Almondell & Calderwood Country Park

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park is tucked out of sight in the valley of the River Almond between Broxburn and East Calder, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park is probably the best kept secret in West Lothian!

December 2022 Path improvement works - diversion

Over the coming weeks, the path between the Pipe Bridge (horseshoe weir) and the canal-feeder aqueduct will be up upgraded followed by Powie's Path steps and Viaduct steps.

During this time, please be aware that you may be required to divert via the steps or walk on the rough ground around the meadow - please follow safety signage / contractor advice on site.

Cyclists - please use alternative road route to East Calder or dismount and walk.

We apologise for any inconvenience but look forward to improvements.For further information please contact Almondell Visitor Centre - 01506 284516 / almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk

Mid Calder to Almondell Path - Repair Works - further information [169KB]

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park

Based around two adjoining estates (Almondell and Calderwood) and with a history going back 340 million years to the time of the Carboniferous swamps, this area has much to offer its visitors.

Left undeveloped and unspoilt, Calderwood is a complete contrast to Almondell. This natural woodland, located on a plateau bounded by the Linhouse and Murieston Waters, is home to a wealth of wildlife. Roe deer, fox, heron and woodpecker all make their homes here, while the many oak and hazel trees provide food for the squirrels and wood mice. For this reason Calderwood has been designated a Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Almondell History - Almondell History [1MB]

NCN75 cycle path from the car park off Pumpherston Road, Mid Calder to the Almondell Viaduct reopened Friday 10 June 2022 - New fish pass to boost ecology of River Almond

Almondell Woodland Management Update

Woodland Management

Most of the woods were planted as part of Henry Erskine's Almondell Estate and now form part of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. In order to maintain the woods and public access in a healthy state for future generations, woodland management work is needed. A Woodland Management Plan was approved by, and grant assistance secured from, Scottish Forestry under their Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT) programme. Planned forestry work inevitably causes disruption in the Park but once restored will breathe new life into the woods. Information is also available in the Visitor Centre and a reference copy of the Almondell Woodland Management Plan is available at reception.

Replanting

A great start has been made to the replanting of the woodland along the South Drive. Over 150 volunteers of all ages, including pupils from East Calder and St Paul's Primary Schools, the Young Police Volunteer Group, a group undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh badge and the Friends of Almondell & Calderwood, all lent a hand to plant and protect 2000 oak, silver birch, alder, sycamore and Scots pine trees. More tree planting events are planned. Ornamental trees will be planted along the drive to give Spring and Autumn colour, with fruiting trees and shrubs along the edge of the Calderwood Development. Trees will be planted in gaps in the former Larch Wood as well as allowing young trees to grow up naturally from seed in the soil.

Interested in helping

If you are interested in helping, please send your email or telephone contact details for "Almondell Tree Planting" to almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk or call at the Visitor Centre.

Paths

Work has re-commencing for the final phase of the Woods In and Around Town (WIAT) project and will continue until Christmas. Various section of internal paths will be closed for a few days at a time. Further details can be found within this map. Almondell Path & Woodland Works - WIAT project [278KB]

The path along the former Larch Wood has been completed, and the renewal of the path from the North Drive to the Mandela Bridge has also been upgraded. The landscaping of the North Car Park is still underway. Tree safety work followed by path improvement works are planned along the canal feeder to Powies Path as per notices on site.

Please take care and heed the safety notices or directions from the contractors.

Mobile sawing unit demonstration

In May 2021 a mobile sawing unit demonstration ran at Almondell with pupils from local primary schools attending and enjoyed seeing and learning about woodlands.

Grants and Funding

All the above projects would not be possible without the grants and other funding from NatureScot Better Places Green Recovery Fund, Scottish Forestry's Woods In and Around Towns Grant, planning contributions from Stirling Developments Ltd and West Lothian Council's Capital Fund.

Almondell Historic Wall Update

Almondell Historic Wall and Heritage Project

Thank you to visitors for your patience while work is ongoing.

Opening times

Almondell & Calderwood is open throughout the year and admission is free.

Visitor Centre Reception
Winter: 31/10/2022 - 26/03/2023	10am - 4pm
Summer: 27/03/2023 - 29/10/2023	9am - 5pm

Please note, Almondell Visitor Centre closes for lunch between 12.30-13.00.

The Visitor Centre is closed on the 25 December and 26 December and 1 and 2 January.

Tariffs

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park Tariffs 2022/23 [66KB]

Accessibility Guide

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park Accessibility Guide 2021 [410KB]

Contact - Telephone: 01506 882254

Email: almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk

Customer and Satisfaction Feedback Survey
Please help us to improve our service to you by completing our survey - Parks & Woodland Customer Evaluation

Almondell Exhibition Room Hire

Almondell and Calderwood Country Park Room Hire

Almondell Historic Wall & Heritage Project

Updates on the Almondell Historic Wall & Heritage Project - Updated February 2022.

Park Activities

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park caters for a wide range of leisure and recreational activities.

Facilities Hire

BBQ hire, room hire & exhibition room hire.

An image relating to Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park

Friends of the Country Park

A team of volunteers who regularly help out

How to Find Us

Almondell & Calderwood location and parking

Visitor Centre and Opening Times

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Almondell & Calderwood Country Park

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park

Opening times