Hardhill Community Woodland & Bathville Junction
Summary
These Central Scotland Forest Trust owned sites sit side by side and are best explored together. Both are within easy reach of public transport and road links and are suitable for short circular or longer walks.
Terrain
There are approximately 3km (1.8 miles) of surfaced and 0.5km (0.3 miles) of natural paths. The sites are mostly flat, but there is a gentle incline to the top of Hardhill Community Woodland (Hardhill CW) and the exit / entrance on the B708.
Estimated Duration
Up to two hours can be spent exploring the two woodlands.
Local Facilities
A small number of parking places are available at the entrance to Hardhill CW on the Bathgate Road (A89). Shops and cafes can be found in Armadale approx. 3.5 km (2 miles) away.
Accessing Hardhill & Bathville Woodlands
The suggested start and finish point is from the main entrance to Hardhill CW, on the Bathgate Road (A89) where parking for approximately 6 vehicles is available.
Possible Routes and Available Paths
The surfaced paths are firm and stable. Most are between 1m and 1.5m wide, with the main path through Hardhill CW approximately 3m wide. Due to weathering, some short sections arerough underfoot and have large loose stones and chippings. There are some narrow dirt tracks and mown grass areas for those wishing to go off the main paths. Both sites are mostly flat but undulating in places. There is a bench to sit on at Bathville Junction. Stout footwear is recommended for this walk.
Site Highlights
Hardhill CW is situated on the eastern edge of Armadale. The wood was planted in 1999, with the help of Scout Groups from across Scotland, as a Millennium Community Woodland. It contains a mix of broadleaf trees, a wide central avenue and a number of glades displaying decorative stone cairns identifying the 6 Scouting regions of Scotland. The site also contains a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) which not only treats run-off from the adjacent housing development but creates an attractive wetland habitat. Bathville Junction contains a mature shelter belt and a young broadleaf woodland which was planted in 1999. The pond and its surrounding marshy grassland provide a rich habitat for wetland loving plants and insects. The adjacent quarry and brickworks remind visitors of the area's rich industrial heritage.
Image Gallery
Click here to view images of the Hardhill and Bathville sites and the surrounding area.
Getting There
By Car:
Armadale is in West Lothian, just off the M8 at junction 4. Hardhill CW can be accessed from the Bathgate Road (A89), off the A801. Limited on-street parking is available on the Bathgate Road.
By Bus:
For information on local services call Traveline on 0870 608 2608 or West Lothian Council's Travel Helpline on 01506 775288.
Download a detailed leaflet on Hardhill Community Woodland in a printable PDF by simply clicking the image on the left.
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
If you have recently visited the site, or have used this leaflet during your visit, please tell us about your experience. The link below will take you to a brief survey where you can record your views.
Click here.
