Glasgow to Balloch Loch Lomond

21 miles (34 km)

This ride takes you from the city of Glasgow to the village of Balloch in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The route runs for just over 20 miles, using a largely traffic free section of National Cycle Route 7. It's a fairly flat ride taking you along the Clyde River, the Forth and Clyde Canal and finally through the lovely scenery of the Vale of Leven. As such it's a great way to reach the shores of Loch Lomond using your steam.
The route starts near Argyle Street Station and the cathedral, on the River Clyde in Glasgow. From here you can pick up a riverside path called the Clyde Walkway which will take you west along the Clyde to Clydebank. The trail continues west along the Forth and Clyde Canal to Dumbarton where you turn north to follow a nice trail along the River Leven into Balloch.
To extend the ride you can continue along the signed NCN path through Balloch Castle Country Park to Caldarven Loch and Drymen.

Glasgow to Balloch Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Glasgow to Balloch Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Glasgow to Balloch OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Glasgow to Balloch Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

For a classic old pub in the city head to The Old Toll Bar in Kinning Park. This 19th century pub has a wonderfully restored interior with ornate wood panelling, antique photography, decorative mirrors and hand-painted stained glass windows. The place is very friendly and full of character and charm. You can find the pub on the southern side of the river in Kinning Park at 1 Paisley Rd West, with a postcode of G51 1LF for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

At the cathedral next to the river you could pick up the popular Glasgow Murals Trail which showcases the talent of local artists. The circular walk takes you to a number of huge murals.
At Balloch you can link up with the West Lomond Cycle Path which runs along the western side of the loch to the delightful Luss Village.