Walk of the week: Polkemmet Country Park, West Lothian

Published on Friday 10 April 2009 14:17

WATCHING children's television is not usually the best way to find inspiration for a walk, but viewing a Teletubbies video with my daughter for the umpteenth time made me think of visiting the Horn at Polkemmet Country Park.

Could a stroll to an art installation a few yards from the M8 really provide the chance to enjoy some peace and quiet? Obviously the answer is yes, otherwise you would be reading about another walk this week, but it does serve as another example of how you can enjoy the outdoors without having to climb mountains.

The Horn forms part of an Artlink along the M8. Some ask what the point is and I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer, but I bet most people know what I'm talking about.

This route uses two of the waymarked paths in the park, to take you to the Horn as well as along the wooded banks of the River Almond. Leaflets are available at the information centre.

At first glance, the river appears more Highland than Central Belt as it tumbles over rocks with pines on either bank. All around is the sound of birdsong; it even competes with the noise of the motorway traffic. One leaflet says the artwork sometimes plays messages but I can't vouch for this.

After returning to the information centre you can cut the walk short, but a continuation of well laid-out paths takes you further upstream, through mixed woodland. The path can be muddy so boots or sturdy shoes are a good idea. Otherwise, this is a perfect Easter holiday walk for all ages.

Distance 4 miles.

Height climbed Negligible.

Time 1.5 to 2 hours.

Map OS Landranger 65.

Park Leave the westbound M8 at junction four and take the third exit on the roundabout (the first exit if travelling eastbound) on to the A801. Cross a roundabout, then go left at a second one, on to the A706.

Turn left at the next roundabout, then take the first right on to the B7066, after passing under the M8. Polkemmet Country Park is one mile further on, on the right after going straight through another roundabout.

In summary Go to the end of the main car park to reach the information centre, then go right, following a sign for the Blue Route. Pass in front of a bowling green, and just after it leave the track you had been following to take a grass path down to the River Almond. Here, you go left, downstream.

On reaching a wooden bridge, don't cross it but carry straight on, along a track by the river. Pass another bridge, next to a golf hole, and follow the track round to the left to reach the Horn.

Return to the bridge by the golf hole, cross and, after about 50 yards, take a path to the right. On reaching a marker post, go left to follow the river to a bridge – which you cross. Follow the track taken at the start, back to the visitor centre, and go left, following a sign for the Green Route.

Follow a wide path down and round to the left to reach the drive you came in on. Go right and cross a stone bridge, going right again on the other side – through woodland. Just after a group of yew trees, go right, then right again 100 yards or so further on, at a couple of wooden footbridges.

The path continues upstream, then bends round to the left to go back in the opposite direction, running parallel to a wall that has a road on the other side. Just before the yew trees passed earlier, take the right fork in the path and continue by the wall and road.

At a marker post, go left, then left again at another path. Ignore a green arrow pointing right and cross a track to drop down to a wooden bridge. On the other side, go up a grassy bank and follow a track to the left, back to the information centre and car park.

Refreshments There is a pleasant caf at the country park, where you can sit outside if the weather permits.

While you are in the area The park has a number of activities, including a nine-hole golf course and driving range, a bowling green and a barbecue area. A massive play area is currently being built for children.