Glasgow
The Ultimate Guide to Traffic-Free Cycle Routes in Glasgow!
The Ultimate Guide to Traffic-Free Cycle Routes in Glasgow!
The Forth and Clyde Canal at Bonnybridge by Lairich Rig under license CC BY-SA 4.0
In this post we highlight some of the best traffic free cycling routes Glasgow has available, which includes well maintained cycle paths and the area's mountain bike trails! Cycling around Glasgow is a great way to see the city and surrounding area. The National Cycle Routes are well-maintained and run right through the country from west to east! There's miles upon miles of trails here, so you can really get a good workout while seeing the sights. And, of course, the scenery is stunning making Glasgow a beautiful city to cycle in.
You can take in the scenery at Loch Lomond at the end of the Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycleway, ride the width of Scotland on the Union and Forth & Clyde Canal route or take on the challenging mountain biking trails on the Kilpatrick Hills! If you don't have your own bike with you, we've listed some of the bike hire companies (at the bottom of the page) in the area that you can easily take out a short or longer rent for your trip.
Once you've read up on the cycle routes to try on your visit to Glasgow, why not have a look at our blog posts for the activities that are available to do here. You can find them on the following buttons below:
Cycling in Glasgow: The Best Way to See the City
The table above lists all the best traffic free cycling routes Glasgow has available. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that route.
We all love a bike ride in the sunshine taking in the local area. Have a look below at the cycle routes listed on the interactive map and click on the buttons below the map for each route, for further information before you travel. Bike hire locations are indicated by the purple shop icons.
Union and Forth & Clyde Canal
The Union and Forth & Clyde Canals, is a traffic-free cycle path from Glasgow to Edinburgh. For those who love nature, the towpath provides an opportunity for wildlife viewing as well! Otters are often seen along with kingfishers ,swans and herons making this route perfect if you love observing these animals in their natural habitat. The route follows the National Cycle Route 754 and takes you past many sights including the Falkirk Wheel which is a rotating boat lift and worth seeing in operation!
Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycleway
This almost traffic-free route takes you from the bustling city centre of Glasgow to the beautiful Loch Lomond. The adventure begins at Bell’s Bridge close by the Glasgow Science Centre where it follows former railway lines and canal towpaths heading west along the River Clyde all the way until reaching the docks and shipyards near Clydebank. Once here, cyclists ride on the single path passing through the historic town of Dumbarton, that leads them directly into the small tourist town of Balloch situated on the banks of Loch Lomond!
MTB: Pollok Park
Pollock Park offers a variety of green trails that are perfect for beginners or riders looking to get out on their bikes and enjoy some fresh air. There's also blue/red route options which haven't been maintained recently but can still provide an exciting workout depending how far down the path you take!
Track in Cathkin Braes Country Park by G Laird under license CC BY-SA 4.0
MTB: Cathkin Braes
Cathkin Braes has everything that a beginning biker needs. It features two cross country loops, three descending trails with varying difficulty levels and an additional track for dual slalom racing! The terrain is all purpose-built gravel (with some mud trails) providing plenty of grip and not so much pressure on your tires if you feel brave enough to try some tricks (like landing off jumps).
MTB: Kilpatrick Hills
With over 20 trails, the Kilpatrick Hills is one of the area's premier downhill mountain bike destinations. The variety and technicality make it a worthwhile ride for everyone from beginners to experts who want something different than just flat or smooth singletracks! With views across the River Clyde, the Kilpatrick Hills is worth checking out for a thrill seeking adventure!
MTB: Mugdock Park
Mugdock Park is the perfect spot for those looking to get outside and experience mountain biking not too far away from the city centre. The terrain at this location provides a variety of options, whether you are an experienced mountain biker or just starting out with your first bike!
Mountain bike trail, Carron Valley by Richard Webb under license CC BY-SA 4.0
MTB: Carron Valley
The perfect mountain biking destination for anyone who loves fast, flowy trails with spectacular views of the Carron reservoir a welcome inclusion! There are over 20 kilometers worth of trails here making the area very popular among riders from all skill levels! Situated around an hours travel from Glasgow, the trails at Carron Valley are worth the journey!
MTB: Campsie Hills
If you are looking to experience a challenge on your bike, the trails on the Campsie Hills will not disappoint. With three main courses that share similar terrain; loose mud mixed in among bedrock provides an unpredictable yet fun ride for any level of cyclist!
MTB: Clyde Valley
Located near Wishaw at the south east side of the city are mountain bike trails that are naturally formed and maintained to keep the area in good condition. The route offers riders many opportunities to explore this natural beauty while they challenge themselves on the circuit. Another option not too far away from the city.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have shared some of the best traffic free cycling routes around Glasgow. To find out more about things to do in this area, click on the buttons below:
Please note...
All outdoor activities including cycling involve a degree of risk. The routes are recommended due to the well known features of each route but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each route so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your cycle!
Crown Copyright, courtesy Forestry and Land Scotland (16/08/22) licensed under the Open Government License.