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Our picks: Glasgow walks by public transport

Tips for using Walkhighlands

Whether you are using the free Walkhighlands app that lets you download our detailed route descriptions and GPS mapping for use offline, or just using the website, when doing any walk search you can specify if you are looking for walks that are accessible by public transport – just tick the ‘advanced search’ box to bring up the option. You can search for walks in any specific area, but here are our ideas for 10 walks you can reach from Glasgow.

Walking using public transport in Scotland does take a bit more effort to plan your journey, but every route on Walkhighlands includes a link to Google Maps when opens at the start point of that walk. This is a great starter for finding the relevant public transport, as if you then press the ‘directions’ button you can get Google maps to suggest the relevant buses and trains you need to take. Another good resource is Travelline Scotland.

The Kelvin Walkway

Why

The Kelvin Walkway links the River Clyde (at the Riverside Museum) in the heart of the city to Milngavie, following the River Kelvin and later the Allander Water to reach the start point of the West Highland Way. It’s a real walk of two halves, with the first part following easy cycle paths, but once out into the countryside things become alot rougher with some muddy and rough sections.

How

The start is at the Riverside Museum on the Clyde, which has regular bus links to the city centre; the nearest rail station in Partick. The walk is linear – the return to Glasgow from Milngavie can be made either by regular buses or trains.

Link

The Kelvin Walkway

The Magnificent 11

Why

This very varied circular route explores and links up the green spaces on the southern fringes of Glasgow; it includes the best views over the city from the Cathkin Braes. The route was devised and waymarked by Glasgow Ramblers and Glasgow Countryside Rangers.

How

Catch bus 4 / 4A or 6 to Linnpark Avenue, or train to Muirend which is around 1km from the start. Buses or trains can be used to approach many parts of the route.

Link

The Magnificent 11

The Cobbler

Why

The Cobbler – also known as Ben Arthur – has the most distinctive outline of any mountain in the Southern Highlands and makes a fantastic shorter hillwalk. On a fine summer’s day it’s as enjoyable an introduction to hillwalking as you’ll find.

How 

Train from Glasgow Queen Street to Arrochar / Tarbet, from where a link path leads to the start of the Cobbler walk. There’s also a bus link from Buchanan Street Station to Arrochar (en route to Oban).

Link

The Cobbler, from Arrochar

Castle Semple Loch

Why

This lovely waymarked walk begins along the shores of beautiful Castle Semple Loch. It then heads into the woods before climbing to a viewpoint with views over several lochs, before heading through the trees to reach the beautifully situated ruins of a collegiate church.

How

Lochwinnoch Station – served by trains from Glasgow Central – is around 1km from the start of the walk, linked by a cyclepath. Alternately take a train to Milliken Park (Johnstone) and a bus on to Lochwinnoch.

Link

Castle Semple Loch from Lochwinnoch

Falls of Clyde and New Lanark

Why

This 6km walk beside the Clyde from the World Heritage Site of New Lanark is a bona fide Scottish classic. Passing a powerful series of waterfalls as it passes up a beautiful wooded gorge before a more placid return route takes you through fields and woodland. The walk can be extended by following a waymarked additional route on the far side of the river. The route is also the final section of the Clyde Walk Way which finishes at the 4th waterfall, Bonnington Linn, although most walkers will then complete the loop described here to return to New Lanark.

How

Train from Glasgow Central to Lanark station, which is 1km from start (there’s also bus service but not Sundays). Local bus service links to New Lanark where the walk begins if you don’t want to walk between.

Link

The Falls of Clyde and New Lanark Classic

Dumgoyne and Earl’s Seat

Why

This is the classic outing in the Campsies – the distinctive wee steep peak of Dumgoyne is a popular local landmark. Combined with a moorland ramble to Earl’s Seat the route gives superb views and perhaps the possibility of a dram on return.

How

Bus from Buchanan bus station to Glengoyne Distillery at the start of the walk.

Link

Dumgoyne and Earl’s Seat

Balloch to Helensburgh by the Three Lochs Way

Why

The Three Lochs Way links Loch Lomond, Gare Loch and Loch Long; this is the first stage, which climbs an old coffin road from Balloch to give great views over Loch Lomond, before continuing to Helensburgh. Part of the route is shared with the John Muir Way.

How

Balloch and Helensburgh are both accessible by rail from Glasgow Queen Street. Bus links are also available.

Link

Balloch to Helensburgh by the Three Lochs Way

The Greenock Cut

Why

This classic circuit climbs over moorland, dotted with reservoirs, before heading along the Greenock Cut – a historic aqueduct which once kept the industries of Greenock supplied with water. The route gives stunning views over the Clyde estuary towards the Highlands.

How

The route is described on the link as circuit from the car park. The best way to do the walk by public transport is by taking a train to Drumfrochar Station from Glasgow Central. Head up Peat Road and Papermill Road to join the route described at the third stage.

Link

The Greenock Cut

Croy Hill and the Antonine Wall

Why

This interesting circular route takes in two Roman hill forts on the Antonine Wall, both good viewpoints, as well as the Forth and Clyde Canal.

How

Whilst our description starts the the car park at Auchinstarry Quarry, if using public transport it’s best to take a train to Croy and then walk through the village for under 1km to join the route description where the route crosses the B802 in Stage 4.

Link

Croy Hill and the Antonine Wall

Beinn Dubh and Glen Striddle horseshoe

Why

The horseshoe walk along the ridges of the hills above Glen Straddle make for a superb hillwalk from the ever popular village of Luss. The ascent up the grassy ridge is a delight and the views over Loch Lomond and towards the Arrochar Alps are exceptional.

How

Citylink buses from Buchanan Street Station stop at Luss.

Link

Beinn Dubh circuit

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You should always carry a backup means of navigation and not rely on a single phone, app or map. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is every walker's responsibility to check it and to navigate safely.