Clyde Walkway 1: Glasgow to Cambuslang

Summary

The first stage of the Clyde Walkway follows the riverbank through the very centre of Glasgow and continues to Cambuslang bridge. There is a great deal of interest in the urban and industrial landscapes along the way, from the armadillo-like shape of the Clyde Auditorium to the great park of Glasgow Green and the People's Palace.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Good riverside cyclepath throughout.

Public Transport

Regular public transport links are close to both the start and end of this stage.

Start

Riverside Museum, Partick . Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 14.5km / 9 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 25m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS557658

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

The Clyde Walkway begins from the Tall Ship and the dramatic Riverside Museum (of Transport) on the River Clyde, also the start of the Kelvin walkway; the closest subway station is Govan (over the new Govan Partick bridge). Begin the walk by heading across the car park to the furthest corner away from the museum, and then turning right along a tarred cyclepath. After passing a helipad the banks of the Clyde are finally regained. On the opposite side are a series of striking modern buildings, including the Science Centre, Glasgow Tower, and BBC Scotland. The sea-going paddle steamer the Waverley - last of the famed Clyde steamers - is also usually moored on the far bank when not taking in its annual trips.

Stage 2

The walkway passes the SEC-Armadillo, a popular events venue, and then passes around the landward side of the massive crane at Finnieston. Pass the Clyde Arc road bridge which crosses the Clyde at an angle. Continue along the riverside walkway, eventually passing under the M8 motorway.

Stage 3

Continuing along the walkway, pass the Tradeston Bridge - locally known as the Squiggly bridge. A short distance further, pass three bridges in quick succession - two busy road bridges and the wide mainline rail bridge between. Next is the attractive South Portland St Suspension Bridge. Continue until the cycleway reaches the oldest of the Clyde bridges, Victoria Bridge. It is necessary to cross the busy A8 here to continue along the Clyde beyond. Next is the City Union Railway Bridge before reaching another busy road, Saltmarket, and Albert Bridge. Cross Saltmarket and continue on the path opposite into Glasgow Green, a beautiful park with a rich history, being the scene of many left-wing protests. Keep right at the fork to stay on the path nearest to the Clyde.

Stage 4

The building with the huge glasshouse over to the left is the Winter Gardens (sadly closed since 2018) attached to the People's Palace, a museum dedicated to how Glaswegians have lived over the centuries and well worth a visit; to the right of these is the spectacular neo-Gothic facade of the Templeton Building - once a carpet factory and modelled on the Doge's Palace in Venice. Continue along the riverside cycleway, passing St Andrew's Suspension Bridge. The cycle track passes several boat buildings and a rowing club, and canoeists can often be seen out on the river on the next section.

Stage 5

The route continues through more attractive parkland, passing under King's Bridge. Eventually the cycleway leads under a footbridge, and then another road (A728) bridge further on. The parkland is left behind as the surroundings become more industrial, often with alot of construction going on. Pass a modern arched bridge; beyond this there is a long stretch where the route runs alongside a high wall. After rounding a wide meander the walkway leads under a rail bridge, and then under the red ironwork of the A740 bridge. The next section passes an area which was greatly regenerated as part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. There are views towards Celtic Park - the home of Glasgow's Celtic Football Club.

Stage 6

Industry is then left behind for a time as the banks of the Clyde become more wooded, with nature putting in an appearance. Eventually the route passes under the new motorway extension. Half a kilometre further on pass under two more bridges in very quick succession; beyond these the route curves left up a ramp to the left to join a new section of cyclepath at a higher level; turn right along this. Continue past another old bridge but turn right and cross the footbridge just beyond it. On the far side the Clyde Walkway continues with a left turn to continue up the opposite bank, but this is the end of the first stage. Cambuslang Rail station is a short distance up the main road ahead.

Next stage: Cambuslang to Strathclyde Loch

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