Linlithgow: Beecraigs Loch and Southern Woodland Circuit

Start at the public Visitor Centre car park in Beecraigs Country Park, south of Linlithgow. Follow the separate path beside the park road, cross at the Sutherland Building and take Sutherland Way through the open fields towards Beecraigs Loch. Follow the woodland path down to the eastern shore, then the southern lochside path back towards Lochside. This circuit continues beyond the loch into the southern woodland, using the public walking paths beside the burns and the broad track along the southern park boundary. Turn north on the path beside the western park road, pass through Balvormie and return through the central woods to the roadside footpath and Visitor Centre.

The walk is about 7.2 km with gentle woodland climbs, gravel tracks, earth paths, footbridges and flights of steps by the loch. Allow around 2 hours 30 minutes. Some woodland sections can be muddy, and wooden steps and bridges may be slippery when wet. Use the walking paths at the mountain-bike skills area and give other path users space. Cross the park roads carefully. This is a variation using the council-mapped public paths, with the direct Sutherland Way track rather than the northern field section of the Orange Route.

There are toilets and a cafe at the Visitor Centre, subject to their opening hours. The Visitor Centre car park normally opens at 9am and closes at 9pm in summer or 7pm in winter; check signs on arrival and leave before the gate closes. Dogs should be under control, especially near livestock. The council has announced an access-road closure near the U14/U15 junction on 16 October 2026, and closure of the Visitor Centre access road and car parking areas from 2 to 5 November 2026. Check the council notices before travelling during these works.

Route and access information: West Lothian Council Beecraigs Country Park map, parking information and current road-closure notices, checked 4 October 2026.