Winter Walks in Glasgow | Parks, Murals, Fairy Lights and Seasonal Charm

The grand entrance gates of Kelvingrove Park on a frosty winter day, with the University of Glasgow's main building visible through the bare trees in the background. — Kelvingrove Park gates with the University of Glasgow in the background.

Is there anything better than a walk on a sunny and crisp winter's day? Take in some nature or explore the city’s cultural side with 5 of the best walks this season.

1. A winter wonderland in the west end

Take a winter's stroll around one of the city's most popular parks, Kelvingrove Park. Enjoy lovely scenes under the shadow of the grand University of Glasgow and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Or walk up the hill to Park Circus for a great view of the city.

A cyclist in a yellow jacket rides along a snow-covered path lined with bare trees in Kelvingrove Park. — Kelvingrove Park

2. A gem of an attraction set within a large city park

Bellahouston Park is a great place for a winter walk, with plenty of scenic paths and beautiful views.

And when you need to warm up, the Art Lover's Café offers the perfect spot for a cosy drink. The café is found within the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed House for an Art Lover.

Visit House for an Art Lover to view their menus and find out more about their seasonal events, which include festive piano recitals, fayres, and more.

A close-up shot of a stone carving from Charles Rennie Macintosh's House for an Art Lover. Featuring two cloaked figures, with wheat stalks and other decorative elements. It's centered on a light-colored building between two windows. — House for an Art Lover

3. Sparkling lanes on winter evenings

Take a wander around the quirky cobbled lanes in the city's west end, such as The Hidden Lane, Ruthven Lane and Cresswell Lane. You'll find a great range of independent shops and studios, where you can pick up original products.

Finish your walk at the famous Ashton Lane, where you can enjoy outdoor dining and drinks under a canopy of fairy lights. Visit our west end neighbourhood page to start planning your trip.

Twinkling fairy lights illuminate Ashton Lane, a charming cobblestone street lined with brick buildings, pubs, and restaurants in Glasgow at dusk. — Ashton Lane

4. An artistic walk by city centre murals

Experience a burst of colour with every step of your winter walk on the City Centre Mural Trail. Glasgow artists have brought buildings to life with vibrant pieces of public street art. It’s a fun way to explore the city and there are plenty of cafes to pop into along the way.

Make sure you look out for national treasure Billy Connolly and St Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint, on your travels. Find out more on our city centre mural trail page.

A low-angle shot captures a large mural of St Mungo in a red beanie and beige coat, with a robin perched on his finger. Another bird flies above his head. — St Mungo Mural

5. The best sparkling lights of the season

The winter months see the city centre transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland. To take in some of the best displays, start in the heart of the city in George Square, before heading towards Buchanan Street and then down to St Enoch Square. Find out more about the lighting trail at Glasgow Life.