Sustainability Netwalking, Beecraigs Country Park, nr Linlithgow
Our sustainability netwalks bring together sustainability leaders and pioneers to:
Share practical experience
Spark new ideas
Explore the (often unspoken) challenges.
All so we can make greater progress on sustainability in our work, confident that we’re contributing to meaningful change in the world.
On this walk you'll also enjoy woodland walks in the Bathgate Hills and views across the Forth.
Co-host Becky Plunkett, Ecology and Biodiversity Officer with West Lothian Council, will also share some insights into sustainability-related developments at the country park.
🧭 The route:
Meeting point: Outside visitor center, near Hillhouse carpark.
Distance: 3 - 4 miles.
Terrain: Easy walking but paths can be muddy.
🚏 Getting here:
By public transport:
Train to Linlithgow Station from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Taxibus Service 7 from Linlithgow to Beecraigs. Booking required - depart Linlithgow 9:30.
(We can arrange a lift to the station for the return)
By bike: You can cycle or walk to Beecraigs from Linlithgow on the off-road path along Preston Road (c.3 miles).
By car: Postcode for sat nav: EH49 6PL. Follow the Country Park's green & white road signs once you arrive at the Park and head for Hillhouse carpark, within easy reach of our meeting point outside the Visitor Centre.
To reduce emissions and minimise car parking in the local area we encourage the use of public transport and car sharing. Use the event chat or contact us if you can offer, or need, a lift.
ℹ️ Good to know:
There are toilets at the visitor centre.
There is a cafe at the visitor centre.
Here's our plan:
🕙 10:00 Gather at the meeting point for check in and introductions.
🥾 by 10:15 Start walking!
We're looking forward to a gentle pace, talking as we go, stopping from time to time for a food and drink, some group conversations and to appreciate the natural world.
🥪 Bring snacks and drink (we like to have water and a flask of tea or coffee!)
🕑 13:00 We'll aim to be back at the start point and ready to head for home by 1:00pm.
Some of us might get some lunch at the visitor centre cafe or eat a packed lunch nearby.
If you'd like to join us:
👉 Read all of this page and use your judgement about your level of fitness etc for this route.
🥾 Wear suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions and the weather forecast.
🔞 You must be 18 or over, due to the restrictions of our outdoor activity insurance.
🐾 Well behaved dogs are welcome, but can be a distraction from conversation; please consider this before bringing your dog.
❓If you have questions, including about the suitability of the route for your health and fitness, or clothing etc, please ask us at any time.
Contact Osbert Lancaster: osbert@realise.earth or 07981 528 991.
Why sustainability netwalking?
FOR YOU: Enjoy being in nature and discovering new places. Have inspiring and thought-provoking conversations with other sustainability leaders. Deepen connections with your peers.
YOUR WORK: Build cross-sectoral knowledge and understanding of what’s happening in sustainability. Grow the network of people you can call on for advice and support.
OUR WORLD: Help develop and expand the ecosystem of people in Scotland working to achieve greater progress on sustainability in their organisations and across society.
Supporter of sustainability networking include:
The Scottish Forum on Natural Capital which brings together public, private and voluntary sector organisations to protect, value and rebuild Scotland’s natural capital.
The Scottish Leadership Institute which is focused on improving the leadership practices adopted by leaders at all levels in Scottish organisations.
The Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland which is working with others to create an economic system designed to deliver good lives for all on a healthy planet.
If your organisation would like to offer its members the personal, professional and organisational benefits of netwalking, and to help grow Scotland’s social capital for sustainability action, please get in touch.
Read more about sustainability netwalking and sign up for news of future events.
Need to know: Enjoy netwalking safely - participation statement
At Realise Earth Ltd we want you to enjoy your walks with us safely. Walking in the countryside and in the hills exposes us to a certain amount of hazard and risk. These risks can involve: becoming cold and wet; minor cuts and bruises; damage to personal clothing and belongings; injury and, in some extreme and uncommon circumstances, loss of life. As a participant it is important that you consider this and fully understand and are aware of possible outcomes.
We aim to lead all walks safely; minimising the exposure to the risks involved. Our activities have been risk assessed and our walk leaders hold suitable qualifications and experience to deliver the activity. Realise Earth Ltd holds suitable liability insurance.
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) are the representative body for walkers, climbers and mountaineers in the UK and set good industry standards as such. They offer the following participation statement that we ask you to agree to:
“The BMC recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.”
While you’re with us, or in advance, please ask at any time about the activities, including their suitability for you, your health and clothing. If you choose not to take this advice, or to disregard any advice given, you do so voluntarily and accept liability for all resulting injuries or damage that your actions cause to you or others within your group.
"Beecraigs Country Park: view to Cockleroy, Bathgate Hills" by yellow book is licensed under CC BY 2.0.