Scotland the best
Glasgow walks Strolling by the Clyde, or a wee wander around town, Scotland’s largest city has a walk for us all
Kelvin Walkway
A path along the banks of Glasgow’s other river, the Kelvin, which enters the Clyde at Yorkhill, first meanders through some of the most interesting parts and parks of the city. Start at Kelvingrove Park through the university and Hillhead, under Kelvin Bridge and on to the Botanic Gardens. The trail then goes north, under the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Arcadian fields of Dawsholm Park, Killermont and Kirkintilloch. The river and canal shadow each other for much of their routes, so you can, with a map, to go out by one and return by the other.
Pollok Country Park
The park that most feels like a real country park. Numerous trails through woods and meadows. Enter by Haggs Road or by Haggs Castle Golf Course.
Mugdock Country Park
Not technically within the city. Park which includes Mugdock Woods and a castle, is north-west of Milngavie. Regular train from Queen Street takes 20 minutes, then follow route of the West Highland Way for 0.6 miles across Drumclog Moor to south of the park. By car to Milngavie by A81. Many trails marked out, including the nearby reservoirs.
Forth & Clyde Canal Towpath
The canal, first opened in 1790, reopened in 2002 as the Millennium Link. Once a major short-cut for fishing boats and trade between Europe and America, it provides a fascinating look round the back of the city from a pathway that stretches on a spur from Port Dundas just north of the M8 to the main canal at the end of Lochburn Road, and east to Kirkintilloch and Falkirk, and west through Maryhill and Drumchapel to Bowling and the Clyde. A good option is to go as far as Croy and take the train back. Much of the route is past waste ground, warehouses and high flats, but there are open stretches and curious corners and, by Bishopbriggs, it’s a rural waterway.
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99