Country Parks

Storm Eowyn

As a result of Storm Eowyn on the 24 January 2025, the wooded areas within West Lothian have suffered significant damage. We are working our way around sites in West Lothian to assess how much damage has been caused, but this will take time. Many hazards exist after storms, such as debris falling and partially uprooted trees.  Though fallen trees may look stable, they can be extremely hazardous if attempts are made to cross or duck under them. If you do choose to visit a wooded site, we are asking all visitors to:

• Always follow signage and do not breach path closures
• Stay well away from work areas
• Turn back if a path is blocked
• Avoid accessing around, climbing over, or ducking under fallen trees

Please see below for updates on our three Country Parks:

Beecraigs Country Park

From Saturday 8 February:

• Limited areas of the park will be open. A large section of the park remains closed including all mountain bike trails. See the map below for details of restricted areas.
• The Visitor Centre and Caravan Site will be open, as will the Hideaway Café.
• The Visitor Centre, Hillhouse, Cockleroy, Witchcraig and Balvormie car parks will be open. A road closure remains in place beyond the Balvormie car parks due to storm damage - there is no through access on Wairdlaw Brae.
• Balvormie Play Area will be open from 8th February, but much of the surrounding woodland remains closed. The Balvormie toilet block will be open, but Lochside toilet block remains closed.
• Do not enter any restricted areas of the park as it is not safe to do so. Do not park in gate entrances or on the road, as this prevents staff from carrying out essential work.  Due to the scale of the damage, access restrictions to other areas of the park will remain in place until they can be open safely for public use.

Polkemmet Country Park

The majority of the paths in Polkemmet are now open for use. The storm damaged tree that affected access into the park from South car park has been cleared and the paths in the west of the park from the Greenrigg entrance are also now open. The path around the Driving Range remains closed as part of the scheduled woodland works. Please follow all signage and do not breach this closure.

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park

Almondell continues to be open to the public, following the clearance of storm damage in Almondell last week. The Visitor Centre and car parks are open for use. Calderwood is also open, but please be aware that there are 3 trees that have been taped off, due to their proximity to paths.

Please take care if visiting West Lothian woodlands, and thank you for your patience while we deal with storm damage across our sites.

Beecraigs Storm Damage Map (PDF, 4 MB)(opens new window)