STROLLS IN THE CITY
Wonderful wanderings in the dear green place
Scotland’s largest city and its huge urban sprawl might not sound like the ideal place to head for a walk. However, it is not known as the Dear Green Place for nothing, and there are a surprising number of spots where you can enjoy a stroll amid nature which is often hidden from the everyday hustle and bustle of Glasgow.
As well as the famous River Clyde, the city is blessed with other waterways from the White Cart Water, which languidly threads its way past the huge expanse of Pollok Country Park to the River Kelvin. The latter has a fine walkway to the west side of the centre which takes in historic gems such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the botanic gardens as well as wooded glades next to the water.
The Clyde, however, cannot be ignored and offers a great walk from Glasgow Green along a riverside walkway which makes the city feel more like the modern conurbation it has become, rather than the grimy industrial powerhouse of the past.
As the Clyde slides out of the city, the industrial Clydebank gives way to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. But before that is reached, Overtoun House, a former palatial residence for the Victorian gentry, is a good starting point for an exploration of the Lang Craigs. As the name suggests, the escarpment is long and can be walked along the top or below to reach great views of the Kilpatrick Hills.
Further out of the city is Balloch and a wonderful country park by the banks of Loch Lomond. It is here that the urban meets the wild and a world of mountains and lochs begins. The country park is a popular place for walking and picnics in summer and boasts a lovely walled garden.
Back in the city, more Victorian grandeur can be seen at the Necropolis – a cemetery with thousands of ornate graves and monuments that also documents the great and the good of the second city of the Empire. And, more importantly for the walker, provides a great view of the city, particularly the impressive Glasgow Cathedral. It was next to a burn below the place of worship that St Mungo founded the city in the sixth century.
Another good spot to look over the city is the Cathkin Braes, to the south. This was used as a mountain biking venue during the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the trails are still used. But the mixed woodland is also home to walking routes and is a great place to enjoy the view across Glasgow to the Campsies. These hills sit apart from the city, almost forming a barrier to the north. The Crow Road from Lennoxtown leads up to what the locals call the Car Park in the Sky but a much more tranquil way of reaching the viewpoint is via Campsie Glen.
Just below the Campsies, near Milngavie, is Mugdock Country Park, a sprawling area of moorland, lochs, an old castle and fine views. Nearby, the West Highland Way begins to make its slow progress north but the park will keep most walkers occupied for a good few hours.
On the other side of the city, Chatelherault, a grand hunting lodge built for the fifth Duke of Hamilton, is now a popular destination for city dwellers wanting to enjoy the countryside on their doorstep. Here, lengthy trails take you along the Avon Water, passing ancient oaks and earthworks as well as filling the senses with the sound of birdsong.
But if one walk had to encapsulate the city centre of modern Glasgow life it would be the council’s mural trail. This takes in some of the street art but on a grand scale, covering whole sides of buildings with images depicting subjects from Billy Connolly to pandas.