Walking groups offer numerous physical, mental and social benefits, making them an excellent way to enhance overall health and well-being.  The West Lothian 50+ Network has a number of different walking groups to suit a range of abilities.

How to Join a Walking Group:  Contact the Members’ Hub to discuss which group would suit you best. 

Dawdlers – Mondays – Fortnightly

Generally, we travel by car to our walk destination, car sharing where possible. We usually meet at 9:45 for a 10am star, with most walks finishing between 12 – 1pm.  Most walks are in Lothian, but we will walk further afield if a suitable walk is identified.

Walks vary in length from between 4 – 6 miles, often with options to leave the walk along the way built in for those who enjoy a shorter walk. Walks are at a leisurely pace, undulations (slight inclines) are avoided but most walks are inevitable.

Walks are generally on good ground. At the end of a walk, we like to find a local café / restaurant for refreshments and a chat.

Examples of walks: Linlithgow Loch, Almondell, Beecraigs, Eliburn Reservoir, Water of Leith Edinburgh, and Livingston Village.

Happy Wanderers – Mondays – Weekly

The start time varies but is about 9:30am and finishes by 4pm.  Group members currently travel independently to the start of the walk. Trains and other public transport may be used for certain walks.

Walks vary in length between 4 – 7 miles, more commonly 5-6 miles and are done at a leisurely pace, approximately 2 miles per hour, and would be graded by Ramblers as grade C or C+.

Walks are usually on good paths or tracks with low hills or undulating ground. Occasionally there may be some ascent or rougher ground, stiles or aqueducts may be crossed, and sometimes the group passes through fields containing cattle.

During the summer months the group might travel further afield, frequently taking a train followed by bus or involving a change of buses. During the spring and autumn, the group tends to walk more in West Lothian. During January and February, the Group does not walk but makes educational or cultural visits.

Examples of walks: Dundas Castle Estate, Longridge to Fauldhouse, Avonbridge to Torphichen, Dunbar  

Examples of visits: Glasgow Police Museum, Glasgow Gurdwara, Lady Haig Poppy Factory, St Cecilia Music Museum

Miles and Smiles – Tuesdays – Weekly

Generally, the group travels by public transport. Car sharing will be used for more distant walks (i.e. walks out with West Lothian). Walks are between 5-10 miles, currently we are doing local walks about 5-6 miles, possibly longer. long. On longer walks a snack and drink are to be carried. The walks are in B and C category as referred to by the Ramblers’ Association.

The start time is usually 10am but depends on the location and where to meet for the walk. This, along with the length of the walk and any ascent details, will be included in the walk description which is circulated to members beforehand.

Examples of walks: Loch Leven – Water of Leith – Dalkeith Country Park – Uphall Binny Craig Circular

Oot and Aboot – Mondays – Weekly

This group would suit people not restricted by time and able to walk 4 miles. It is about getting out the house, visiting new places, as well as having a leisurely walk.  We walk every Monday. Walks vary in length from between 2-4 miles and are generally on good ground. Walks are at a leisurely pace, less than 2 miles per hour. Hills are avoided but inclines on most walks are inevitable, so then we take our time and rest as required.

Our meeting point at the start of the outing is Livingston Centre usually between 9:30 and 10:00. We either walk from there or take public transport from there. Walks may be in West Lothian or further afield if reliable public transport is available.

The added travel time for public transport and walking at a slow pace results in us not returning to Livingston until mid-afternoon. Many of the walks are linear. At the end of a walk, we like to visit a local café where possible.

We communicate using WhatsApp, and in the event of bad weather the group aims to meet up anyway for a coffee at the designated time.

Examples of walks: Polkemmet Country Park – North Berwick – Heriott Watt Campus – Murieston Trail

Stroll Along – Thursdays – Weekly

Generally, the group travels by public transport, leaving Bathgate at various times depending on transport timetables. However, if travelling further afield, cars may be used. Walks are generally about 3 miles or under in length and are done at a leisurely pace.

Walks are usually on good paths or tracks with low hills or undulating ground. Occasionally there may be some ascent or rougher ground, occasionally aqueducts may be crossed.

Examples of walks: North Berwick – Glasgow – Edinburgh

Twalkers – Thursdays – Weekly

Generally, the Group travels by public transport. The walks are local to West Lothian, with some walks further afield. As a rule, the group leaves Bathgate about 10am and returns between 1 and 4pm.Walks vary in length between 2 and 3 miles and are done at a leisurely pace approxjmate1y 2 miles per hour. Walks are usually on good paths or tracks. Occasionally there may be some ascent or rougher ground.

Examples of walks: North Berwick – Kelpies, Falkirk – Tweedbank

Equipment Required

A pair of good waterproof walking boots with ankle support is essential for most of the Groups’ walks, especially in the winter.

Many of our walkers find that a walking pole is useful, especially on up/ down hill stretches and where steps are involved.

PLEASE NOTE FOR ALL WALKS

Read the information about each walk carefully and make your own assessment as to whether the walk will be suitable for you; it is your personal responsibility to decide if you are fit enough to join a particular walk. If in doubt, contact the walk leader in advance.

Dress appropriately according to weather conditions. Ensure that your footwear is suitable to cope with bad weather and muddy paths. Trainers may not be suitable. Walking poles are useful on many walks to help with steps and muddy patches etc;

Whilst recognising that some walk faster than others, do not go too far ahead, especially out of sight of the leader, without the leader’s agreement. If you go ahead, wait at any point where paths diverge until the rest of the group catch up. Do not attempt an alternative route without discussion with the group leader;

Never leave a walk without advising the walk leader;

Advise the walk leader if you begin to feel unwell at any time during the walk or need assistance at any point during the walk;

Always bring a drink and stay hydrated; a snack is also a good idea on longer walks;

Safety is the responsibility of each person walking. Keep a look out for potential hazards, both for yourself and for others in the group and help to get everyone back safely.