A companion who shares their interests, in West Lothian

Somewhere to go

Circular walk round Linlithgow Loch

Linlithgow

A 2.3 mile surfaced circuit of the loch passing the palace, with the High Street shops and cafes a short step away. A carer can drive to the Water Yett car park, shorten the route to an out and back along the flat western shore, and stop for tea in the town afterwards.

Getting around: The route is described as an easy walk on a surfaced path, with a short section on a pavement beside the road.

Source: walkhighlands.co.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Riverside paths and gardens at Almondell

Almondell and Calderwood Country Park, East Calder

A country park in the valley of the River Almond with a visitor centre, picnic areas and paths along the water. A carer can park near the visitor centre, use the short surfaced garden circuit rather than the longer river routes, and plan rests at the seats and tables.

Getting around: The council guide notes a 200m stone surfaced path circling the garden, four picnic tables with wheelchair access and six memorial seats.

Source: westlothian.gov.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Readers Book Group at Linlithgow Library

Linlithgow

The library runs a Readers Book Group alongside craft and Bookbug sessions in its regular programme. A carer can collect the month's title in large print or audio, read parts aloud during the week and come along to the meeting for company.

Source: westlothian.gov.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

West Lothian local history reference library

Linlithgow Partnership Centre, Linlithgow

The county's local history reference collection holds thousands of books, 1,100 maps and 12,000 old photographs about West Lothian. A carer can help look up the streets, pits or shale works someone remembers, which often prompts more conversation than a novel does.

Source: slhf.org. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Xcite Ageing Well classes for over 50s

Bathgate

West Lothian Leisure runs an Ageing Well programme of classes such as tai chi for people over 50, supported by the health and social care partnership. A carer can arrange membership, come along for the first session and walk through the exercises again at home.

Source: westlothianleisure.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

West Lothian walking football

Bathgate

West Lothian Walking Football brings together several local teams of older players, including large charity events held at Xcite Bathgate. A carer can drive someone to a session, carry the kit and watch from the side for anyone who wants to start with a short spell on the pitch.

Source: walkingfootball.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Linlithgow Union Canal Society volunteers

Linlithgow Canal Centre, Linlithgow

The canal centre and its boats are run entirely by society volunteers, who crew trips, maintain the premises and serve teas, with working parties most Wednesday and Saturday mornings. A carer can go along to the first visit and help someone pick a seated role such as the tearoom or the museum desk.

Source: lucs.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Bennie Museum, run entirely by volunteers

Bathgate

Bathgate's local history museum opened in 1989 and is staffed by volunteers under a charitable trust, open almost every day of the year. A carer can arrange a taster visit and regular shifts, which suit someone who enjoys talking to visitors about the town's past.

Getting around: The museum's own site states it has disabled access and free admission.

Source: benniemuseum.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.