Almondell – A Wooded Gorge on the River Almond

The walk

Park at the Almondell and Calderwood car park at East Calder, off the B7015. West Lothian Council's list of country-park charges has none for parking. Visit West Lothian's Almondell Walk starts here. It gives four miles, or 6.5 km, through the woods above the River Almond and along its bank, on asphalt, red shale, steps and footbridges, and it takes about two hours. In the middle of the park is the visitor centre, with a café and toilets and a play area beside it.

A little upstream is the Nasmyth Bridge, a stone arch designed in 1800 by the landscape painter Alexander Nasmyth, and a tall viaduct crosses the valley beyond. The park's other well-known crossing, the Almond Feeder Aqueduct, is closed to walkers. It's a cast-iron trough of about 1820 that carries the Union Canal's feeder stream over the river, and Scottish Canals shut it after cracks and weak spots were found in the iron. Don't cross it. Scottish Canals says there is another bridge nearby, so follow the signs on the ground.

If you're unsure of the way round, ask at the visitor centre, or ring it on 01506 882254 before you set out. Dogs and children are welcome. National Cycle Route 75 runs through the park, so expect bikes on the main paths. From November to January, set off by 12.30pm.