Autumn cycle rides in and near Glasgow
If you haven’t been out to admire the stunning sight that is autumn, now is your chance. Before long the leaves will have dropped (particularly if another storm decides to visit) and many trees will look barren for a while. But right now it’s glorious. Everywhere you look trees are glowing golden with orange, yellow and red leaves.
One of the best ways to enjoy autumn is by gliding through the golden forests and parks on a bike. And if you’re looking for inspiration of where to go for a ride, you’ve come to the right place.
Below we have gathered some lovely cycle routes around Glasgow. We have separated them into beginner and family-friendly rides, local adventures and longer rides so whatever your level, there is a route available. Click the hyperlinks to see the routes on Plotaroute. Please note some of the photos are taken outside autumn, so you’ll have to experience it for yourself to see how truly pretty they are at this time of year!
Beginner and Family-friendly Cycle Routes
Check out the route on Plotaroute HERE.
Rouken Glen Park is always beautiful, but even more so at this time of year. Jump on the train with your bikes and get off at Whitecraigs. Alternatively, there is plenty of parking near Rouken Glen Garden Centre.
Enjoy a lovely loop around the park past the playpark and pond. It’s well worth locking up your bikes for a period and walk along the trails by Auldhouse Burn.
Pack a picnic or grab a cuppa from The Boathouse. It’s the perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon with the kids.
Check out the route on Plotaroute HERE.
Hidden away behind the big ASDA in Toryglen, many don’t realise there’s a lovely woodland area here. Malls Mire offers easy trails that are great for both beginners and little legs. This route is set to start at Women On Wheels Hub, but you can also start by ASDA if that’s easier for you. Please note that the route inside the woodland is on fine gravel so it’s best suited for hybrid bikes. Make a stop by the pond where swans are often hanging out. It’s also worth exploring the bird cage which can be found inside the woodland.
There is also a pump track and playpark.
Check out the route on Plotaroute HERE.
If you’ve ever come along to Gravelfoyle PáircRide you’ll be familiar with the route. This is a waymarked 10km loop around the beautiful woods in Aberfoyle. It’s a fabulous day trip for the whole family. The first half includes some good wee hills that will challenge the kids (and adults too!) but there are plenty of opportunities to make stops to catch your breath and enjoy the lovely surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled and see if you can spot any red squirrels or other wildlife.
Bikes can be rented at Aberfoyle Bike Hire. Please note it’s closed on Tuesdays and advance booking is recommended.
Check out the route on Plotaroute HERE.
If you fancy a one-day holiday, a cycle trip to the Isle of Cumbrae (Millport) is the way to go! Simply jump on the train to Largs with your bikes and take the short ferry ride to Cumbrae. From here’s it’s an easy loop around the island. Pack plenty of snacks to keep everyone fuelled and happy throughout the day. Warm up with a hot chocolate at one of the local cafes. Be aware opening times are limited at this time of year, so make sure to check opening hours in advance. If in doubt simply pack a flask and lunch.
Local Cycle Routes
Southside Three Park Loop - 16.7km
Check out the route on Plotaroute HERE.
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the best of autumn when you’re based in Glasgow. This route takes in three of our favourite southside parks which are looking gloriously golden at the moment. The route starts at Queen’s Park Station, but feel free to join wherever works best for you and your location - it’s a loop so the exact starting point doesn’t really matter. However, we would recommend doing it in the direction suggested - if you don’t, you will have to cycle up the short but very steep stretch parallel to Langside Avenue in Queens Park. A section that is a lot more fun cycling down than cycling up! The route has a fair few road sections but most of the these are fairly quiet roads.
Make stops to collect a few conkers, say hi to the highland coos or warm up in one of the many cosy cafes in the area.
Southside to Kelvingrove via the Canals - 20.2km
Check out the route on Plotaroute HERE.
A lovely cycle along the Forth and Clyde Canal and the River Kelvin to Kelvingrove Park before returning to the southside. This route is set to start by Queens Park Station but Central Station and Queen Street Station are both along the route so you can easily join from anywhere in Glasgow. The route is mostly flat with a few inclines and declines here and there. Vast majority of the route is on cycle paths or shared use paths. The climb up to the Forth and Clyde Canal is short but fairly steep. As always there’s no shame if you have to get off your bike and walk it. Keep an eye out for the turn off from the Forth and Clyde Canal, it’s a small path that you can easily to miss. Use the locks to keep you right - the path is right by Maryhill Top Lock 25.
This route offers a bit of everything - buzzling city centre, peaceful cycling along the canal, gorgeous woodland paths along Kelvin Walkway and beautiful architecture and culture in Kelvingrove Park. Make a coffee stop at one of the many cafes in the West End or wrap up with a hot chocolate back in the southside.
Longer Rides
Glasgow to Loch Lomond - 36.6km
Check out the route on Plotaroute HERE.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are looking phenomenal in autumn, but did you know there’s a cycle route that takes you all the way to Loch Lomond from Glasgow? It’s mostly traffic-free, fairly flat and has train stops along the route, so you can break up the route into sections if you need to. This is a one-way route and the return route is either with train from Balloch or the same cycle back. We recommend setting off early so you can make plenty of stops and to ensure you have lots of time to explore the shores of Loch Lomond when you arrive. We love going for a walk around Balloch Castle Country Park - especially at this time of year.
Most independent cafes are slightly off route so we recommend bringing snacks to keep you fuelled throughout your cycle.
Glasgow - Kirkintilloch - Milngavie Loop - 40km
Check out the route on Plotaroute HERE.
This is a glorious route starting along the Forth and Clyde Canal path before following the cycle route from Kirkintilloch to Strathblane. From Strathblane to Milngavie you’re following the John Muir Way and West Highland Way. This last section is best suited for gravel bikes although you should be able to do it on a hybrid bike too. If you’re on a road bike you are better off following Old Mugdock Road into Milngavie.
This route is hilly in sections and there are periods where you are far away from a train station. We recommend you only give it a go if you are confident cycling the distance and you know how to fix a puncture. With all that said, it’s a beautiful route with views to the Campsies, lots of greenery and golden glory to enjoy and a proper breakaway from the hustle and bustle in Glasgow.
Check out the route on Plotaroute HERE.
This one is a BIGGIE but it’s so well worth it! Unless you are an experienced cyclist comfortable cycling long distances we do not recommend doing this in one day, instead break it up as a cycle tour over two or three days and make loads of stops to enjoy the sights along the way. Some sections are nice and flat while others are a good challenge - the climb out of Sannox to Lochranza is a particular killer! However, the sandwich bar in Lochranza is excellent and a fabulous place to rest your legs afterwards. Keep your eyes peeled on the beautiful landscape - which is looking extra glorious in autumn - as well as the water where you may spot a pod of dolphins if you’re lucky.
Isle of Arran is easy to get to on a bike. Simply get on the train from Glasgow to Ardrossan and jump on the ferry to Brodick. Please note that you most often have to book in advance as tickets book out quickly.
