7 Exciting bikes routes around Glasgow

Level: Easy 

Start/finish: Glasgow Queen Street 

Distance: 9.6 miles / 15.4 km 

Explore Glasgow’s Waterways by bike on this circular route encompassing the River Kelvin, the Forth & Clyde Canal, Kelvin Aqueduct and Maryhill Locks. Along the route you’ll also pass iconic attractions, such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, one of Glasgow’s best attractions, which is free to enter and hosts a variety of intricate and thought-provoking exhibitions, alongside state-of-the-art galleries displaying over 8,000 objects. This waymarked cycle route in Glasgow takes you along urban cycle paths and canal towpaths – perfect for getting the family out on two wheels. Enjoy a refreshing stop off at a range of cafés and eateries too, such as An Clachan Café and Ronzio Coffeehouse. 

What’s nearby: Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Hunterian Museum, the 120-metre long ‘Bella’ the Beithir at Stockingfield Art Park, Claypits Nature Reserve. 

Level: easy 

Start/finish: Glasgow Central Station 

Distance: 12.4 miles / 19.9 km 

Pedal through some of Glasgow’s best highlights on this cycle route from Glasgow Central. Starting and finishing at Glasgow Central Station, this loop takes you along the iconic River Clyde and through the picturesque Bellahouston Park before passing through Pollok Country Park – Glasgow’s largest green space. Stop off here and enjoy the sights, visit The Burrell Collection to explore 6,000 years of history, wander throughout the serene gardens and trails, and keep an eye out for the friendly Highland cows too. 

What’s nearby: Finnieston Crane, BBC Scotland, Festival Park, Squiggly Bridge. 

Level: intermediate 

Start/finish: Glasgow Queen Street 

Distance: 10.4 miles / 16.7 km 

From fascinating city museums and architecture to public artworks and performing arts venues, Glasgow is a cultural colossus. The stunning murals, sculptures and landmarks of the popular City Centre Mural Trail is one of the city’s top cultural experiences. Hop on two wheels and explore this bike route in Glasgow that encompasses incredible works of art, such as St Mungo and the tale of The Bird That Never Flew, alongside historic buildings, magnificent architecture styles, city centre gems and lots of tasty eateries to stop off at along the way. 

What’s nearby: The Hope Sculpture, Drygate Brewery, Barras Market, Glasgow Green

Level: intermediate 

Start/finish: Partick to Balloch 

Distance: 39 miles / 62.7 km 

Combine city trails with a dash of countryside paths and you can have the best of both worlds in Glasgow. Follow the River Leven Heritage Trail out from Partick to Dumbarton where you can stop off to visit the Georgian-era Dumbarton Castle, perched cliffside overlooking the River Clyde, before heading on further to enjoy the shores of Balloch at Loch Lomond. Spend some time at Balloch where you can soak in the iconic scenery of Scotland’s most famous loch, alongside the towering peak of Ben Lomond and even venture out onto the loch on a boat trip. 

What’s nearby: Maid of the Loch, Balloch Castle Country Park, Loch Lomond Shores, Bowling Harbour 

Level: easy 

Start/finish: Glasgow Green 

Distance: 7 miles / 11.2 km 

Spend a morning or afternoon following the Glasgow Green to Cuningar Loop. This mostly flat, relaxed route starts at the Doulton Fountain in Glasgow Green and stretches along the River Clyde towards Cuningar Loop Woodland Park. Take in the sights of this river-side route on a clear, sunny day to enjoy the city sights from a different perspective. Stop off for a picnic in the park, wander along the 3 miles of paths, and admire the Cuningar Stones and sculptures in the park too. 

What’s nearby: WEST Brewery, Trongate, James Watt Statue, People’s Palace

Level: Intermediate 

Start/finish: George Square to Bowling Harbour 

Distance: 27 miles / 43.4 km 

Enjoy a day exploring the city with a cycle along National Cycle Route 756/754 or 7 out to Bowling Harbour. Along both routes you’ll have the opportunity to admire or stop off at a range of attractions, viewpoints, cafes and more. Both cycle routes in Glasgow take you out to Bowling – pick your favourite or combine them to create a loop out and back to the city centre. This cycle route in Glasgow boasts lots of stop offs, attractions, and tasty food places along the way too, so you can a full day of it exploring some of the city’s top sights. 

What’s nearby: Kelvin Aqueduct, Bankies Bike sculpture, Finnieston Crane, OVO Hydro, Clydeside Distillery, Tall Ship Glenlee. 

Level: Expert 

Start/finish: Viewforth to Bowling 

Distance: 62.8 miles / 101 km 

This more challenging route is longer distance but worth the journey for the spectacular views and scenery enroute. This entirely traffic-free cycle path stretches from Edinburgh city centre to Bowling in Glasgow and passes iconic landmarks, such as the Falkirk Wheel, and opens up two of Scotland’s historic cities to explore. Enjoy the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh before journeying to discover the rich cultural heritage and past of Glasgow. 

Along the way you can soak up the serenity of Scotland’s canals away from busy roads, as well as seeing lots of wildlife and birdlife up close along the way. 

What’s nearby: The Kelpies, Linlithgow Palace, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh International Climbing Centre, Lost Shore