The largest city in Scotland and with all the draws and attractions to prove it, there are few better places than Glasgow to call in at for an action-packed long weekend. Boasting world class museums and galleries, beautiful botanic gardens, renowned theatres and bustling nightlife, there really is something to suit every kind of tourist both in and around town.
But what you’ll find at the centre of the city is only half of Glasgow’s story. Sprawling across both sides of the River Clyde and sitting in the shadow of rolling green peaks, Glasgow’s location within Scotland makes it a gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Europe. From glistening lochs to snow-capped mountains and lush forests, the city is an excellent base if you’d like to mix up your urban exploration with some time in the great outdoors.
One of the more visited spots within Glasgow’s orbit is Loch Lomond, as well as The Trossachs National Park which surrounds it. If this is an area you’d love to find your feet in, here’s just a snapshot of what you can experience all within a suitable day trip’s distance from Glasgow city centre.
Milngavie
17 minutes’ drive from Central Glasgow
Winding its way through 96 miles of rugged Scottish wilderness, the West Highland Way is one of the UK’s best loved hiking routes. Though a serious undertaking to complete in full, the start of this spectacular trail begins in the town of Milngavie on the very northern outskirts of Glasgow and is perfect if you’re looking to take to these wild landscapes by foot for a day or two.
Heading out of the town, you’ll first explore Mugdock Country Park with its lakes and ruined 14th century castle. You’ll then head through charming green countryside until you reach the quintessentially Scottish village of Drymen, with plenty of cosy pubs and inns to rest your feet in. Should you wish to plough on, the route then joins the eastern edge of Loch Lomond at pretty Balmaha and tracks along the waterfront for its full length, with stunning views out over the loch and up at the peak of Ben Lomond as you go.
Balloch
31 minutes’ drive from Central Glasgow
As one of the more rugged and untouched corners of Britain, it’s no surprise that Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is home to an abundance of fascinating wildlife. And while you should spot plenty of these incredible creatures on your walks in the area, you can guarantee a brush with some beautiful beasts with a visit to the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre.
Set close to the water’s edge in the town of Balloch, this fantastic family attraction is home to 26 different species of birds of prey and owls, including all five owl species that can be found on the island of Great Britain. Add to that eagles, falcons, hawks and kestrels, and it’s easy to see why the centre can be such an inspiring and eye-opening experience for all ages. With a focus on conservation and education, you can see these beautiful birds in action while learning more about what we can all do to protect their habitats.
Balloch
36 minutes’ drive from Central Glasgow
Sitting in a commanding position above the shores of Lomond, the charming Balloch Castle and its pleasant grounds are an excellent way to take in the region’s epic landscapes at a gentler pace. Covering 200 acres of walled gardens and nature trails, there’s plenty to unearth as you make your way around the winding paths that crisscross the site.
Originally built in the early 19th century at the order of John Buchanan, a partner in the Glasgow Ship Bank, the castle itself lies derelict but is still a marvel to look at from afar. Meanwhile, the sprawling grounds are home to a wonderful variety of plant life, from rare trees to colourful wildflower meadows. And if the sun makes an appearance, the park’s many lawns are the perfect spot to settle down on and enjoy a picnic.
Duchray
42 minutes’ drive from Central Glasgow
Spanning 50,000 acres across the eastern edges of Loch Lomond, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is one of the most spectacular and uninterrupted stretches of woodland in all of Scotland. Beyond the trees, the vast network of trails here takes in everything from waterfronts to moorland and even mountainous landscapes – each with panoramic vistas aplenty.
Beginning at the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, you’ll get up close with a whole host of wildlife via live CCTV viewing, including species such as osprey, buzzards, red squirrels, badgers and deer. From there, you can hire a bike and head out along Britain’s largest off-road cycle network, with route options that are suitable for all ages and abilities. For other ways to mix up your time in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, there’s even the option of pony trekking and a GoApe! high ropes adventure course.
Balloch
30 minutes’ drive from Central Glasgow
If you’re looking to experience Loch Lomond in full, what better way to do so than to take to the water yourself? Sweeney’s Cruise Co are a well established cruise operator that run from the harbour at Balloch, offering daily trips along the sprawling lake that allow you to take in the surrounding landscapes from a very different perspective.
Their Experience Cruise option lasts one hour and forms a circular route around Lomond’s south basin. Along the trip you’ll glimpse at the soaring peak of Ben Lomond, with various castles and country estates slowly revealing themselves at the foothills of the mountains along the way. Among the most interesting of these is Lennox Castle, which sheltered Robert the Bruce in the 14th century shortly before he was to become Scotland’s King. With services running every day, this is not to be missed if you find yourselves in Balloch.
