Almondell, Jupiter Artland and Lost Shore outing

A scenic circular route from West Edinburgh for a visit to Jupiter Artland. On our way we pass through the lovely Almondell Country Park and we return via the new surf park at the Lost Shore, Ratho.

From our start point we head West 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.

Skirting the Calderwood estate we will make our way to Jupiter Artland. The entry fee is currently £11.80 (£10.80 for concessions) or £13/£12 if you want to add Gift Aid. We will need to lock our bikes near the disabled car park close to the visitor centre and go for a wander so bring money for entry and a bike lock (we can lock bikes together if necessary).

There is lots to see at Jupiter. There are extensive outdoor sculpture trails as well as indoor exhibitions. We will probably want to spend 2 - 3 hours here to make the most of our entry fee. The visitor centre has information, a shop, a cafe, a takeaway van and loos.

https://www.jupiterartland.org/

Exiting the park along a gravel track we will 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.

We follow the Union canal for a quiet section (with no bridges) then leave the towpath by a short woodland track to reach Gogarmuir Road and make our way back to the start point via Edinburgh Park and Loch Ross.

We have allowed 6 hours for this trip as it really is a day out. Timings will be approximate depending on how much time we want to spend looking at the artworks.

You will need card/cash for entry to the attraction and for the cafe/takeaway van/shop if you wish to purchase anything there.
Please note, Jupiter do not like you to bring your own picnic but we can stop on the way there at either Almondell or Calderwood, where there are picnic tables, so feel free to bring your own refreshments if you wish.

A steady ride out to Jupiter Artland near Wilkieston with a loop through Almondell Country Park and returning via the Lost Shore at Ratho.

We will be cycling mainly on paths, towpaths and quiet roads with a few short sections on busier roads as we enter and leave Jupiter. There are hills to negotiate but nothing too challenging. The terrain is mostly tarmac, with a few short stretches on gravel and a longer one as we exit Jupiter. There are a couple of cattle grids as we enter the Jupiter grounds.

We will stop periodically on our way to catch our breath and to enjoy the views. We will spend 2 - 3 hours at Jupiter Artland.

Bring food/snacks and water for the journey. Card/cash for entry to Jupiter Artland and if you want to purchase anything at the shop and/or cafe. Bring a bike lock as we will need to leave our bikes at the racks in the disabled car park. Helmets are strongly advised. A spare inner tube, pump and tools for your bike are also advisable in case of puncture and/or a means of getting home with your bike should you need to (taxi/friend etc).

We never leave anyone behind