Glasgow is an amazing city to explore on foot. From its winding streets to its beautiful parks, there are countless walks to discover. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a vigorous hike, Glasgow has something for everyone.
I’ve put together a list of my favourite walks in Glasgow, ranging from easy to challenging. From the scenic River Clyde Walkway to the charming Forth and Clyde Canal Walk, these are my picks for the best hikes and walks in the city.
So grab your walking boots and get ready to explore the beauty of Glasgow!
Pollok Country Park
Pollok Country Park is a stunning oasis in the heart of Glasgow – perfect for a peaceful walk or a lively hike!
Spanning over 200 hectares, this beautiful park is a great place to explore and connect with nature.
There are numerous trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes. No matter your fitness level, you can find a walk that suits you.
The park is also home to several monuments, including the Burrell Collection and Pollok House.
Plus, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants around the park, providing the perfect opportunity to take a break and refuel.
With its lush green spaces, historical monuments, and diverse trails, Pollok Country Park is the ideal destination for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike.
The Kelvin Walkway
Experience the beauty of Glasgow’s natural landscape as you journey along the Kelvin Walkway – a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Spanning 6 miles, the walkway follows the River Kelvin from the Maryhill Locks to the Botanic Gardens in the West End, and is one of the best ways to explore the city’s parks, woodlands, and wildlife.
This urban oasis is full of surprises, including historic bridges, meadows, and even a waterfall.
Along the way, you’ll find benches and picnic spots where you can stop and admire the views of the river, and the wildlife that can be spotted in the area.
The Kelvin Walkway is a great way to enjoy outdoor activities such as running, cycling, and bird watching. You can also pick up a leaflet from the Kelvin Walkway Partnership to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the natural environment as you explore the beauty of Glasgow on the Kelvin Walkway.
The River Clyde Walkway
Take a stroll along the River Clyde Walkway and marvel at the breathtaking views of the river and its surrounding area.
This scenic walkway stretches from Glasgow Green to the mouth of the River Clyde at Partick. Along the way, you’ll come across some of the most iconic sites in the city, including the People’s Palace and Glasgow Green, as well as some of the oldest bridges in Glasgow.
As you meander along the path, you’ll be treated to views of the river that are well worth the effort. You’ll be able to take in the beauty of the city skyline, with its impressive architecture, and the many boats that ply the waters.
The River Clyde Walkway is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the best of what Glasgow has to offer. There are plenty of benches to rest on along the way, and you can even take a break at one of the cafes for a delicious bite to eat.
With its stunning views, it’s no wonder why this is one of the best walks in Glasgow.
The Forth and Clyde Canal Walk
Meander along the Forth and Clyde Canal Walk and soak in the serene atmosphere, with its lush greenery and tranquil canals. This walk is a must for nature lovers, offering a variety of options for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, depending on the amount of time you have and your level of fitness.
The Forth and Clyde Canal Walk stretches from Bowling to the River Clyde, covering a distance of over 24 miles and is one of the most popular walks in the Glasgow area. Along the way, you can admire some of the most spectacular views in the area, including the serene rural beauty of the Campsie Fells.
The Forth and Clyde Canal Walk is also a great spot for bird-watching, as it’s home to a wide variety of species of birds. You may even spot some of the rarer species such as kingfishers, lapwings, and terns. Additionally, the walk takes you through some of the most beautiful parks and gardens in the city, such as Kelvingrove Park and the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. These provide plenty of opportunity to take a break from your walk and admire the stunning floral displays.
There is also plenty of wildlife to be seen along the walk, such as rabbits, foxes, and squirrels. So if you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic walk in Glasgow, then the Forth and Clyde Canal Walk is the perfect choice.
Queen’s Park
Discover the beauty of Queen’s Park, an oasis of calm within the bustling city of Glasgow, with its tranquil gardens, crystal clear streams, and lush green grass.
It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the noise and activity of the city.
The park is filled with interesting features, including a large fountain, a boating lake, and a bandstand.
There are also plenty of playgrounds and sports facilities, including tennis courts, a bowling green, and a skate park.
The park is also home to a number of sculptures and memorials, including a memorial to the fallen of the First World War.
The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from music festivals to theatre performances.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an exciting new adventure, Queen’s Park is the perfect destination for an enjoyable day out.
The River Kelvin Walk
Stroll along the River Kelvin Walk and experience the beauty of nature in Glasgow. Running for more than 12 kilometers, the River Kelvin is a great spot to embark on a leisurely walk all year round.
As you make your way through the area, you can enjoy views of the riverbanks, which are full of diverse wildlife, such as ducks, geese, and swans. The pathway is lined with lush greenery and trees, providing a peaceful atmosphere for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
There are also plenty of benches along the walk, allowing visitors to pause and take in the natural beauty around them. You can also find a variety of interesting sculptures and artworks dotted along the route, making the River Kelvin Walk a great way to combine an educational experience with your outdoor activity.
Glasgow Central Station to the Riverside Museum
Take a journey from Glasgow Central Station to the Riverside Museum and experience the best of what the city has to offer. This walk is a great way to see the city and take in its attractions, with plenty to do and see.
The route starts at Glasgow Central Station, home to one of the busiest stations in the UK. It then takes you through the heart of the city, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of buildings and artworks. As you make your way down the cobbled streets, you’ll be able to take in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Then, it’s on to the Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel, a great place to explore the city’s rich history. Here, you’ll find a range of exhibits, from vintage cars and locomotives to vintage bicycles and boats. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and learn more about the city’s past.
After your visit, you can take a leisurely stroll along the River Clyde and admire the stunning views of Glasgow’s skyline. This is a wonderful walk for all ages and perfect for families.
Glasgow Necropolis
Explore the spooky yet captivating Glasgow Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery that offers a unique insight into the city’s history.
Located atop a hill overlooking the River Clyde, the cemetery was established in 1832 and is the final resting place for more than 50,000 people.
It is a beautiful and peaceful place, with beautifully maintained gardens, a variety of trees, and monuments that speak of the city’s history.
Walking around the Necropolis, you’ll spot a variety of graves and monuments, including the elaborate tombs of wealthy Glaswegians, the memorial to John Knox, and the tomb of industrialist James Connell.
You’ll also notice the immense variety of wildlife found here, including birds, bats, and even hedgehogs.
It’s a great place for a peaceful stroll and to take in the history of Glasgow.
The Botanic Gardens
Leaving the somber atmosphere of the Glasgow Necropolis behind, I was ready to enjoy the serenity of the Botanic Gardens.
Located on the north side of the River Kelvin, the gardens are a must-see for anyone looking to get away from it all.
Established in 1817, the gardens have been providing locals and visitors alike with a tranquil oasis in the city for over 200 years.
The park consists of 16 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and glasshouses, with many rare and exotic plants.
The gardens are also home to a range of interesting sculptures and monuments, including a tribute to the famous botanist, Joseph Dalton Hooker.
An added bonus is the Kibble Palace, a giant glasshouse that houses many different species of plants, including a carnivorous plant collection.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an afternoon of exploration, the Botanic Gardens has something for everyone.
Glasgow Green
For a real taste of Glasgow, a visit to Glasgow Green is a must.
This lush park is one of the oldest in the city and it’s filled with fascinating history. It was first established in the 15th century and it’s been a popular spot for locals and visitors alike ever since.
A walk around the park is a great way to explore the city’s past and present and soak up the atmosphere. You can take a leisurely stroll along the River Clyde, visit the People’s Palace Museum and Winter Gardens, or explore the many monuments, sculptures, and statues that dot the park.
There are also plenty of benches and picnic areas where you can relax and take in the views. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a nice walk, Glasgow Green is definitely worth a visit.
The River Kelvin Circuit
Take a journey through Glasgow’s beautiful past by strolling along the River Kelvin Circuit – the perfect way to appreciate the city’s stunning surroundings!
The River Kelvin Circuit is a seven-mile loop that takes in the sights and sounds of Glasgow’s history.
Walks through Pollok Country Park, Cathcart Castle, and the Glasgow Necropolis are among many other points of interest.
This walk is ideal for anyone looking to explore the city’s past in an immersive and relaxing environment.
Along the route, you’ll find beautiful views of the river, as well as plenty of wildlife, from swans to grey herons.
There are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore or simply take in the views.
Make the River Kelvin Circuit the perfect way to explore Glasgow’s beautiful past.
The Glasgow Canal Circuit
Leaving the River Kelvin behind, I now take you to the best walks in Glasgow along the Glasgow Canal Circuit.
This popular route takes you along the Forth and Clyde Canal, where you can enjoy a peaceful, picturesque journey. With plenty of areas to stop and rest along the way, the circuit is perfect for those who want to take their time exploring the area.
The Glasgow Canal Circuit includes some remarkable sights. You’ll pass through a variety of locks and bridges, and get to explore the Glasgow Necropolis, a Victorian-era cemetery. There are also plenty of opportunities for bird watching, with many species of birds to be spotted along the way.
The circuit finishes at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a must-see for any visitor to Glasgow.
The Kelvin Valley Trail
Experience the tranquil beauty of the Kelvin Valley Trail as you meander through the lush green countryside.
This trail is located just outside of Glasgow, and it’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours.
The Kelvin Valley Trail is a long-distance walk of over 16 miles. It starts at the historic village of Strathblane and ends in Strathkelvin.
The trail follows the River Kelvin and passes through some of Scotland’s most stunning countryside. This includes the Campsie Fells, the Kilsyth Hills, and the Fintry Hills.
Along the way, you’ll find lush meadows, rolling hills, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The trail is well marked and easy to follow. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables for rest stops.
There’s plenty of wildlife to spot, including red deer and a variety of birds.
The trail is suitable for all levels of fitness and can take up to 8 hours to complete.
It’s a great way to get away from the city and enjoy some peaceful time in the countryside.
The Mugdock Trail
Moving on from the Kelvin Valley Trail, the Mugdock Trail is another great walk for those looking for a hike in Glasgow. It’s a great place to get out in nature and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
The trail is located in the Mugdock Country Park, which is just north of Glasgow, and is well known for its stunning views. The trail is well marked and easy to follow, making it ideal for anyone looking to get out and have a relaxing hike. It’s a great option for the whole family, as there are multiple routes to choose from, ranging from easy to more challenging.
The views of the lochs and the surrounding countryside are breathtaking, making this a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The trail is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, so it’s a great way to get in touch with nature.
The Glasgow to Loch Lomond Walkway
For a truly breathtaking experience, the Glasgow to Loch Lomond Walkway is unmissable.
Spanning 33 miles from Glasgow city centre to Balloch and the banks of Loch Lomond, the walkway takes in some of the most beautiful views of Scotland’s lush countryside.
The route follows a mix of lochside paths, riverside trails, country roads, and woodland pathways, passing through some of the country’s most stunning and historic landscapes.
The walkway is divided into six sections, with the first beginning at Glasgow’s Queen’s Park and ending at Milngavie, a bustling village with a variety of pubs, restaurants, and shops.
The second section passes through Strathblane, and the third follows the River Endrick to Gartocharn.
The fourth section takes walkers through the dramatic scenery of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve, and the fifth is a mix of old railway lines and quiet country roads.
The final section takes walkers to Balloch, the largest settlement on the banks of Loch Lomond, where they can enjoy a well-deserved rest.
For anyone looking for a memorable and rewarding experience, the Glasgow to Loch Lomond Walkway is an absolute must-do.
Conclusion
I’ve walked Glasgow and explored its hidden gems many times, and it’s always a great experience.
The 15 best walks in Glasgow offer something for everyone, from easy strolls through the city to more challenging hikes in the nearby countryside.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk in nature or a more active adventure, Glasgow has something to offer.
Taking any of these walks is an excellent way to explore the city and its surroundings, and I highly recommend it to everyone.
Get out there and enjoy the best walks in Glasgow!