Best walks near Glasgow by train

Polmont Station to Linlithgow Station (Stirlingshire)

15m direct from Glasgow Queen Street.

The highlight of the route is the spectacular Avon Aqueduct. A simple, direct and easy-to-follow walk mostly along the Union Canal towpath, with an uphill section from Polmont at the start and a downhill section into Linlithgow. Good surfaces with no road sections and though the towpath is narrow in places and there are stepped sections in Linlithgow. Follows the Union Canal towpath. Linlithgow has plenty of history to explore.

Easy: 10km, moderate ascents.

The towpath is narrow in places. Stepped sections in Linlithgow may present problems for some, though alternatives exist.

End-of-walk reward: the Granary.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Dumbarton Central Station to Kilpatrick Station (Dunbartonshire)

30m direct from Glasgow Queen Street.

excellent views of Bowling Harbour and the Clyde. A very straightforward, level walk following a national cycle route, almost entirely on good surfaces alongside the canal and River Clyde. It includes a beautifully landscaped elevated walk/cycleway over Bowling, tree-shaded cuttings and a section running alongside the railway and ending through suburban streets and a park. Follows a national cycle route, largely free of steps. There is a replica Roman distance stone marking one end of the Antonine Wall near Old Kilpatrick.

8km.

Lunch: Shops and a cafe under the old railway arches at Bowling, plus services accessible from the cycle track about halfway along.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Stevenston Station to Kilwinning Station (Ayrshire)

30m direct from Glasgow Central.

Quiet roads and a section of path through a sports club and with a little main-road and housing-edge walking. Dubbs Road (part of the Ayrshire Coastal Path) is closed to motor traffic and pleasant to walk. Follows Dubbs Road, which is part of the Ayrshire Coastal Path. Buses run near the meeting point.

4km.

Crossing the busy B752 is straightforward as it is well positioned for pedestrians.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Gourock Station to Greenock Central Station (Renfrewshire)

30m direct from Glasgow Central.

all the coastal views were wonderful. A mostly gorgeous coastal walk along the off-road esplanade beside the Clyde Estuary, using an official cycle track from the station to avoid the first main-road section and railway steps. There are some stretches on the pavement of the main road and a more industrial section past the container terminal. Views across to Helensburgh.

6km.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Irvine Station to Kilmarnock Station (Ayrshire)

30m direct from Glasgow Central.

Predominantly flat and on good surfaces, following riverside paths along the River Irvine and Annick Water and then a long straight former-railway cycle track and a few kilometres of farmland. Makes good use of underpasses; well signed as cycle route 73. Follows National Cycle Route 73 and is suitable for cycling. The riverside is tucked away through trees and grassland and is rich in nature.

14km.

Building work near the river at the Irvine end means some areas are cordoned off; the riverside route itself is unaffected. Giant hogweed grows beside the path in places and should be avoided as it has a nasty sting.

Lunch stop: the Brae.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Troon Station to Prestwick Town Station (Ayrshire)

45m direct from Glasgow Central.

Views are tremendous. A scenic coastal walk along a wide promenade, then dune paths and tracks through two golf courses and with a final pavement section into Prestwick. Sandy beach and sea birds throughout; tremendous views. Dune paths may not suit cyclists or those with impaired mobility; the golf-course diversion is well surfaced. Great views of Ailsa Craig and Arran, with abundant sea birds and wildlife.

Easy: 6km, moderate ascents.

The dune path near Pow Burn may be closed at high tide due to erosion (a well-surfaced diversion runs through Royal Troon Golf Course). Take care at Dow's Burn: missing the bridge leaves you at an impassable wide burn mouth, so follow the recommended path and cross at the caravan park.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Wemyss Bay Station to Gourock Station (Renfrewshire)

45m direct from Glasgow Central.

Lovely views as you'd expect; It was gorgeous; a gorgeous walk of three fairly different thirds; a wonderful route; Excellent view, a variety of scenery. A gorgeous coastal walk of three contrasting thirds: a winding climb out of Wemyss Bay onto a picturesque, slightly muddy and stony lane with a lovely tree tunnel, then a wooded shore footpath past beaches and finally a long pavement stretch beside the A78 with beautiful firth views. Several flights of steps at Inverkip. An excellent bus service runs down the Clyde coast between Glasgow and Largs, allowing the route to be split. Dolphins are occasionally seen offshore; Bute, Arran, Dunoon and Cowal are visible. Facilities at Inverkip and Lunderston Bay.

Tough: steep ascents. 15km.

The way up through Inverkip is extremely steep in places with several flights of stone steps (a switchback road bypasses them). The final third runs along a wide pavement beside the busy A78. The farm track has several gates to negotiate.

Lunch: Several possible lunch stops in Inverkip, midway, plus toilets and facilities at Lunderston Bay.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Garelochhead Station to Helensburgh Central Station (Dunbartonshire)

45m direct from Glasgow Queen Street.

A hill route using much of the Three Lochs Way, with a steep initial climb through woods, then uphill above the Gare Loch with nice views. The long central section follows a paved road through a valley near overhead lines and before a footpath crosses a heather-covered hill and descends on quiet wide streets into Helensburgh. Follows the Three Lochs Way. Nice views over the Gare Loch and the river Clyde in good weather.

16km.

Crosses a Ministry of Defence firing-range danger zone; only available when there is no firing (check the Scotland firing times before setting off). A fence near the top is trickier to cross than a usual stile.

Lunch: Only the post office in Garelochhead for early-morning supplies; little en route.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Ardrossan Harbour Station to Saltcoats Station (Ayrshire)

45m direct from Glasgow Central.

views over the Clyde to Arran were stunning. A short, easy and straightforward route, the majority along the South Beach promenade and with wonderful sea views.

Easy: 2km, gentle ascents.

The route officially ends with stairs over the railway line at the Saltcoats end, though a nearby road crossing and ramp avoid them.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Curriehill Station to Edinburgh Waverley Station (Midlothian)

45m direct from Glasgow Queen Street.

A very green, quiet and largely traffic-free route, gently downhill towards Edinburgh for most of the way, with a good surface throughout. It follows the Water of Leith Walkway and then the Union Canal towpath and ending through the city's parks and streets. A few steepish slopes but no stairs; the river path can be muddy in places. Follows National Cycle Route 75 for most of its length and is part of the John Muir Way; the Colinton Tunnel is a highlight. Princes Street Gardens open at 7am and close at dusk.

Easy: 12km, flat terrain.

The Slateford Aqueduct has only a narrow, cobbled towpath with a drop, so take care and be patient when passing others.

Lunch: Cafes near the route at Juniper Green, though most open around 10am.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

West Kilbride Station to Ardrossan Harbour Station (Ayrshire)

1h direct from Glasgow Central.

Great route, outstanding views throughout. Tarmac and packed-earth paths through woodland and a glen, a short grassy stretch behind houses, a more challenging section through dunes and a multi-use path beside the A78. Finishes on streets down to the harbour. There are lovely views across to Arran, Goat Fell and Ailsa Craig; you can choose to walk on the beach to get further from the traffic.

8km.

The path through the dunes behind the holiday park is a little more challenging underfoot.

End-of-walk reward: the Moka.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Wemyss Bay Station to Largs Station (Renfrewshire)

1h from Glasgow Central, with one change.

wonderful views out across the Firth of Clyde to the islands and the Cowal Peninsula. Walks almost entirely on quiet tarmacked back lanes with verges and hedges full of wild flowers and well above the busy coast road. Easy going overall with a few quite steep uphill sections. Wemyss Bay has one of the most beautiful railway stations in the country.

Tough: steep ascents. 10km.

Lunch: No facilities along the way (other than a bus stop north of Skelmorlie Bridge); cafe and toilets at Wemyss Bay and plenty at Largs.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route