4.4
(260)
4,492
riders
323
rides
Touring cycling routes around Kirknewton offer diverse terrain within West Lothian, Scotland. The area is characterized by rolling countryside, access to the Pentland Hills, and the flat, traffic-free Union Canal towpath. Routes often feature a mix of paved and unpaved sections, providing varied cycling experiences. This region provides a blend of natural landscapes and accessible trails for touring cyclists.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
5.0
(1)
10
riders
31.4km
01:57
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
47.7km
03:00
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
6
riders
16.1km
00:59
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
96.4km
05:56
800m
800m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Lovely view over the local countryside over to Greendykes Shale Bing.
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Keep your wits about you as a lot of people do stray onto the the cycling section of the pathway, it's not a racetrack despite the attitude of some cyclists. There are great views to be had to the East & West. But this can depend on what remedial work is being done at the time and which pathway is open.
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Nice wide and smooth cycleway. Scenic views are thrown in for free. What's not to like?
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The cobbles might be quaint, but in truth, the road (October 2024) isn't in particularly good condition.
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A beautiful smooth wide cycleway over the bridge.
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Superb, outdoor seating overlooking the canal. https://bridgeinn.com/
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There are over 330 touring cycling routes around Kirknewton, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes over 4000 times.
The routes around Kirknewton feature a diverse mix of terrain. Many, like the Oakbank Bing Viewpoint – Stone Bridge Over Stream loop, offer mostly paved surfaces suitable for various skill levels. Other routes, such as the Almondell Country Park – Forth Road Bridge Cycle Path loop, may include unpaved segments, providing a more challenging experience. The Union Canal Towpath offers a flat, traffic-free option.
Yes, Kirknewton offers several family-friendly cycling options. The Union Canal Towpath is a great choice as it's flat and traffic-free. Additionally, routes that pass through Almondell Country Park provide nature trails and green spaces suitable for families to explore.
Cycling around Kirknewton offers access to several interesting landmarks and natural features. You can explore the scenic Glencorse Reservoir within the Pentland Hills, or visit Almondell and Calderwood Country Park. The area also provides views of significant peaks like Scald Law Summit and Carnethy Hill, offering expansive panoramic views on clear days.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Kirknewton are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Oakbank Bing Viewpoint – Stone Bridge Over Stream loop, which is a popular circular option.
The touring cycling routes around Kirknewton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 250 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from the flat Union Canal to the rolling countryside, and the accessibility to natural beauty spots like the Pentland Hills and Almondell Country Park.
Kirknewton's location, a short distance from Edinburgh, suggests good connectivity. While specific public transport routes for bikes aren't detailed, the village's accessibility implies that public transport options, potentially allowing for bike carriage or easy access to starting points, are available. It's advisable to check local bus or train services for their bike policies.
The Kirknewton Pavilion is a known starting point for local routes and is likely to offer convenient parking facilities for cyclists. Additionally, as a village hub, there should be general parking available within Kirknewton village that can be utilized by cyclists.
Generally, permits are not required for cycling on public paths and designated cycle routes in Scotland, including those around Kirknewton. However, if you plan to cycle on private land or within specific estates, it's always best to check with the landowner or local authorities beforehand.
The diverse landscapes around Kirknewton can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, some routes, especially those with mostly paved surfaces, can be cycled, though conditions may require more robust gear and caution.
While specific routes with cafes or pubs directly on them are not detailed, Kirknewton village itself offers local amenities. Many routes start or pass through the village, making it convenient to find cafes, pubs, or other establishments for refreshments before or after your ride. The Union Canal towpath also passes through historic Linlithgow, which offers amenities.
Yes, the Union Canal Towpath is a significant feature for cyclists in the region. Routes like the Ratho Marina, Union Canal – Ratho Marina loop utilize this flat, traffic-free path, offering a scenic ride. You can embark on expeditions along the canal, even reaching as far as the impressive Falkirk Wheel.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, Kirknewton offers routes with significant elevation gain and longer distances. For example, the Linnhouse Circuit – Pateshill Wind Farm loop is a difficult route covering over 96 km with nearly 800 meters of elevation gain, requiring very good fitness.


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