Training for a run in Scotland’s largest city couldn’t be more picturesque and we’ve picked out some of the best places for you to head to.
Kelvingrove Park
The park in the city’s West End is the starting point for our Simplyhealth Great Women’s Run, and one of the most popular in the city.
Start your run outside the iconic museum and art gallery of the same name. The museum was actually built so that the front faces Glasgow University on the opposite side to Argyle Street, there you’ll find the Kelvin Walkway, which follows the River Kelvin from the Clyde to North Glasgow and Milngavie.
Cross Kelvin Way and into the park where a hilly loop up to the monument at Park Circus offers a tough work-out rewarded with great views across the city.
The Kelvin Walkway
The Kelvin Walkway officially links to the longer Clyde Walkway but most pick it up ‘behind’ Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum where is cuts through the park between the museum and Glasgow University.
The rest is a tree-lined oasis of trails and paths through the city to North Glasgow and onto Milngavie.
City Centre and Glasgow Cathedral
Start in George Square, at the same spot as both the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run Half Marathon and 10k that take place in September, before heading east along Ingram Street, through the Merchant City onto High Street. From there head up to the Cathedral district and onto a circuit of the city’s Necropolis before heading back down to Glasgow Green.
Clyde Walkway
The Clyde Walkway is around 40miles long stretching all the way from Partick in Glasgow’s West End to New Lanark in South Lanarkshire. Don’t worry though we’re not suggesting you go for it all.
The city element of the route takes in the Riverside Museum and Tall Ship as well as the SSE Hydro, financial district, Glasgow Green and the iconic Glasgow bridges trail.
Clyde and Forth Canal
Cutting its way through Scotland’s industrial heartland, the Forth and Clyde Canal runs from Bowling in West Dunbartonshire through to Edinburgh. The towpath is ideal for running and offers a scenic, flat tranquil route through the city. You could pick it up in Clydebank and follow the path all the way to Speirs Wharf in the city centre.
Pollok Park
Glasgow’s largest park and the only Country Park within the city forms part of the route for the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run Half Marathon.
Its trails and paths wind through woodlands and past wildlife including the park’s much loved Highland Cows, as well as the stunning Pollok House and Burrell collection.
If you’re feeling ambitious you could always head over to nearby Queen’s Park and take a run up to the flag-pole where you will be awarded with stunning views across to the Campsie Fells and Ben Lomond.
West Highland Way/Mugdock Park
For runners who like trails the West Highland Way is a great escape to get out of the city. Start where the trail begins near to Milngavie train station before following the paths out to Mugdock Country Park. This route will test even the most avid runners but it’s worth it for the views and coffee and cake at Stables Café in the park.
