Autumn colours

Autumn colours

Dark skies over Eastfield

Entrance to Eastfield

Old farm tracks

View from the high point across to the Pentlands

View to the Pentlands

Summary

This formerly CSFT owned community woodland is close to both public transport and road links. A short drive from the M8, it's suitable for short circular walks.

Terrain

There are approximately 1.5km (1 mile) of surfaced and 1.1km (0.7 miles) of natural paths. It's relatively flat with one short, steep, section of path.

Estimated Duration

Around 1.5 hours can be spent exploring Eastfield and enjoying the views.

Local Facilities

There are shops and places to eat in Harthill approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) away.

Accessing Eastfield

There are three entrances to the site, however, the suggested starting and finishing point for those travelling from outside the local area is from the car park on West Benhar Road, where there is space for approximately 10 cars. Look for the green, circular CSFT signs that mark the car park's entrance.

Possible Routes and Available Paths

Around half of the paths are surfaced and are approx. 1.6m wide. At the northernmost part of the site, the surfaced path ends, but there's a mown grass track which can be followed to complete the circular route. This will bring you back to the car park on West Benhar Road. Stout footwear or wellies are recommended for this walk.

Site Highlights

This former opencast site was purchased from British Coal in 1997 to create a community woodland. It's an exposed site, visible as rising land from the nearby M8. There are a variety of woodlands; to the west, is a conifer shelterbelt, bordering on old mine and quarry workings; a small area has been planted as a commercial woodland; and the community woodland contains a variety of native broadleaf species including ash, rowan and silver birch. Within the main part of the site is an attractive knoll (Mint Hill) with rock outcrops, from the top of which are good views of the surrounding countryside. This knoll has been left unplanted, as has the area immediately adjacent to Eastfield village, where some old farmstead foundations can still be seen.

Getting There

By Car:

Eastfield is in the heart of Central Scotland, just minutes from junction 5 of the M8.

By Bus:

For information on local services call Traveline on 0870 608 2608.

Download a detailed leaflet on Eastfield in a printable PDF.

If you would like to comment on your visit or the information we've provided, you can contact us directly via:
Email: goexplore@csft.org.uk
Phone: 01501 822015
Or at our head office address at Central Scotland Forest Trust,
Hillhouseridge,
Shottskirk Road,
Shotts,
ML7 4JS