I'm starting to range farther afield now my fitness level is slowly increasing and I'm tempted to head out to Livingston and back just to see if I can(I'd thought to do South Queensferry first but the shared pavement dumping you out onto a kilometer of national speed limit Main Street before reaching Dalmeny has put me right off that idea). I know for a fact I'll need refuelling before I turn around, are there any decent places where you can lock up the bike and keep an eye on it?
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help
Bike-friendly cafes(in Livingston in particular)?
(8 posts)- Started 2 years ago by Yodhrin
- Latest reply from dessert rat
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Posted 2 years ago #
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That stretch of main road leading to Dalmeny is generally quiet and drivers are generally respectful. Would be a shame to rule out a trip there purely on that basis
Posted 2 years ago # -
Yes, that bit of road is ok.
Generally local traffic used to seeing quite a few bikes.
After the village there’s the signed route to the Forth Road Bridge which involves minor road sections, but the route into SQ is on the old rail line down to the Coop.
Minor warning: both routes are reached from the continuation of Main Street, BUT the motor traffic route is sharp left.
After the Coop there is a significant choice of places to eat including (nearby) Ferry Tasty.
Posted 2 years ago # -
On the other hand, I work in Livingston. There are a lot of cycle routes away from traffic, of extremely variable quality. You will need a Spokes map and/or a good look at Open Cycle Map or similar before you set off.
I can't think of a nice café, though. My only suggestion would be to go into the Centre (but you will need a lock for your bike.)
Actually, the pub at Livingston Village might be an option. There's outdoor seating at the back, IIRC.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I second Ferry Tasty if you end up in South Queensferry.
As for Livingston, recently I have started seeing adds (on road signs, together with "We buy houses quick") for Castaway Coffee Co. in Livingston Village, next to the Livingston Inn. I googled it today and they have really good reviews. There are bike racks nearby but you can probably just leave it outside.
There is also Morag's Milk Bar nearby at the Almond Valley Heritage Centre but I can see it has a review of one of the CCE-ers complaining about the wifi.
Either option will be a lot nicer than the shopping centre!
Posted 2 years ago # -
@bill interesting. I shall have to take a lunchtime stroll/bike ride down there.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Morag's Milk Bar is reasonable. However it is inside almond Valley so it's not an option for passing trade. It also requires you to have a smart phone and install an app to order inside (I think the takeaway window still does walkup service though).
We ate there yesterday and the menu was varied enough to keep everyone happy.
It's always worth highlighting that the main route from Dalmeny through Queensferry to the bridge is not accessible. It requires riding (or walking) a narrow muddy stretch round a gate which blocks the path. The railway path may be better but still requires a narrow windy access to get onto it at Dalmeny.
Posted 2 years ago # -
one of the CCE-ers complaining about the wifi.
had to look to make sure it wasn't me.
Posted 2 years ago #
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