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walks-hikes Published: 2026-08-25

Walking Glasgow's Parks and the Clyde Walkway

Walking routes through Glasgow's city and country parks and along the Clyde Walkway -- Kelvingrove, Pollok, Queen's Park, Cathkin Braes, Mugdock and Chatelherault.

By the Glasgow Scenery editorial team · Published · Last updated

8 Scenic Walks in Glasgow's City Parks

Glasgow's Green Spaces

Glasgow maintains 90 parks and public gardens. These spaces offer quiet walking paths and nature trails close to the city center.

1. The River Kelvin Walkway and Botanic Gardens

This West End path follows the River Kelvin. You will walk under historic stone bridges and enter the Botanic Gardens, where you can see the Kibble Palace glasshouse.

2. Pollok Country Park Woodlands

Pollok offers trails through mature woodlands and along the White Cart Water. You can see resident Highland cattle and visit the Burrell Collection museum.

3. Queen's Park Flagpole

A circular path leads to the top of Queen's Park in the Southside. The flagpole area offers views of the city skyline and the northern hills.

Hiking Cathkin Braes Country Park

Glasgow's South Ridge

Cathkin Braes rises to 200 meters, offering views of the city. The park features wild meadows and ancient oak woods.

Walking Trails

Paths wind through the park, separate from the mountain bike tracks. You can walk the loop through the woods to see birds and wildflowers.

Sharing the Trails at Cathkin Braes

Trail Sharing

Cathkin Braes features dedicated mountain bike descent lines. Walkers should use the grassy perimeter paths to avoid bike collisions.

Mugdock Country Park History and Trails

Mugdock Estate

Mugdock Country Park sits near Milngavie. It contains the ruins of 14th-century Mugdock Castle and Craigend Castle.

Loch Loop

The 2.5-mile path around Mugdock Loch is flat and suitable for families. You can also view WWII anti-aircraft gun sites in the fields.

Autumn Walk in Mugdock Country Park

Autumn Leaves

Mugdock Country Park trees turn gold in October. You can walk the paths around the loch to see reflections of the fall leaves.

Woodland Trails in Chatelherault Country Park

Avon Gorge Trails

Chatelherault Country Park sits near Hamilton. It features a historic hunting lodge designed by William Adam and miles of trails along the Avon Gorge.

Ancient Oaks and Bridge Walks

Follow the Green Bridge trail down into the gorge. You will cross a suspension bridge and walk past the Cadzow Oaks, which are 800 years old.

The Green Bridge Trail at Chatelherault

Avon Ravine

The Green Bridge trail climbs down into the Avon Gorge. The path features wooden steps and leads to a high suspension footbridge.

Best Sections of the Clyde Walkway

River Clyde Path

The Clyde Walkway runs from Glasgow Green to New Lanark. You can hike short sections for day walks.

Glasgow Green to Cuningar Loop

This flat section follows the river to Cuningar Loop, where you can walk through new woodlands and view public art.

New Lanark to the Falls of Clyde

The southern section climbs through a wooded gorge to the waterfalls. You can see Corra Linn tumbling over sandstone cliffs.

Otters and Kingfishers on the Clyde Walkway

River Animals

The Clyde Walkway passes through several nature areas. Look for otters swimming in the early morning and kingfishers diving near the banks.

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