with the Five sister’s bing on our right cycle on the B7015 a couple of roundabouts and re-join the Livingston maze popping out in Mid Calder, East Calder, West Clifton and a coffee and cake stop at the EICA.

From there it is homeward along the canal for as long as you need depending where your ultimate destination is.                  45K         total  85K

The route is here https://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_4967529.html

Cycling in a group does require skill and attention and safety is paramount so do please read and comply with our recently updated guidelines.

Please carry two spare inner tubes, ensure your bike is roadworthy and do carry suitable warm clothing, water, pump, basic tool/repair kit, a snack to keep you going, money for coffee and cake and your packed lunch, and a bike lock. Please carry emergency contact details both on your person (card in wallet/purse, ICE on mobile) and in your bike bag. I will also compile an attendance sheet.

Remember you are riding at your own risk and whilst the group will always try to help out as best as possible, you are responsible for looking after yourself and getting yourself home.

Hope to see you on Wednesday

Cheers

Ben Bate (0771 3247662)