Torphichen Preceptory

With the relaxation of restrictions I can lead bike rides. It is very warm, so summer is here at last, which encourages 9 people out on the Spokes Sunday Ride to West Lothian.

Once through Dalry, we follow the mainly off road NCN Route 1 to Cramong Brig up to the Burnshot bridge. There are lovely clear views across to the Pentland Hills on our left as we cycle along Carlowrie road to Kirkliston. Once through Kirkliston, we turn onto Overton, which we follow passing Niddry Castle onto the Auld Bond Road then down to Winchburgh, turning on to the Faucheldean road. A bit of a climb at the start.Unfortunately one person got a puncture, but this was soon fixed, and we carried on along the Ochiltree road and Riccarton.

We could go through Beecraigs, and keep our altitude, but we would get to the lunch stop far too early. Plus there are a few climbs in that direction as well, it's not entirely all down hill from the top. Instead we head in to Linlithgow, and follow the canal path for a few miles before joining the A706, a climb, then the B792 to Torphichen. We had our lunch in the ground of the Torphichen Preceptory (History here.)

After lunch, we have a short climb up Cathlawhill, then a long descent heading east through the Wilderness. A short climb up to West Binny, then a long fast descent to Ecclesmachen. A wee bit further east before we head south through Broxburn to Almondell and Calderwood Countyr Park for a well deserved coffee from the mobile barista

It was very difficult to get going again as it was great sitting in the sunshine in the park. We carry on south (and up) to East Calder, then Kirknewton.to the A70. The Pentlands look great in the late afternoon sunshine (Extra). We follow the A70 to Glenbrook Road, where we turn right to head through Glenbrook and Balerno back on to the A70  The ride ended at the Water of Leith Centre, from where we head to home

The route can be seen at Relive here. (and a couple of photos taken on the mobile)