Glasgow, Scotland's second largest city, has a wealth of urban pathways, sweeping parks and rugged landscapes to offer the avid cyclist. With a selection of bustling shops, bars and restaurants to choose from, the city centre remains a popular hub in Scotland for locals and tourists alike, and from the nearby lochs to the riverside routes, there’s more than one reason why cyclists love Glasgow too.
Cycling routes in Glasgow
Best for scenery: Loch Lomond
For some of the most breath-taking vistas in the area, visit Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. As well as shops, cafés and the beautiful lake, there’s a variety of trails and landscapes to suit cyclists of all abilities. Forest tracks, smooth tarmac routes and testing terrains await. You could even choose to ride from the heart of Glasgow to Balloch (a charming village on Loch Lomond) on the 20-mile Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycleway.
Best for mixed terrain
The thing about Glasgow is… it rains a lot. If you’d like to escape the weather without having to dismount your bike, head to Velodrome.
There’s a range of different sessions to choose from at Scotland’s first indoor velodrome, which, contrary to popular belief, isn’t just open to professional athletes. As well as one-off family rides, there are sessions that contribute to rider accreditation, where you can learn everything from basic to advanced skills.
Best for seeing Scotland
With 35 miles of towpath, the traffic and pollution-free Forth & Clyde Canal route is perfect for solo cyclists as well as families riding together.
If you’d like a serious trip, you can take this route all the way to Edinburgh Quay. The path is well-maintained, though it does get a little rocky on the outskirts of the capital.