A half-day cycling itinerary around Glasgow's canals

Before you set off it's important to become familiar with regulations and common practice around cycling in the city. Here are some quick tips:

• Keep left when passing other cyclists in shared spaces

• Ringing your bell is not a demand for people to get out your way, it's to alert them of your presence

• Light waterproofs are always useful to have in your bag as the weather can change suddenly

• Stop at zebra crossings for pedestrians on cycle lanes

• Be careful around bus stops - many bus stops are surrounded by road and cycle paths on either side. Those rushing for buses or with vision impairments may step in front of your path, and adverts can also block your view

• VOI eBikes are a great way of getting around and over the city's hills - you can also check each bike in and out as often as you wish, as long as you return it to a designated parking spot

• If you’ve not ridden a bicycle around a busy city for a while and need a confidence boost under the careful guidance of a qualified cycle trainer, then Bike for Good offer one-to-one lessons. These can be tailored to your preferred type of riding - on road or along the network of dedicated cycle lanes. Bike for Good can provide bikes, helmets and hi-viz for all lessons at no extra cost

• Bike for Good can also offer short term, and multi-day hire of eBikes and eCargo bikes, meaning you can explore further without the extra effort on two wheels

Scotland is home to 1,643 miles of the National Cycle Network. This is maintained by Walk Wheel and Cycle Trust, and you can find local routes on their website.

There is also a guide to cycling in Scotland - including local regulations, events and nationwide routes - at Visit Scotland.

One of Glasgow's most unexpected landmarks, the Sighthill Stone Circle is the first astronomically aligned stone circle built in the UK for almost 3,000 years. Completed in 1979, the monument was carefully designed to mark the movements of the sun, moon and stars, bringing together ancient traditions with modern engineering. Sitting on a hill overlooking the city, it's a peaceful place to pause and take in panoramic views across Glasgow whilst reflecting on the city's fascinating blend of history, science and culture.

Keep an eye out for one of the canal's more curious sights – an old narrowboat that has become something of a local landmark. Moored beside the towpath at Speirs Wharf for many years, it offers a reminder of the Forth & Clyde Canal's industrial past, when boats like these carried coal, iron and other goods across central Scotland. Today, it makes a great photo stop and adds a little character to this quiet stretch of the waterway.

If you're looking for a well-earned coffee or bite to eat, Gathering Ground is one of the best places to stop along the canal. This welcoming community café is run as a Community Interest Company (CIC), serving locally sourced food and excellent coffee while hosting regular events, workshops and activities that bring local people together. With outdoor seating overlooking the canal, it's the perfect place to recharge before continuing your ride. You can easily spend a few hours here, so plan to get there around lunchtime. Preview the menu and find upcoming events at Gathering Ground.

Just a short distance from the canal sits the National Theatre of Scotland. Rather than operating from a single theatre building the company performs in venues and communities across the country - creating productions that have earned international acclaim. Its headquarters beside the canal are a reminder of the creative industries that have flourished in this part of Glasgow, where former industrial spaces have found exciting new life. Both the National Theatre of Scotland and Scottish Opera perform pop-up shows along the canal during the summer. You can view upcoming events at National Theatre of Scotland.

Once a bonded warehouse used to store whisky, The Whisky Bond has been transformed into one of Glasgow's leading creative hubs. Home to artists, designers, charities and cultural organisations, the striking canal-side building perfectly reflects the area's regeneration. Its colourful exterior and bustling creative community make it an interesting stop as you cycle through the north of the city. Learn more at the Whisky Bond.

It's hard to believe you're just minutes from Glasgow city centre when riding through Hamiltonhill Claypits. Once an industrial landscape serving the canal, this area has naturally evolved into Glasgow's first inner-city Local Nature Reserve. Boardwalks and winding paths take visitors through woodlands, wildflower meadows and wetlands that are home to birds, dragonflies and even roe deer. It's a wonderful example of nature reclaiming former industrial land.

Football fans won't want to miss Firhill Stadium, home of Partick Thistle Football Club since 1909. Sitting just above the canal, it's one of Scotland's most recognisable football grounds and offers a glimpse into the city's sporting heritage. If you're passing on a match day, expect a lively atmosphere as supporters make their way to cheer on the famous Jags. Find out upcoming fixtures and events at Partick Thistle FC.

One of the newest and most eye-catching additions to the canal is the Stockingfield Dragon. Inspired by local folklore and created as part of the area's regeneration, this striking public artwork celebrates the stories, history and imagination of the surrounding communities. It's become a popular landmark for walkers and cyclists and is a great reminder that Glasgow's canals are now as much about art and community as they are about engineering.

Maryhill Locks are one of the engineering highlights of the Forth & Clyde Canal, lifting boats through a series of historic stone locks that have served the waterway for over 200 years.

As you watch boats navigate the locks, fans of the classic Scottish sitcom Still Game may also recognise the nearby tower blocks known as "Osprey Heights"—the fictional home of Jack and Victor. It's a fun cultural landmark that has become almost as iconic as the canal itself, making this one of the most memorable stops along the route.

If you want to pair your cycling trip with on-water adventures, Pinkston Watersports lies between Sighthill Stone Circle and Speirs Wharf. They offer kayaking, white-water kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding - as well as a range of family friendly activities. Book ahead at Pinkston Watersports.

Ocho is a restaurant on Speirs Wharf known for their brunch and lunch menus. If you opt to do this route the other way round you can drop your bike off nearby and enjoy one of their excellent cocktails. They also have a spa next door with a variety of treatments. Read their menu at Ocho.

The bascule bridge at Applecross Basin is another monument to Glasgow's industrial history. A designated landmark, the bridge opens to allow canal boats to pass.

Try out archery at Braveheart Archery - another CIC that offers sessions for newbies and experienced archers alike. They also run crossbow classes. More info at Braveheart Archery.

Dawsholm Park is just beyond the end of this route. It's a great spot to relax, enjoy a picnic or see their herd of Highland cows.

Learn more about what's on offer in the area with our guide to north Glasgow. Alternatively, most attractions in the west end are only a short cycle away from Maryhill.

Bike for Good offer cycling lessons and group rides across the city. These group rides are free, and both locals and visitors to the city are welcome to join. This is a great way to build confidence cycling around Glasgow and meet like-minded people. You can book your ride in advance at Bike for Good.

Last updated: July 2026