The best cycling routes around Glasgow

Terrific terrain surrounding Glasgow

The fantastic nature of cycling in Glasgow is defined by its tremendous surrounding landscapes. A historic city with significant industry, the River Clyde, and the Forth and Clyde Canal are Glasgow’s flowing veins. Exploring these watercourses by bike is a wonderful way to get to know the immediate area and is also flat and family-friendly. 

Cycle routes from Glasgow whisk you out of the city and along the Black Cart River to the south west. Discover lochs, disused railway lines and ruined castles as you pedal past woodlands and country parks. To the north, ride towards the Strathblane Hills to ride along forest trails and up onto bare summits with wonderful, open views of Glasgow. 

If it’s lochs, estuaries and seas that you like cycling beside, head west and see where the Clyde opens up. Not only can you explore the estuary and sea coast here, you can catch ferries across to various other parts of this uniquely rugged land. 

Parks of every shape and size

For some of the most impressive bike rides near Glasgow, pedal into one of its many nearby parks. Tear around the woods and moorland of Gleniffer Braes Country Park, a short ride south of Glasgow. To the south west, ride through the tremendous, coastal Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. This hilly parkland provides outstanding trails on gravel tracks and paved trails, all with impressive views and a fair amount of thigh-burn. 

To the north west of Glasgow, cycle from the city to the beloved Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. You’ll find a huge range of cycle trails here, from family-friendly flat loops to strenuous climbs. 

Traffic-free cycle ways lead you through dense evergreen forests, around magnificent lochs and past cascading waterfalls, all within easy reach of Glasgow. Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to all bike rides and the park is home to a wealth of wildlife and birdlife. Red squirrels in the trees and buzzards in the skies make excellent companions during your adventure. 

Choosing the right time of year

The best time for cycling in Glasgow and through its surroundings is mid-spring to mid-autumn. Summers can be warm while shoulder seasons are cool. Always prepare for cool weather and rain as the mixture of mountains, hills and sea produce changeable weather.