Glasgow's north

Explore the Forth and Clyde Canal

Enjoy the beauty of the countryside in the middle of the city. Take in the iconic and historic waterway, the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Walk or cycle along Speirs Wharf, where Georgian warehouses and cobbled streets tell stories of Glasgow’s industrial past. It's a peaceful spot for city views, spot wildlife, relax at canalside cafés and take in the houseboats and barges.

Crossing the Forth and Clyde Canal is the award-winning Stockingfield Bridge. The bridge not only reconnects three communities for the first time since 1790, but it is also known for its design, surrounding public artworks, green space, and events. It is also an active travel network for cyclists linking up Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Must-see spots:

• Hamiltonhill Claypits Nature Reserve: Glasgow’s first inner city nature reserve, home to wildlife, boardwalks and city views.

• Lambhill Stables: A creative community space with gardens and heritage displays.

• Old Basin House: A peaceful rest stop by the canal.

Visit Scottish Canals to discover the great range of things to do in this area.

• Firhill Stadium: Home to Partick Thistle Football Club, known for its lively matches and mascot Kingsley. Book tickets at Partick Thistle FC.

• Ruchill Free Church Halls: A lesser-known Mackintosh building from 1899, open to visitors. Details at CRM Society.

• Possil High Meteorite: On your walk, look for the plaque marking the site of Scotland’s earliest recorded meteorite fall in 1804. The largest surviving fragment is in the Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow.

• Ocho: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying something from their brunch, lunch or cocktail menu. Visit Ocho to book a table.

• Café D'Jaconelli: Established in the 1920s, step into a classic ice cream parlour with 1950s style and music. Visit Café D'Jaconelli's Facebook page for more info.

• Gathering Ground: A community café serving homemade food, coffee and cakes. They’re also dog-friendly and sell eco-friendly products, gifts, and bags. Visit Gathering Ground for more information.

North Glasgow is full of wildlife and places to unwind.

• Hamilton Claypits Local Nature Reserve: Glasgow’s first inner city nature reserve. Spot birds, explore the boardwalk, and enjoy panoramic views. On clear days, you can see the Isle of Arran. Visit Hamilton Claypits to learn more.

• Possil Marsh and Loch: One of the oldest nature reserves in Scotland. Walk the circular route, home to rare plants and over 150 bird species. It's also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Find out more at Scottish Wildlife Trust.

• Ruchill Park: One of highest spots in Glasgow, with the city’s best viewpoints.

• Lambhill Stables: Built around the early 1800s when pulling goods was via horse, the stables have been transformed. Discover gardens and heritage displays in a creative community space. Visit Lambhill Stables to find out more.

Creative spaces thrive in former factories and warehouses in the north. They're home to communities of creators, designers, makers, and artists. They often host a mix of events and exhibitions.

• The Whisky Bond: Once a whisky bonding warehouse for Highland distilleries. Now it houses many creative spaces like the Alasdair Gray archive and Glasgow Sculpture Studio. Visit The Whisky Bond for more information.

• The Glue Factory: An independent arts venue and workspace. The venue is used for weddings too.

• National Theatre of Scotland and Scottish Opera: Both have rehearsal spaces in the north and host pop-up shows along the canal.