The best traffic-free bike rides around Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserve

There are nearly 10 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserve. These routes offer a mix of easy and moderate options, perfect for exploring the tranquil landscapes of this unique area.

Yes, several easy and relatively flat routes are available. For instance, the Singletrack Path – Caldercruix Cycleway loop from Armadale is an easy 9.7 km route with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for a relaxed family outing. Another great option is the Caldercruix Cycleway – Singletrack Path loop from Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserve, which is 13.2 km and also rated easy.

The no-traffic touring routes around Blawhorn Moss primarily utilize dedicated cycle paths and quiet country roads. You can expect a mix of surfaced tracks, especially near the reserve itself, and sections of the National Cycle Network (NCN 75) which are generally well-maintained. The landscape is characterized by open, windswept moors and lowland raised bog, offering a unique and tranquil cycling experience.

Yes, Blawhorn Moss is conveniently linked to National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 75, which connects Glasgow to Edinburgh. Cyclists can leave the Airdrie to Livingston section of NCN 75 at the Blawhorn link road outside Blackridge to access the reserve. This makes it an accessible stop for those on longer cycling tours, such as the National Cycle Route 75 Path – Caldercruix Cycleway loop from Armadale.

Many of the no-traffic touring routes around Blawhorn Moss are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Picnic Area at Hillend Loch – National Cycle Route 75 Path loop from Caldercruix, which offers a moderate 60.6 km ride, and the shorter Picnic Area at Hillend Loch – National Cycle Route 75 Path loop from Caldercruix at 21.5 km.

Spring and early summer are excellent times to visit, when bog cotton displays its white heads and you might spot frogspawn in bog pools. Autumn offers beautiful colours. Even winter can be stunning, with frosted landscapes and easier wildlife spotting. However, always check local weather conditions, as the open moors can be windswept.

Blawhorn Moss is a haven for wildlife. You might spot red grouse, curlew, and short-eared owls, especially in spring and winter. Dragonflies and butterflies are common on sunny days around the bog pools. Keep an eye out for roe deer, particularly in the early morning or late evening, and listen for their distinctive bark.

While the routes focus on the natural beauty of the bog, the reserve itself offers a short circular boardwalk that allows you to venture into the heart of the moss and observe its unique habitats. Sculptures exploring local species are also located around the boardwalk. The open landscape provides expansive views of the surrounding area, especially on clear days.

Yes, there is a car park at Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserve itself, from which a wide surfaced track leads to the edge of the moss. For routes starting in nearby towns like Armadale or Caldercruix, local parking options would be available, often near the start of the National Cycle Network sections.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience around Blawhorn Moss, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility and sense of escape offered by the no-traffic routes, the unique natural beauty of the lowland raised bog, and the convenience of connecting to the National Cycle Network 75.

While Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserve itself is a tranquil, undeveloped area, nearby towns such as Blackridge, Armadale, and Bathgate offer various facilities including cafes, pubs, and accommodation options where cyclists can refuel and rest. It's advisable to plan your stops, especially on longer routes.