The Best Day Hiking Spots Near Glasgow
Sometimes being stuck in the city can be a little bit frustrating. Getting away from the hustle and bustle, the traffic and the high-rise buildings can be a little difficult, especially if you’re not sure where to go, but Glasgow is close to some of Scotland’s best hiking spots. So time to get your boots and rain-jacket out for a nice, wild hike at these best day hiking spots near Glasgow!
Cathkin Braes
The Cathkin Braes Country Park is one of the best hiking spots in Scotland, and where you’ll find the highest point in Glasgow at 200m above sea level. Perfect as a relatively easy day hike that’s really quick to get to, the 200 Hectare park has incredible panoramic views that look right across the city and sometimes even to the mountain peaks beyond (if you get a really clear day). There’s a whole network of paths throughout the park, so there’s not even any need to take your compass and hiking boots with you.
Pollok Country Park
This is another nice, easy hike for the days where you just want to get outdoors. The stunning park has a number of different spots worth checking out, from Pollok Castle to some of the well-kept gardens. It’s got some lovely walking and running pathways to take all of the hard work out of your hike, and it’s close enough to the city centre to be an easy day trip with no stress (and no 6am start!).
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Ben Lomond
This is a slightly more challenging route, and one of the most popular Munros and best hikes in Scotland. The hike to the top, whether you take the well-made, clear path or the alternative rougher route, rewards you with views that stretch across Loch Lomond into the hills of the north. The hike takes you through a variety of landscapes, and the walk is so popular that you’re unlikely to be alone when you reach the summit. Just ensure you’re dressed in appropriate hiking gear, including warm clothing and sturdy boots, and ensure that someone knows where you are if you decide to tackle it solo.
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The Whangie
The Whangie is one of the best hiking spots near Glasgow. Similar to Ben Lomond, this is a hike which is characterised by its views across Loch Lomond and the Highlands. It’s slightly easier, however, than the Munro. You follow a well-made path for your entire journey and find yourself at one of Scotland’s most unusual and impressive rock formations. The Whangie is actually one the best climbing spots in the country, and is such a popular hiking spot because the route takes you between two impressive walls over 50 feet high. Just ensure you have decent walking boots, because the path can get a bit boggy in different areas.
Beinn Chabhair
This rocky peak is 933 metres above sea level and offers impressive views of Loch Long from its jagged top. The terrain is a mixture of stony and eroded sections, boggy landscape, and rocky bumps. As the peak is quite jagged and high, this hike isn’t for beginners but should be tackled by people who have a reasonable amount of hiking experience. It’s named as one of the best hikes, however, because the path not only offers view over the loch but out to the east towards the Trossachs as well. This is one of the best hiking spots near Glasgow!
Beinn Narnain and Ben Ime
This is another difficult hike with some extremely rewarding views but a reasonably tough walk to reach them. It’s part of the Arrochar Alps, known for being steep, rugged and rocky and peaking at the top of Ben Ime. The views include the nearby Cobbler and stretch far into the distance. Beinn Narnain offers the toughest part of this climb, with an eroded path and some light scrambling, so ensure you don’t tackle this walk alone and that you know what you are doing and have the right clothing and equipment.
Carleatheran and Stronend
Despite being a slightly boggy walk, and worth saving for a day where the weather is at its best, this hike leaves you with great views over Flanders Moss and to the mountains beyond. A large cairn marks the highest point of Carleatheran where you’ll find an ancient burial chamber and the summit of Stronend is also marked by a traditional cairn. If you pick a clear enough day, you’ll find yourself looking across to see the peaks of Ben Ledi, Ben Vorlich and Stuc a’ Chroin. This is an out-and-back route, so you retrace your steps to finish the hike.
Duncolm and the Slacks
The peak of Duncolm marks the highest point of the Kilpatrick Hills, and is a relatively popular hiking route. Despite being partly or tarmac lane and well-made pathways, there are boggy and grassy sections to watch out for. Returning via the Slacks will reward you with some incredible views over Glasgow and Erskine Bridge that are worth the trip alone, and the peak of Duncolm has sights that stretch across Loch Lomond and its islands and of Burncrooks Reservoir out to the east. This is one of the best day hiking spots near Glasgow!
