Experience Glasgow's prominent sites and notable landmarks through the National Cycling Network's routes
Glasgow, Scotland, is now home to a series of meticulously crafted cycling day trip itineraries that showcase the city's leading attractions and landmarks. These routes, promoted by Visit Scotland, Visit Glasgow, and Scottish Canals, offer a unique blend of urban exploration and natural beauty, emphasising Glasgow's cultural and industrial heritage through cycling.
One of the highlights is the 120-metre long art installation, 'Bella the Beithir', situated near the Stockingfield Bridge. This installation is part of the 'Glasgow's Waterways' route, a new day trip on the National Cycle Network, which was built to enhance community connectivity. The Scottish Government has contributed to the expanding and upgrading of the network of cycle routes across the city.
The 'Glasgow's Waterways' route is just one of the seven day trips available for exploration in Glasgow. These routes range from introductory to intermediate grade rides, with lengths between 1.5 to 4.5 hours. They are suitable for both city-breaks and adventures.
Other routes on the National Cycle Network can take you further afield towards Loch Lomond and Great Cumbrae. Some of the trails remain within the city centre, while others lead you through picturesque glens, lochs, and city-to-city connections. These routes include stops at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Pollok Country Park, The Burrell Collection, The Riverside Museum, Glasgow Science Centre, and more.
Choosing to walk, wheel, or cycle on the National Cycle Network instead of driving can help meet fitness goals, alleviate stress, boost mood, enhance overall mental health, and benefit the environment. By leaving cars at home more often, traffic congestion can be reduced, air quality improved, and healthier spaces can be promoted.
The South City Way, Connecting Woodside, the Avenues Plus projects, the National Cycle Network, and the Forth and Clyde Canal are some of the routes available for exploration in Glasgow. If you seek a guided experience or want to rent bikes and helmets, tours such as the Glasgow City and Clyde Bridges Bike Tour provide a hassle-free way to experience highlights with expert insight.
Emilia Hanna, Head of Programme for the National Cycle Network at our website Scotland, encourages residents and visitors to actively explore the city and its leading attractions and landmarks. Glasgow is well connected by a series of mainly traffic-free National Cycle Network Routes and canal towpaths across the city.
Fiona Hyslop, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, welcomes the collaborative campaign promoting cycling in Glasgow. With 73 miles of traffic-free cycleways, Glasgow offers an ideal environment for cycling enthusiasts and casual riders alike. For the full official 7 itineraries, Visit Scotland’s official website or dedicated Glasgow cycling guides would provide comprehensive, up-to-date route details and maps. The essence of these itineraries combines urban exploration with natural and canal-side beauty, emphasising Glasgow’s cultural and industrial heritage through cycling.
Sports enthusiasts might find joy in exploring the various cycling routes across Glasgow, which cater to both intermediate and casual riders. For instance, the 'Glasgow's Waterways' route, a blend of urban and natural beauty, is part of the National Cycle Network and offers stops at notable landmarks such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and Pollok Country Park. Additionally, those looking to broaden their horizons may explore the travel opportunities presented by the National Cycle Network, taking them towards Loch Lomond and Great Cumbrae, while also providing a chance to unwind and enjoy the home-and-garden charm of city parks and waterways.
