The best MTB trails around Mid Calder

There are over 50 mountain bike trails around Mid Calder, offering a diverse range of experiences for different skill levels.

Yes, Mid Calder offers a good selection of easy trails, with 23 routes specifically rated as easy. A great option for beginners is the Camps Viaduct – Almondell Country Park loop from East Calder, which is 15.5 km long and takes about 1 hour 3 minutes.

Many of the easy trails are suitable for families. The Calder Wood Wild Garlic Trail – Calder Wood loop from Livingston North is an excellent choice, offering a 20.6 km ride through woodland that is generally completed in about 1 hour 20 minutes.

While the majority of trails in Mid Calder are easy to moderate, there are no routes specifically classified as 'difficult' in this selection. However, longer moderate routes like the North Esk Reservoir loop from Livingstone (47.7 km) offer a significant challenge due to their length and elevation gain.

The terrain around Mid Calder is varied, featuring rolling hills, expansive country parks, and scenic reservoir paths. You'll encounter a mix of woodland trails, riverside routes, and paths connecting historical sites, often following natural waterways and re-wilded industrial areas.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 60 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscape, the mix of woodland and riverside paths, and the options for both leisurely rides and more extended challenges.

Yes, many of the trails around Mid Calder are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Ratho Quay loop from Livingston and the Linlithgow Palace – Philpstoun Bing loop from Livingston North.

The trails often pass by interesting natural and historical features. You might encounter highlights such as the Union Canal Towpath, the scenic Green Cleugh Valley, and various reservoirs like Threipmuir Reservoir and Harperrig Reservoir.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Mid Calder, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be great, but be prepared for potential midges. Winter riding is possible, but trails may be muddy or icy, so check conditions locally.

While specific pub locations along every trail aren't detailed, many routes pass through or near towns and villages like Livingston and Linlithgow, where you can find pubs, cafes, and other amenities. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify points of interest along the way.

Trail lengths vary significantly, from shorter easy rides of around 15 km to longer moderate routes exceeding 50 km. Durations can range from just over an hour for shorter trails to more than 4 hours for the longest routes, depending on your pace and the specific trail.