Forest bathing at Polkemmet Country Park

Polkemmet is a 68-hectare country park between Whitburn and Harthill, on what was once the estate of the Baillie family, who had Polkemmet House, stables and a golf course here. The River Almond runs the full length of the park, and the woodland walks follow it. The park opened in 1981, and the old stable block is now the visitor centre.

There are over 6.5 kilometres of trails, including the Blue and Red waymarked routes. The golf course, driving range, play area and the Scottish Owl Centre all sit near the visitor centre, so that end of the park can feel busy; the riverside and woodland paths further from the stables are the calmer choice. It is an easy place to reach from the M8, which makes it useful for a short visit. Expect a mix of surfaced and earth paths, softer by the river after rain.