Welcome to the Glaswegian cycling enthusiast’s ultimate guide to the 11 best cycling routes in and around Glasgow!
In honour of the UCI World Cycling Championships beginning this week, running from August 3 to August 13, we put together this list of the best cycling routes in Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, East Dunbartonshire, and beyond!
Whether you’re a seasoned rider seeking an adrenaline-pumping challenge or a leisurely pedaler in search of picturesque landscapes, Scotland’s largest city has an abundance of cycling trails to cater to all skill levels and preferences.
From exhilarating mountain paths that wind through rugged terrain to serene routes alongside tranquil rivers and lochs, Glasgow boasts a diverse array of cycling opportunities that showcase the region’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This article will take you on a virtual tour, exploring hidden gems and well-trodden paths alike, while providing invaluable tips on the routes and local highlights to make the most of your two-wheeled adventure.
So, grab your helmet, pump up those tires, and get ready to embark on unforgettable cycling journeys our fair city. Let’s pedal our way through Glasgow’s finest cycling havens, each one promising a unique experience that will leave you longing for more.
5. Lochwinnoch Loop
Leaving from Paisley, circling Lochwinnoch and back, this circular route follows National Cycle Route 7 and 75. It runs along a disused railway line and is largely traffic free so suitable for cyclists and walkers. On the way you’ll pass Kilbirnie Loch and Castle Semple with incredible views over the water to the surrounding hills. The route is around 14 miles (22 km). | GPS Routes
6. Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycle Way
The Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycle Way forms part of National Cycle Route 7 and is approximately 20 miles long. Starting in Glasgow and ending in Balloch, or vice versa, the cycling route will take you along former railway lines and canal towpaths, including the well-known Forth & Clyde Canal. | Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
7. Chatelherault loop
A single lap around the Hamilton Country Park is around 6km, depending on your route. It’s a must-cycle on a sunny day for the perfect ride out - fancy extending your ride? It’s not too far from Strathclyde Country Park - which you can tackle in another loop making a figure of 8! Photo: Anne-Janine Nugent
8. River Clyde
The River Clyde runs right through the heart of Glasgow, making it the most accessible route on this list! Making up part of National Route 75, jump on at any point and cycle as far as you’d like and back! Photo: John Devlin