Explore!

Explore! Our articles cover anything and everything to do with West Lothian, West Edinburgh and Falkirk.

A selection of what goes into print is published here.

Browse the archives below or use the archive menu to sort by category, or use the search bar to find a specific reference.

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Editor

Jul 14, 20224 min read

Tormain Hill - "I was here"

It is here that I have found what I am looking for. On a few of the surrounding boulders of the outcrop are curious markings.

Editor

Jul 5, 20224 min read

The vanished village of Oakbank

Oakbank had a life-span of 120 years, from 1864 as a working village for the Oakbank Oil Works, til the last resident moved out in 1984

Editor

Apr 20, 20213 min read

Have you discovered Bathgate's hills?

The hills’ rich history, interesting features and proximity to Bathgate, Livingston and Linlithgow make for many fantastic short walks

Editor

Dec 8, 20203 min read

A winter ramble with views

Just up the road at House of the Binns, a short woodland walk, lovely panoramic views, and parkland with picnic spots is lovely any time...

Editor

Sep 7, 20205 min read

A walk along the Bo’ness waterfront

Packed with features interest, this pushchair and wheelchair-friendly walk starts and finishes at the historic Bo'ness harbour

Dunmore: "If you like piña coladas, and getting caught in the rain.”

Editor

Aug 12, 20193 min read

Dunmore: "If you like piña coladas, and getting caught in the rain.”

Well, it’s not quite piña colada, but it is a pineapple and you may well get caught in the rain. This month we visited what is described...

Editor

Jan 3, 20192 min read

A view from the Crag

Binny Craig near Uphall is a geologically important landmark in West Lothian and, although a modest 220 metres (721ft) high, the views...

Editor

Dec 18, 20184 min read

A walk around Hillend Loch, Caldercruix

A gorgeous early November morning was met with a choice of a visit to B & Q or a bracing walk outdoors. A conversation with a friend...

Editor

Dec 10, 20183 min read

On the Boardwalk at Blawhorn Moss

For the serious walker, a boardwalk might be considered a cop out. However, the main point of a boardwalk is to preserve the land beneath...

Editor

Jul 3, 20182 min read

Black Springs Stroll

Regular readers will know that I love finding a local walk but I have been so busy recently that I haven’t had time for much exploring....

Editor

Jun 22, 20183 min read

Around the Loch we go

With a couple of hours off work and the children needing to get out of the house, where can we go for a walk that the kids will enjoy, is...

Editor

Dec 4, 20172 min read

Muiravonside Sculpture Trail

It’s hard to beat a woodland walk in late autumn, kicking through the leaves and taking in the spectacular colours of nature, to...

Editor

Nov 1, 20173 min read

Craiglockhart War Poets Trail

Walks through the Craiglockhart hills were a popular way of exercising and relaxing for the shell- shocked soldiers who were treated at...

Editor

Apr 1, 20173 min read

Shore walk at Dalmeny

My favourite kind of walk has to be one involving water - a riverside ramble, a stride along the seashore, looping around a loch...fresh...

Editor

Feb 5, 20173 min read

A wander in Dreghorn Woods

In the process of looking for a new place to stretch the legs, I came across an article from the Woodland Trust about a relatively new...

Editor

Aug 1, 20163 min read

A ramble among the rocks

It never ceases to amaze me how much you find out about where you live when you go looking for somewhere different to take a walk. West...

A walk with features - Korean War Memorial

Editor

Apr 2, 20163 min read

A walk with features - Korean War Memorial

Getting out the office or house and doing something that is not computer-based is something we should all consider, so when I'm out in...

In the footsteps of RL Stevenson : a walk in Colinton Dell

Editor

Feb 1, 20163 min read

In the footsteps of RL Stevenson : a walk in Colinton Dell

This area of woodland trails covers both sides of the Water of Leith from Colinton to Slateford. Steeped in history, it's also home to a...

Editor

Aug 2, 20153 min read

This town is coming like a ghost town…

As part of my job I am very often heading along the A89 past Dechmont and I always notice the old Bangour Village Hospital and see...