Pollok Park, Glasgow

Summary

Pollok Park, set on the south side of the city, is Glasgow's largest park, a green space for both nature and people. This walk explores the woods, riverside and lochans, with a chance to visit the spectacular (and free) Burrell Collection as well as Pollok House. Cafe, toilets, parking and excellent children's play area.

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Surfaced paths, some steps, cafe and toilets at Burrell Collection

Getting there

Start

Pollockshaws West train station.

Public Transport

Train to Pollokshaws West; alternatively First Buses 34,45 & 57 from city centre .

Start Grid Ref

NS559613

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.1km / 3.25 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 10m (Profile)

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Explorer 342 - Glasgow

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

WARNING

Pollok House is currently closed for renovations; it is expected to reopen late 2026.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

The walk begins by turning left out of Pollockshaws West train station, heading along Pollokshaws Road to reach the entrance to the park; there is a bus stop opposite. Turn left into the park, following the path beside the tarmac driveway, passing under the railway. Pass the gatehouse to the park and then bear left onto the surfaced riverside path alongside the White Cart Water. The route keeps left of the sports pitches. In the fields beyond there are sometimes Highland cows and Clydesdale horses. Keep ahead as the route joins a tarmac lane. Soon after this fork right to head into the formal gardens of Pollok House.

Stage 2

Pollok Park was once the private gardens and parkland belonging to the Maxwell family, before being gifted to Glasgow City Council in 1966. The formal gardens include a greenhouse, exhibition allotment, flower borders and herb garden. Keep ahead, passing left of a greenhouse, and through a brick archway. After this turn right ona path between box hedging, leading to and ascending steps at the end. At the top of the steps turn left. Note the wooden sculptures - part of 'Remember' - an art work that commemorates the support people gave each other during the Covid pandemic. Soon the path reaches the side of Pollok House from where you can head down to the left towards the river to view the front of this impressive William Adam designed house built in 1752.

Stage 3

Leave through the gateposts and turn right, following the surfaced road around the side of the house and then round to the back. Pollok House is owned by the National Trust and contains a large art collection, stately rooms and servants quarters as well as a cafe and shop. From the big path junction at the back of the house, turn sharp left to take the surfaced lane well to the left of the lime tree avenue, passing a vehicle barrier. The lane leads very pleasantly through the park, with further 'Remember' sculptures. Ignore several turns off to the left and the right.

Stage 4

After a little over a kilometre, look out for a series of small lochans or ponds over in the trees on the right. There's an informal path that leads to these - or you can continue briefly until a surfaced path turns off right, passing the left side of the pond. After leaving the water behind, turn sharp left along the wider surfaced path, with tall pine trees.

Stage 5

At a fork branch right, slightly uphill and then keep straight ahead at the next cross-paths junction. Keep ahead when another path joins from the right. Soon the the building housing the Burrell Collection comes into view ahead on the right beyond a grassy field. To reach it continue along the path down through the trees until a signposted junction - then turn right. The Burrel Collection is an eclectic mix of treasures from around the world amassed by Glasgow shipping magnate, Sir William Burrell. There is something for everyone amongst the exhibits, entrance is free and there is also a cafe and shop.

Stage 6

On leaving the Burrell building return to the junction with the signpost. Now take the left path, signed for Exit and Pollokshaws Road. Follow this path through the trees, going straight across at a driveway, to eventually rejoin the outward route, turning left to return past the gatehouse. Continue beside the lane to return to Pollockshaws Road where you turn right to reach the train station.

Route Profile

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