Almondell and Calderwood Country park

Almondell The estate originally belonged to the Erskine family who had connections with Kirkhill House in Broxburn. Some of the features within the park come from Kirkhill such as the entrance gates and the astronomical pillar. There are woodland and riverside walks, grassy play areas, toilet facilities and barbecue sites (which you must hire in advance). Within the Visitor Centre you will find the ranger service office, various displays, a slide presentation and a shop offering a selection of gifts, refreshments and information leaflets. Calderwood Like Almondell this was also a private estate, having once belonged to the Barons of Torphichen. This area has been left undeveloped deliberately to encourage wildlife. Rough tracks lead along the top of steep valleys, thickly wooded with gean (wild cherry), oak and hazel, and across the large open area between them, which in spring is a mass of bluebells and young bracken. In the past Calderwood was greatly undermined for oil bearing shale. This was a very important local industry, remnants of which can still be seen to the south of Calderwood - the Oakbank shale bings. The ranger service is available throughout the year to lead walks, or give illustrated talks to local community groups. To book the rangers or any park facility please telephone. Visitor Centre opening hours: April-September Monday & Tuesday 9.30am-5.00pm; Wednesday 9.30am-4.30pm; Thursday 9.30am-5.00pm; Friday closed; Saturday 10.00am-5.00pm; Sunday 10.00am-5.30pm, closed for lunch 12.00pm-1.00pm weekdays. October to March Monday-Thursday 9.15am-5.00pm; Friday closed; Saturday and Sunday 10.00am-4.30pm, closed for lunch 12.00pm-1.00pm weekdays. Free Admission Directions North Car Park (closes at sunset). Signposted off the A89, the entrance is 2 miles due south of Broxburn. This is the entrance nearest to the Visitor Centre and disabled car park. South Car Park Just west of Wilkieston take the B7015 off the A71 and the car park is at the east end of East Calder Village. Mid Calder Car Park From East Calder follow the B7015 for a further mile then turn onto the B8046 Pumpherston/Uphall road. Use this car park when visiting Calderwood. Special arrangements can be made for people with walking difficulties, to drive into Almondell and park next to the Visitor Centre, telephone in advance to have the gate unlocked.