Calderwood is a wild ancient woodland on the very fringes of industrial Livingston. Saved from development by the ravines of the Linhouse and Murieston Waters it is now a site of special scientific interest, rich in wildlife.
Waymarked but unmade woodland paths, can be very muddy in places.
Bus to Mid Calder.
Mid Calder - small car park on the Pumpherston Road.
The walk begins from Mid Calder, from a car park on Pumpherston Road, although Mid Calder is also easily reached by bus. Head to the north end of the car park and turn right onto the signed cycle path. Cross the bridge and then immediately turn right down steps onto a path signed for Calderwood. The path follows the river and then approaches a road - fork right before reaching it down more steps to pass beneath the road bridge. The path crosses a footbridge beyond; turn left once over this to cross back on a second footbridge.
The path soon leads to a board giving information on the wildlife of Calderwood and a map of the route, which is waymarked in green as the Birch Trail. The path uphill to the right is the return route, so for now keep ahead on the main path left of the sign, heading through the spacious natural ancient woodland of birch, hazel, oak and ash.
The path is reasonably clear to follow - ignore any minor paths off on either side. Generally it climbs to keep to the height of the land and then mostly close to a steep drop on the left, carved out by the Linhouse Water. A path off to the right marked in yellow cuts off right and offers a short cut; ignore this and continue ahead on the green route.
The route continues to wind through the mixed woods, eventually curving right and finally reaching a junction by a marker post. Turn right here (still the green route) and ignore the left branch which leads to Oakbank. You are now on the return leg, which again keeps a steep drop on the left - this time down to the Murieston Water. The path is muddy in places and a marker post indicates where it bears right a little more into the trees.
Eventually the shortcut route rejoins from the right; continue following the green markers which eventually lead back to the information board at the start of the walk. From here retrace your steps back to Mid Calder.
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