Photographs and map of Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow in the central belt of Scotland

Deer in Beecraigs Country Park

The 370 hectare Country Park
is located in the Bathgate Hills
above the historic town of Linlithgow.

Facilities available include woodland walks & trails,
a childrens' play area,
BBQ and picnic areas and a Ranger Service.

The Park is a AALA licensed outdoor activity centre for:-
hillwalking, target & field archery,
canoeing & kayaking, rock-climbing, ski-ing,
orienteering, pioneering and team building sessions.

In the Park there are Highland Cattle and Red Deer.
Fly-fishing is allowed on Beecraigs Loch
and there is a caravan & camping site.

Cockleroy Hill offers superb panoramic views
over the surrounding countryside.

Plan of Beecraigs Country Park

Location map for Beecraigs Country Park

Route Map of a cycle run

around Beecraigs Country Park

BEECRAIGS COUNTRY PARK - CYCLE RUN - ROUTE DESCRIPTION:

Location: West Lothian
Map: OS Landranger 65
Distance: 14 miles / 23km
Time: 2hours
Terrain: hilly, minor roads, short road section

Those unfamiliar with West Lothian may be surprised at the views and superb country cycling on this exerting ride. The route runs to the south of Linlithgow passing an important prehistoric site and gives extensive views across the central belt.
From Linlithgow train station go uphill passing under the railway to meet the Union Canal and bear right. Pass under a bridge and leave the towpath at the next road bridge to head south. Prepare for a lung-bursting climb before the gradient eases at a bend.
Cycle on, turning left at a sign for Beecraigs Country Park and right at the following fork for Cairnpapple Hill.
Further on take a sharp left by a brown Historic Scotland sign to reach the base of Cairnpapple Hill. which is topped by a 5000-year-old henge, once used for ceremonial purposes. The site reopens from April 1 but outwith the summer season one can still appreciate the large reconstructed cairn and seek up the atmosphere and views.
Continuing, the road dips and climbs to a look-out point. Follow the road as it bends right before a sharp
descent. At a T-junction turn left for a long descent to the A89. Turn left along this busy road ( path later ) and then left into Dechmont. At the village end turn left signed for Linlithgow.
This minor mad is well signed and makes for a rewarding return.

BEECRAIGS COUNTRY PARK - MOUNTAIN BIKING:

The forest trails around Beecraigs Country Park are a joyous spot for cycling, offering restorative tranquillity amid a cathedral of
towering Scots pine, Sitka spruce and conifers.
There is a choice of mountain bike routes: green ( easy ), blue ( moderate ) and red (difficult ), as well as a dedicated skills area.
The surrounding Bathgate Hills — nicknamed the “Bathgate Alps” — are a popular haunt among cyclists seeking to challenge
themselves on the steep climbs.
The area’s many historical and natural landmarks include neolithic henge Cairnpapple ( a Historic Scotland site open April to September ),
as well as Cockleroy Hill, the former Hilderston Silver Mine and the distinctive crag-and-tail landform of The Knock.

The Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth

is visible from Cockleroy Hill

The Bass ( 107m, 351ft high )

is an uninhabited,

sheer-sided volcanic rock outcrop

that is home to a large colony of gannets.