The Essential Glasgow Bike and E Bike Tour
Duration: 3 hour
Distance: 13 miles/22km
Difficulty level: This is a technically easy route but with some hills to tackle. Those in doubt should consider the use of an E Bike.
Start Times Summer: 09:30 & 14:30
Start Times Winter: 10:30
Join me on a journey through a city born out of the 6th century. Travel through its historic and folkloric past to its vibrant and modern present.
By using, arguably, Scotlands finest invention, the pedal bicycle, we can start in the centre and ride to the farther reaches of Scotlands largest city. Utilising its excellent network of bike lanes, river paths and quiet roads.
We will begin at the worlds third oldest subway station before the short hop to some famous street art of a national hero. Joining the relaxing River Clyde cycle lanes we can pay tribute to its global shipbuilding notoriety which helped turn Glasgow into “The Second City of the Empire.”
Reaching the West End we can visit one of the worlds oldest and most beautiful centres of learning at Glasgow University and the splendid Kelvingrove Museum & Park.
Diving into the hidden, leafy paths below the city we will follow the River Kelvin north before joining the Forth & Clyde Canal to enjoy beautiful views from high above its famous tenement buildings.
This will lead us towards the origins of the city around The Royal Infirmary, Glasgow Cathedral and its Necropolis, on the site that the city was founded in 550AD. Finishing off with a pedal to The Peoples Palace and Glasgow Green before completing our loop.
We will discuss ancient folklore, local heroes, triumphs, tragedies, art, sport, invention and science. Getting to know each other as well as the city and country that surrounds us.
Highlights include: St Enoch Square, Billy Connolly Mural, Finnieston Crane, The Armadillo, The Glen Lee Tall Ship, Glasgow University, Kelvingrove Museum & Park, The Forth & Clyde Canal, The Royal Infirmary, Glasgow Cathedral, The Necropolis, The Peoples Palace, Glasgow Green.
You will be provided with a well equipped, experienced, qualified guide (myself, Stuart), the bike of your choice, either E Bike or standard and in the size that is most comfortable to you. Helmets will also be provided for your added safety.
-
Size specific Standard bicycle or E Bike.
Helmet
Qualified, experienced and well equipped guide (Myself, Stuart)
-
Check the forecast and bring a jacket. Reusable water bottle, bottle cages provided on all bikes. I would suggest flat soled shoes.
-
All participants should be able to pedal, turn and stop a bicycle comfortably. Failure to show that you are able to do the basics of cycling may result in your experience being ended for your safety and the safety of others.
Meeting Point:
South end of St Enoch Square, between the subway entrance/exit and the River Clyde. I will be there to meet you with the bicycles.
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
-
I have curated the route to be as easy as it can be, but Glasgow is a city built on a few hills. There will be some inclines to tackle but if you are in any doubt, you can choose an E Bike and forgo any challenges. Our pace will always be relaxed and in 6 years I have never left anyone behind! Cycling is relative, if you would like my advice, get in touch.
-
Glasgow has a myriad of well signed and separated bicycle lanes which keep us out of traffic. To get to the best parts of the city we will use these the vast majority of the time and only link the lanes up with quiet stretches of road. My overriding priority at every moment of our tour is the safety of my guests and the route we take emphasises this.
-
Our start point is next to St Enoch Subway Station which has luggage storage for £5 a day, there is also storage at Central Station and Queen Street Station. Please allow time to sort this out before your tour start.
-
Children under the age of 13 are not permitted on the scheduled tours but can be booked as private tours. If the child is confident at cycling then they are absolutely welcome on a private tour and the logistics can be discussed before hand. E Bikes are for 14 years and over by law.
-
Absolutely! Just let me know in advance so I don’t arrive with a bicycle for you.
-
A question I have been asked more times that any other! Simply put, sometimes I know and sometimes I don’t. Glasgow has been built up over 1600 years so feel free to ask the age of any wall you see and I will try my best!