Glasgow city cycles and coffee stops
If you need a little boost or motivation to get out on your bike, there’s frankly nothing better than making a wee coffee stop on the way. However, rocking up to a cafe only to realise it’s closed or what they’re selling tastes closer to dirty water than your favourite bean drink can be rather disheartening.
Below we have gathered some lovely cycle routes around Glasgow with stellar coffee shops on the way. Not only do they serve up some tasty coffee (and cake!) but they are all near cycling infrastructure with cycle parking in close proximity.
There are hyper links to the routes on Plotaroute and the coffee shops so you can double check they are open before you venture off.
Central/East Glasgow
Glasgow Green to Cuningar Loop
Check out the route on Plotaroute HERE.
If you find yourself going for a ride in or near Merchant City you’re spoilt for choice for caffeine kicks and cycle routes. This route is a belter for the whole family. It’s almost completely traffic-free and with play parks for both kids and adults (we are talking a bouldering area and pump track in Cuningar Loop!) there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Either start at the McLennan Arch in Glasgow Green (best suited if you’re cycling up from the southside or if you’re arriving by train) or do the route in reverse and start at Cuningar Loop car park (best suited for those with younger kids who intend to arrive by car). The route description below starts at the McLennan Arch.
Navigation is easy on this route - simply follow the Clyde Walkway/NCN75 for about 6 km east. The route is pretty flat, so easy on little legs and those new to cycling. The only hill to overcome is when you pass underneath Dalmarnock Rd and the path climbs steeply for a tiny wee bit. Easy to walk up if needed. As you are cycling look out for grey herons which can often be seen on route.
If you can’t do stairs look out for the first path on your left as you pass under Dalmarnock Rd. This little path takes you into the housing estate and avoids the set of stairs closer to the footbridge. If you have no trouble with a few steps, continue along the Clyde till you see a footbridge. Right before the bridge, take the steps on your left (Cuningar Loop is signposted).
Look out for parked cars as you reach the top of the stairs. Follow this very quiet residential street for roughly 60 metres (in other words for a VERY short time) before turning right onto a small path just before the football pitch. Take the next right to cross over the footbridge to Cuningar Loop.
In Cuningar Loop it’s play time! Try the bouldering area or give the pump track a go - both popular with kids and adults alike. You can also walk up the observation tower for a nice lookout (please note the tower closes at 5pm). There’s also a nature playground with most activities built in wood.
Basically, there’s a tonne to do in Cuningar Loop and lots of wee paths to explore. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the area - particularly if you have kids with you. Well worth packing a picnic (potentially grabbing some tasty treats from the coffee shops we are about to tell you about!) and make sure to bring full water bottles so you don’t go thirsty.
Once everyone has had a fun time in Cuningar Loop, it’s time to cycle back to Glasgow Green. The route follows the same path back although you can do a different loop around Glasgow Green if you fancy. There’s a free water station near People’s Palace if you need to fill up your water bottles.
Please note that during the summer Glasgow Green is used for lots of events and not all paths will be accessible. That being said the NCN75 is usually kept accessible apart from a few days during TRNSMT where you’ll be diverted to the cycle path on the southern part of the Clyde. It looks like they’ve actually put up signage this year!
Coffee stops
Just slightly north of Glasgow Green lies Outlier, a trendy café with a menu that leaves your mouth watering. Outlier is packed on a Saturday or Sunday morning so if you intend to sit in brace yourself with a little patience. The vibe feels very hip and modern - we often don’t feel cool enough for the place but if you can ignore that feeling, you’re in for a treat! Their specialty roast coffees always hit the spot.
To get to Outlier from Glasgow Green, either walk up Turnbull Street, a one-way street (best if you have little kids with you) or cycle up Charlotte St or Lanark St and turn left to join the London Rd cycle path. Outlier serves many cyclists who park their bikes along the fence across the road.
Only a stone's throw away is Spitfire who have recently moved premises - a nice, big airy space. As Spitfire lies on High St it’s hard to avoid a little street cycling if you would like to reach the café. Alternatively, Spitfire is still an easy walking distance from Glasgow Green so you can simply push your bikes over if bigger roads are a no go for you. Staff are always friendly and the coffee is hard to beat. Cycle parking is a tad more limited with just a few lamp posts across the road. However, there’s plenty of seating outside, so you can keep your bike with you.
Either have your coffee in or walk back to Glasgow Green and enjoy your beverage as the kids are having fun on the playground near Turnbull St. If you’ve got older kids it’s worth heading further along to the playground near Templeton St. The slides here are MASSIVE.
Southside
Pollok Park is the best place to say hello to some highland coos!
Two Park Trail - a southside explorer
Check out the route on Plotaroute HERE.
We are totally biased as we are southside based, but when it comes to cycling and coffee shops the southside is definitely the best place to be. While the route follows cycling infrastructure for lots of the way, this route has some road sections so if you or your kids are feeling a little apprehensive about roads, a fun loop around Queens Park may be more enjoyable for you.
This route is set to start at our Hub in Govanhill, but you may want to start on Victoria Rd which has a train connection to Glasgow Central via Queen St Station. If you start at the Hub, cycle west along Dixon Rd till you reach Victoria Rd and take a left turn towards Queens Park.
As you enter the park, turn right and follow the outer circle around the park. As you pass the fitness area pedal a little harder to get up the very short but steep wee hill. As you get to the top take the left path stright ahead. Follow the path along past Camphill House, the football pitches and Camphill Bowling Club. Exit the park, crossing over Langside Avenue to join Tantallon Rd. While a fairly quiet road, make sure to look out for parked cars.
At the end of the road, take a right turn onto the short stretch of cycling infrastructure to cross White Cart Water. Then do another right turn to join Riverside Rd. Riverside Rd is another residential street which is usually pretty quiet.
At the T-junction take a right turn onto Corrour Rd - another residential street. At the end of Corrour Rd join Kilmarnock Rd briefly to turn right onto Auldshouse Rd. This stretch of road can be a bit busy, so feel free to simply walk your bike across. There’s no shame in doing so.
Follow Auldshouse Rd til you get to the first set of traffic lights. Here you turn right onto Riverford Rd. If you feel uncomfortable doing a right-hand turn as part of traffic, get off your bike and use the pedestrian crossing instead. On Riverford Rd you can join the on-road cycle lane.
Continue along Riverford Rd and take the first road on your left as you pass Lidl. Cycle along Riverbank St till you reach the T-junction. Join the small path across the road. Follow the path till you reach Pollokshaws Rd. It’s best to use the pedestrian crossing a little further up the road. Cross Pollokshaws Rd and join Pollok Avenue to enter Pollok Park.
At Shawmuir Lodge turn off the “main” road (it’s tiny and the speed limit is 10 mph!) and join White Cart Way instead. The path is closed past the Sawmill so you have to get off your bikes for a little bit to walk through the gardens - a perfect chance to browse, take in the lovely smells and enjoy a little gander.
The paths take you along to Pollok House where there’s a few steps to navigate your bike down. Take your time as some of the steps are on the larger size. There’s a café by Pollok House which is perfect for a wee stop. There’s plenty of seating outside, so you can bring your bike along. If you’re a coffee snob, there are better options near Queens Park, but for most people this café is a lovely restful place to stop.
Past Pollok House turn left to join Lochinch Rd. This road is fairly quiet, but narrow so please look out for cars as they may want to overtake you - most people are good at waiting patiently for a sensible place to pass - unfortunately, this is not the case for all so do take care.
At the end of the road cross Dumbreck Rd to join the cycle path across the road. Make sure to be in a low gear as the path quickly climbs up. It’s a gradual climb that brings out the puff in most people. Luckily it doesn't last for too long! As the path curves right take the path on your left (you can also choose to take the lane ahead - both will eventually lead to St Andrew’s Dr).
Follow the path for a bit before turning right to join Sherbrooke Gardens. As Sherbrooke Gardens/Dalziel Dr aren’t through-roads it’s a fairly quiet road to follow. Once the road meets St Andrew’s Dr at the corner of Maxwell Park (which you can certainly make a stop in if you fancy making it a three park adventure!) turn left to join the nice, smooth cycle path.
Follow the cycling infrastructure until it stops at Shields Rd. Turn right onto Shields Rd and then left onto McCulloch St. At Kenmure St turn right and then turn left to join Maxwell Rd. Continue along Maxwell Rd until you get to Pollokshaws Rd (look out for the many cars parked around here).
Use the pedestrian crossing to cross Pollokshaws Rd and join Victoria Rd cycle path back.
Coffee stops
If you’re southside-based you probably already know that there are a tonne of brilliant coffee shops around Queens Park. If you’re visiting or new to the area, let’s tell you about some of our favourites for a sneaky bean drink and ride.
On Victoria Road - better known as Vicky Rd among locals - there are a long array of fabulous coffee shops to take your fancy. At WOW some of our favourites include Short Long Black, Jeju and the newcomer to southside Zennor. Not only do they all serve up a fabulous cup of coffee, but their baked treats are also DELICIOUS!
Zennor is located just off Vicky road on Dixon Rd and its corner location means the outdoor seating enjoys a lovely slightly quieter, relaxing atmosphere. Perfect place to sit and stretch your legs after a good cycle. SLB doesn’t have any indoor seating, but is only a minute’s walk from Queens Park where it’s easy to find a nice patch of grass to lounge. Jeju is only open Friday to Sunday and with limited indoor seating you may find yourself taking your treats away.
If you’re happy to venture off Vicky Rd, other favourites are based on Pollokshaws Rd and include Burnfield Bakery, BAM Glasgow and Gusto & Relish. If it’s roasting and an ice cream takes your fancy instead, La Gelatessa is outstanding (please note you normally won’t find common flavours like chocolate and vanilla - the adventurous menu changes every week).
West End
Check out the route on Plotaroute HERE.
Fancy being a tourist in your own city for a day? Maybe you are a tourist visiting Glasgow. Either way this mostly traffic-free route takes in some of Glasgow West End’s highlights including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Kelvingrove Park and the Botanical Gardens. Depending on how many stops you make, it can either be a short ride or a full day adventure. The route is family-friendly.
The route starts at Partick train station - if you’re arriving from the southside, you can do it as part of a longer ride cycling up from Vicky Rd and joining the Clyde path or use the new Govan-Partick bridge. You can also rent a Nextbike which are available at Partick Station.
From Partick Station, cross Beith St and join the path on your left. Cycle along the path which is parallel to the Clydeside Expressway - not the most charming of sections but it doesn’t last long. One section is pretty narrow so be extra mindful of other cyclists and pedestrians. Ignore the first turn on your left (this takes you to Lidl) and instead continue along a little further before turning left onto Ferry Rd.
Ferry Rd is a quiet residential road - just be mindful of parked cars. Shortly before Ferry Rd turns left and becomes Benalder St join the cycling infrastructure on your right and continue along Old Dumbarton Rd.
Right before Kelvinhall turn left to continue on the cycling infrastructure on Bunhouse Rd. Make sure not to join the road here as it’s a one-way street in the opposite direction.
At the end of the road, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum comes into view on your right. Cross the road and continue along the path straight ahead. If you want to make a visit to the gallery and museum instead of taking the path ahead, simply follow the small road on the right leading up to the museum.
Continue on the path that loops around the museum. At the small junction, turn left to join the shared use path (do not join the road as it is a one-way street). Continue straight ahead to join one of Kelvingrove Park’s many paths. Keeping the skatepark on your left, continue along and pass the Cyprus Duck Pond also on your left. As you reach a small junction with a bridge leading across River Kelvin take the path closest to the river (you are not crossing the river here). If you’ve got kids with you, it’s worth making a stop at one of the playgrounds.
As the path forks take the path on your left leading to an underpass of Eldon St. Continue following the River Kelvin. By Kelvinbridge Subway cross the river (or make a wee detour to a lovely coffee shop, more on that below) and continue following Kelvin Walkway.
This stretch of the River Kelvin is lovely. The path is narrow in sections so please do take extra care around pedestrians and other cyclists.
Follow Kelvin Walkway for a while until you get to Ha’Penny Bridge House and footbridge. Leave Kelvin Walkway and cross the footbridge to join Ford Rd. Ford Rd climbs steeply up. Make sure to be in a low gear or simply walk and push your bike up.
At the T-junction turn left to enter the Botanical Gardens. While you are allowed to cycle here, many people are walking leisurely along paying more attention to the greenery than the path so please be extra cautious. You may want to join them and walk your bike instead. In the Botanical Gardens it’s well worth making a wee stop visiting the greenhouses checking out the many exotic plants.
Exit the Botanical Gardens at Queen Margaret Dr and cross the bridge over the River Kelvin. To join back on the Kelvin Walkway take a right turn onto Queen Margaret Rd and join the path on your right. It climbs steeply downwards and there are some small steps so it’s best to get off your bike and push it down. Alternatively, you can return along the route you came.
Follow the same route back or alternatively take a different loop around Kelvingrove Park if you fancy!
Coffee stops
Unsurprisingly, there’s not a lack of coffee shops in the leafy-green West End of Glasgow. Venture off on Byres Rd or Great Western Rd and find excellent coffee at 1841, Hinba, Papercup or Black Pine Coffee to name but a few.
However, if you want to stick to the route, you’re in luck - a couple of our faves are pretty much en route. Tucked away by a staircase up to Great Western Rd and Kelvinbridge Subway you find Kelvin Pocket. The quaint cafe gives relaxing vibes and is the perfect place to make a stop to either read a book or just rest the legs before continuing onwards. There’s no WiFi so it’s the perfect time to disconnect and just enjoy the delicious coffee that they serve (or grab a tasty treat too - we wouldn’t blame you!) Bike parking is straight ahead from the cafe at the Subway station.
Another fab option is the Uplands Roast. This coffee trailer sells lovely Vietnamese coffee and an indulgent hot chocolate. There’s plenty of outdoor seating to kick your legs up and enjoy a well deserved rest. If you do the route on a Saturday, make sure to check out the farmer’s market.
North Glasgow
Queen Street to Bishopbriggs via the canal path
Check out the route on Plotaroute HERE.
The canal path to Edinburgh is a joyous route meandering through the countryside taking with opportunities to make stops in towns and villages along the way. This route starts at Queen Street Station and finishes at Bishopbriggs Station making the route accessible to most. If you fancy a longer route either continue further along taking the train either in Lenzie, Croy or Falkirk – or continue all the way to Edinburgh if you’re feeling adventurous!
Exit Queen Street Station at Dundas St right by Buchanan St Subway Station. If you don’t fancy pushing your bike for a short stretch, take the stairs on your right and jump on your bike and turn left onto Cathedral St before turning right onto Buchanan St. Otherwise walk straight ahead with your bike turning right on Buchanan St. Once you’ve crossed Cathedral St jump on your bike and continue along Buchanan St (shortly after becoming Sauchiehall St).
At Cambridge St (right by the Costa) turn right and join the cycling infrastructure. Take the underpass under Cowcaddens Rd and turn left as you exit the underpass (Cowcaddens Subway Station will be on your left). Continue along the cycle path.
Shortly after the underpass of the M8 take the first path on your right passing Civic House on your left. From here the path zigzags steeply up to join the Forth and Clyde Canal. It’s totally normal to find yourself defeated by the hill. If you do, simply jump off your bike and walk the short stretch – fortunately, it doesn’t take long before you get to the water!
Follow the Forth and Clyde Canal for just short of 4 kilometres. At Stockingfield Bridge the canal splits in two. Cross Stockingfield Bridge to join Forth and Clyde Canal Towpath. Continue along the towpath for another 5 kilometres. The towpath is mostly flat with plenty of lush greenery around. Just watch out for other cyclists and walkers as you cycle leisurely along.
When you approach Bishopbriggs, look out for the Leisuredrome on the opposite side of the canal. Leave the towpath and turn right onto Balmuidy Rd. As you’ve crossed the canal take the path on your right. Further along the path can be a little muddy. Take the second path on your left after passing the play park. Exit the path by turning right onto the residential road Westfields and then right onto Stirling Dr. Alternatively, continue a little longer on Balmuidy Rd before turning right to join Stirling Dr.
Turn right to join Southesk Avenue. Take the shared use path on your right and cross Bishopbriggs burn. Shortly after turn left to continue cycling through Bishopbriggs Town Centre Park (you will have the football pitch on your right).
Exit the park at Kenmure Drive and turn right onto Kenmure Avenue. Continue straight through the traffic light and finish your ride at Bishopbriggs Station.
Coffee stops
Compared to some of the other routes, there are fewer coffee stops on this route, but that doesn’t mean you’re missing out! Parveen’s at Civic House has been serving up mouth-watering Pakistani food and tasty coffee - an absolute gem in this part of town. Unfortunately, they are soon moving premises, but we suspect those who dare filling the shoes of Parveen’s are bound to be great too! Watch this space.
An honourable mention is the lovely stop along the route, Lambhill Stables Cafe and Kitchen, a favourite among cyclists. While they only serve up filter coffee (so not ideal for those who prefer a milkier coffee) they have a bike hub onsite, so if you run into any mechanicals on your journey this is a great place to make a stop. With plenty of seating outside, it’s an ideal stop to rest your legs and watch the world go by.
