As the season of crunchy leaves, crisp days and cosy pubs approaches, there truly is no better time to explore the beauty that lies right on your doorstep. Whether you're keen to keep it cosmopolitan with a street art trail or get better acquainted with nature in a sprawling green space, our gorgeous city has got you covered. Better yet? We’ve made it easier than ever to strap on your walking boots and pound those pavements with a guide to the best winter walks in Glasgow and where to grab lunch after.
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Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens
Finish at:Â Innis & Gunn
With several straightforward trails on offer, Glasgow's Botanic Gardens is packed full of exotic plants, elegant statues and local wildlife. If you’ve got little ones in tow? There's also a minibeast walk that’ll be sure to keep temper tantrums at bay. When you’re all finished up with your rambles, mosey on over to Ashton Lane, the gorgeous cobbled street that has a reputation for its twinkling lights, to find Innis & Gunn. Tuck into beer-battered fish and chips, washed down with signature ale.Â
Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a haven of green in the middle of the city.
Forth and Clyde Canal Towpath
Finish at:Â Tennents Bar
The Forth and Clyde Canal winds all the way through the city and across Scotland, ending up in Edinburgh Quay. Stretching 56km, it’s not the sort of walk you’ll fancy tackling in one go, but the towpath offers the perfect route, no matter how many steps you’ve got in mind. Start at Stockingfield Junction and take the south branch that heads towards Glasgow city centre, passing the Patrick Thistle stadium and swanky warehouse flats. After an hour or so of stomping, veer westwards to end up at Tennents Bar, where your efforts will be rewarded with warming eats.
Time it right and you'll be treated to a gorgeous sunset on one of the best winter walks near Glasgow.
Merchant City Mural Trail
Finish at: Waxy O'Connor's
Boasting some of the UK’s finest street art, our city reveals explosions of colour at every turn. The perfect excuse for walking in Glasgow this winter, there's a Merchant City Mural Trail that you can follow. Highlights include Smug’s Fellow Glasgow Residents and New Wynd’s Spaceman. Be sure to also head towards Mitchell Street where you’ll find a levitating taxi, held up by hundreds of colourful balloons, created by the artist Rogue One. Once you’re all cultured out, refuel at Waxy O'Connor's, a stunning Irish haunt with delish fare.
If you're looking for winter walks around Glasgow, this is the perfect weekend activity for any culture vulture.
Pollok Country Park
Finish at: Granary
Previously named the best park in Europe, Pollok Country Park certainly isn’t your standard football pitch and rusty set of swings affair. Spread over 361 acres, the grand space was originally part of the Old Pollok Estate, but was made into a public area in 1966. It is the largest bit of green in the city, offering pretty woodland walks near Glasgow, and comes complete with its very own museum, allotments and friendly herd of Highland cattle. Pay the gentle giants a visit, before doing a full loop of the park and finishing up at Granary for gourmet burgers, sourdough pizzas and delish tapas plates.
Enjoy the wintery landscapes before digging into warming fare.
Kelvingrove Park
Finish at:Â BrewDog
In the chillier months, Kelvingrove Park transforms into a wonderland of golden hues - offering one of the best winter walks Glasgow has to offer. We recommend entering through Clairmont Gardens, before wandering through the park's main thoroughfare, seeking out Victorian fountains and bronze sculptures as you go. On your way out, stop by the River Kelvin, where you may even spot the odd salmon swimming below. Finish up your day with a feast at nearby BrewDog, which offers lip-smacking craft beers alongside a menu of burgers and wings.
Finish off this park walk with a mega feast of American-inspired nosh. You deserve it.
Keen for more winter inspo? Check out our guide to Glasgow's cosiest restaurants here and sign up to our newsletter to hear about the latest openings.
