Almondell Country Park, return via The Lost Shore

A scenic circular route from West Edinburgh to the lovely Almondell Country Park, visiting the new surf park at the Lost Shore, Ratho and returning along the Union Canal to Edinburgh Park and Loch Ross.

We head West from our start point, along the cycle paths adjacent to the A8 and A89 towards Newbridge and Broxburn. We cross the main road carefully, taking advantage of a short hard-packed/grassy track which leads us to quiet roads through open farmland towards Birdsmill, Finally a woodland road brings us to the North entrance of Almondell Country Park.

We will make a brief stop at the visitor centre to explore the lovely walled garden and visit the shop and toilets if required. There is a steady climb as we leave the park, before we cut through on a hard-packed gravel path to the new Calderwood housing with its network of shared paths.

The friendly Calderwood Community Cafe at our half way point has great coffee and refreshments and a pleasant outdoor seating area with picnic tables. If the weather is kind we will stop here to refuel ourselves before the homeward cycle. Otherwise there are two potential indoor cafe options later in the ride, should the weather dictate.

Continuing our way on shared paths and roads we make our way to the new surf park at The Lost Shore where we can pause for a while and watch the activities. We climb away from the centre on a shared path high above the canal and up to Ratho village. Then it's a welcome downhill run, past the Bridge Inn and onto the canal towpath at the Ratho Marina.

Following the Union canal for a quiet section we can enjoy the wildlife and wave to passing narrow boats. We leave the canal on a short woodland track to reach Gogarmuir Road and make our way back to the start point via Edinburgh Park and Loch Ross.

A steady ride, due to some inclines which we will take at our own pace. Mostly on cycle paths, canal towpaths and quiet roads. All on tarmac apart from a couple of sections on hard packed gravel.

Helmets are recommended. Also a spare inner tube, repair kit, pump with appropriate fitting. Bring cash or a payment card for refreshments - or your own - and a means of getting home if necessary.

We especially welcome newbies!