Top 5 places to cycle in Glasgow
1. The Velodrome
The Velodrome is probably Glasgow’s highest-profile sports venue with the upcoming Commonwealth Games in July 2014; There’s no denying the impressive with its glossy circuit and sloping sides. The 250-metre track was designed by Ralph Schuermann, a world renowned track designer, and can reach top speeds of approximately 75mph. It’s nothing but exhilarating and easier if you go faster.
2. Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails
The newest treat for Glasgow’s cyclists is the Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails, which opened in May 2013, and is the venue for the Commonwealth Games’ mountain biking. Overlooking Glasgow just south of the centre, the trails are free to use before and after the Games. It’s a mixed terrain course, with woodland, moorland and natural bedrock. Best of all, all levels can cycle it with experienced riders gaining a time advantage by their skill in tackling the trickier climbs and descents. The trail also links to local cycle routes and a dedicated cycle route from Glasgow’s centre to Cathkin Braes is being developed.
3. Pollock Park
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Hide AdOver in Pollok Park in Glasgow’s south side, the mountain bike trails are more approachable. A short green circuit is a welcome introduction to off-road cycling while the steeper Blue Circuit’s off-camber and rooty trails lets you test a few skills. The Red Circuit simulates the type of trails you might find when mountain biking and for city-dwelling riders, it’s a handy place to practise some moves. For flatter, pretty cycling, there’s Pollok Park proper, where you can cycle freely past the deer park, hay field, Pollok House and the Burrell Collection art gallery. The park’s western edge also forms part of the Nation Cycling Route.
4. Kelvin Walkway
One of the best urban cycle routes is along the Kelvin Walkway, by the banks of the River Kelvin, which meanders through Glasgow’s western neighbourhoods. A detour onto the Forth and Clyde Canal and across Queen Margaret Bridge leads back to the Kelvin Walkway for a scenic route through Kelvingrove Park past Kelvingrove Museum and onto the Clyde Walkway. Time permitting, you can cycle all the way to Glasgow Green in the eastern limits and beyond. In fact, you can cycle all the way to Edinburgh on a flat, easy route along the canal if you so wish.
5. Siempre Cafe
Siempre is Glasgow’s first cycling café, located in Partick, close to the southern end of end of Byers Road in the West End. They’re part of Glasgow’s growing cycling community and have created a space which does everything from fix and sell road bikes and cycle gear, serving local, organic food and organising no-wheel events such as wine tastings. They’re focused on making cycling accessible to everyone.
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