Activities
Please remember to respect the interests of other people, care for the environment and take responsibility for your own actions when visting the countryside.
Walking
Miles of walks and trails criss-cross through the woodlands. Surfaced paths and forest roads provide excellent access to the main attractions such as the Deer Attraction and adventure play area. Three colour coded waymarked trails introduce you to the Park : all are low level easy walks and start at Balvormie car park.
A walk to the top of Cockleroy Hill is well worth the effort, offering superb panoramic views (please note that Cockleroy Hill is not within the Country Park and is privately owned). A selection of self-guiding leaflets and Ranger Service advice is available from the Park Centre.
Adventure Play Area & Trim Course
Popular range of obstacles and challenges for toddlers to teenagers including flying fox, tyre swings, sand diggers, new world play equipment and Giant Spacenet. Trim course is accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Adventure play for everyone.
Cycling
Bring your bike along when you come to Beecraigs and explore the many forest roads through the Park. If you are cylcing up to Beecraigs from Linlithgow, an off-road route is available from Preston Road, through Hillhouse Woodland linking into the main body of the Park. Maximum speed within the Park of 10 miles per hour please. An alternative area for those seeking off-road cycling is located at Ravencraig holding NGR NS 995 699 (contact the Ranger Service for further information).
Horse Riding
Many local horse-riders make good use of routes through Beecraigs. If you are riding up to Beecraigs from Linlithgow, an off-road route is available from Preston Road, through Hillhouse Woodland linking into the main body of the Park (contact the Park Centre for further information). The Witchcraig Riding Arena can be hired for use, and is priced at £6.60 per person per hour or £15.45 per group per hour. Please note that horse-riders at both Beecraigs Country Park and Almondell & Calderwood Country Park are asked to be considerate to other user groups by removing horse droppings whenever possible, particularly when riding in groups.
Orienteering
33 marker permanent fixed course within Beecraigs. Maps and packs (suggested courses graded easy, moderate and hard) are available from the Park Centre. Paper map £1.10, Laminated map £1.70, Wayfaring Pack £1.45 or £2
Maps also available for the Dechmont Law orienteering course in Livingston - Paper map £1, Laminated map £1.60
Polkemmet Country Park offers a 17 marker permanent fixed course with introductory, intermediate and hard courses - Paper map £1, Laminated map £1.60
All orienteering maps are available from the Visitor Centres in Almondell & Calderwood, Beecraigs and Polkemmet Country Parks.
Information on a variety of instructor led activities, including orienteering, is available in the Outdoor Pursuits pages.
Picnicking & Barbecues
Picnic tables are located at the Lochside car park, Balvormie car park and play area. Barbecue permits are available from the Park Centre from 19th. March to the 28th. October 2007, sessions available are 10:00-14:00, 14:30-17:30 and 18:30-23:00. Payment must be made two weeks before your BBQ date and a permit will be issued. Each session costs £18.80 but, if your group numbers 15 or less and you require a morning or afternoon mid-week session, you can take advantage of the reduced charge of £10.50. Please note that disposable barbecues or home barbecue units are not allowed in the Park.
Barbecue application forms are available from the Park Centre or use our online enquiry form BBQ Booking & Enquiry Form
Barbecue facilities are also available for hire at Almondell & calderwood Country Park and Polkemmet Country Park.
Group Activities & Events
Please consult with Park staff before arranging group activities and events as permission may be required. Charges may also be applicable.
Individual or group hire of the target/field archery courses, climbing wall and pioneering course is available on request.
A copy of the Park's Management Rules is available on request.
Fancy taking part in some team building activities, archery or ski-boarding? Then check-out our section on Outdoor Pursuits.
How about a round of golf or some practice on the driving range? Then contact our reception at Polkemmet Country Park in Whitburn on 01501 743905 for further details or e-mail at polkemmet@westlothian.gov.uk
A Great Place to Visit - throughout the Year!