Scotland Peter Irvine’s the best
Great Glasgow views You don’t have to go far from Scotland’s largest city to enjoy some spectacular vistas
Cathkin Braes
The southern ridge of the city on the B759 from Carmunnock to Cambuslang. Go south of river by Albert Bridge to Aikenhead Rd, which continues as Carmunnock Rd. Follow to Carmunnock, a delightfully rural village, and pick up the Cathkin Rd. On the right is the Cathkin Braes Golf Club and 100m further on the left is the park. Marvellous views to north of the Campsies, Kilpatrick Hills, Ben Lomond and as far as Ben Ledi. Walks on the Braes on both sides of road.
Queen’s View, Auchineden
A perspective on Glasgow’s Highland hinterland, this short walk and sweeping vista to the north has been a Glaswegian pilgrimage for generations. On A809 north from Bearsden about a mile after the old Carbeth Inn. The walk, along a path cut into
ridgeside, takes 40-50 mins to the cairn, from which you can see The Cobbler, Ben Ledi and sometimes as far as Ben Chonzie 31 miles away. Further on is The Whangie.
Ruchill Park
An unlikely but splendid panorama from this well-kept park to the north of the city near Possilpark. Go to top of Firhill Rd over Forth & Clyde Canal off Garscube Rd where it becomes Maryhill Rd. Best view is from around the flagpole; the whole city among its surrounding hills, from the Campsies to Gleniffer and Cathkin Braes, becomes clear.
Lyle Hill
Via M8 W to Greenock, then round the coast to relatively genteel old resort of Gourock where the Free French worked in the yards during the war. A monument has been erected to their memory on the top of Lyle Hill above the town, from where you get one of the most dramatic views of the great crossroads of the Clyde (Holy Loch, Gare Loch and Loch Long). Best vantage point is further along the road on other side by trig point. Follow station signs, then Lyle Hill.