West Lothian lies to the West of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. It is part of the larger district of Edinburgh and the Lothians. It is a region that offers a huge amount of beautiful countryside, while still being in easy reach via road or rail of Scotland’s cultural city’s Glasgow and Edinburgh. It is a wonderful place to stay for a holiday enjoying the great outdoors, or even a convenient place to visit when staying in one of the nearby cities.
Almondell and Calderwood is a stunning area of country park spanning 220 acres, within which the River Almond runs through, and it has a history spanning back an astounding 340 million years. It has many walks to offer, as well as guided nature trails, and cycle routes. You will also find a visitor centre here, which provides refreshments as well as information on local wildlife. Beecraigs is another country park which offers peaceful walks with stunning scenery, and here you have access to Salmon fishing and fly fishing on Beecraigs Loch, as well as being able to view the animal attractions which include the Highland Cattle and Deer.
As well as these country parks, there are many other walking destinations, all which are extremely dog friendly, including the Bathgate Hills, Binny Craig, Polkemmet Park, as well as having access to the Edinburgh Pentland Hills. There is also the chance to go boating on Linlithgow Loch after walking around the Linlithgow Palace grounds, which was residence to Mary Queen of Scots. There are fine facilities for clay pigeon shooting at Morton Oakbank, where you can also experience the stunning open spaces that surround it too.
All in all, West Lothian is a wonderful place to visit if walking is your thing, along with other outdoor pursuits. It has a plentiful amount of wildlife and animal attractions too including West Calder’s Five Sister’s Zoo.
In terms of places to stay within West Lothian, there are a number of places, consisting of the luxury Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club that as well as indoor leisure facilities, offers golf on an award winning golf course. There are several camping and caravan sites, including one right at the aforementioned Beecraigs Country Park. There are also many small local B&B’s as well as a Travel Lodge and Premier Inn.