River Almond

The Spokes Ride was supposed to go to East Lothian. However, the forecast is not good, and I switch the destination on Saturday to West Lothian.

The start point also has to change, there's a 10km race, so we meet at Tollcross. I head down to the Usher Hall just in case no everyone got the message, but thankfully there's no one there. There are nine of us on today's ride.

Its quite grey as we head out. The canal path is busy as well, but we make out of the centre without much hassle. We head through Heriot University, past the new Oriam centre, and on to the Long Dalmahoy Road. For once, the wind is not in out face.

We have a wee break about halfway along, before carrying on to Kirknewton. The sun is starting to come out, and we are leaving the dark clouds behind. Its down to East Calder along Station Rd and Langton Rd. From there we go to Mid Calder and head down to Almondside to follow National Cycle Route 75 to Livingston Village.

Where we cross the River Almond, we stop while I take my blip of the day, above.

The paths that were being dug up in June have been completed. It is now even easier to cycle through Livingston. In no time at all, we reach Livingston Village, for our lunch stop at the Livingston Inn.

After lunch, we take the route back to Mid Calder. This time wehead through East Calder to the B7031, which we follow back to Kirknewton. While we have a wee break, I take this Extra photo looking down Roosevelt Road at the distant Ochil Hills.

Its back through Kirknewton to Long Dalmahoy Road and to Heriot Watt University via Warriston Farm Rd. To get back to the canal path, we head diagonally through the university campus to Calder Rd, and the signalled crossing. Then on to the old Calder Rd to Gogar Burn Station Rd and the canal path. Then its the canal path to Craiglockhart, and the end of the ride. As I head home, the sun is just setting. Its been a great day out.