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Kelvin Walkway

8.70 miles (14 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This walk follows the River Kelvin from Milngavie to the Glasgow Heliport on the River Clyde. The walk was created to form a 'green link' from the countryside to the parks, museums, galleries and historical/cultural landmarks in Glasgow. The walk runs through Kelvinside, Kelvingrove Park and Yorkhill with fine views of Glasgow University.
The walk links with the Forth and Clyde Canal at the Kelvin Aqueduct so you could enjoy a canalside stroll here too.
At the start of the route there are nice walks to be found around Milngavie Reservoir and Mugdock Country Park.

Kelvin Walkway OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Kelvin Walkway Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

At Dawsholm Park you'll pass Lock 27 where you'll find a nice canalside pub. There's an outdoor seating area right next to the water with lovely views. It's a great place to stop and relax during the summer months. The pub also has a good menu, a fine looking modern interior and is also dog friendly. You can find it right next to the canal in Anniesland at postcode G13 1JT. You could also leave the canal here and enjoy a stroll around the adjacent Dawsholm Park. The park covers an area of 81.5 acres, and consists mostly of woodland, with some grass and wildflower meadows in the southeast area of the park.
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 Glasgow cathedral next to the river you could pick up the popular Glasgow Murals Trail which showcases the talent of local artists. Many of the murals are large, wonderful creations covering an entire side of a building. It's an impressive sight and a must do attraction for lovers of art and walking.
Near Milngavie you could take a small detour east to visit the tranquil Bardowie Loch.
The Clyde Walkway is another great waterside option in the city centre. This will take you to Strathclyde Loch Country Park, Chatelherault Country Park and the photogenic ruins of the historic 13th century Bothwell Castle.
The epic West Highland Way starts in Milngavie. You could pick up the waymarked trail and follow it north to Craigallian Loch and Carbeth Loch on the Milngavie to Drymen Walk.

Photos

River Kelvin Walkway - geograph.org.uk - 1516176

Path beside the river near the Belmont Bridge.

Kelvin Walkway - geograph.org.uk - 888186

With the old North Woodside flint mill lade in the foreground.

Looking north along the Kelvin Walkway - geograph.org.uk - 947268

Looking north along the Kelvin Walkway After another 500 metres or so, the Allander Walkway branches off to the east, leading to Milngavie.

Beneath Kelvin Bridge, Glasgow (geograph 3190268)

Beneath Kelvin Bridge

Bridge over the River Kelvin - geograph.org.uk - 517963

Bridge over the River Kelvin The Botanical Gardens form part of the Kelvin Walkway. It is approximately a 40 minute walk to the City centre.

North Woodside flint mill - geograph.org.uk - 888202

North Woodside flint mill. The remains of the mill by the River Kelvin in the west end of Glasgow. Kelvin Stevenson Memorial Church is visible in the background.

Katrine Aqueduct at Balmuildy Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 556177

Katrine Aqueduct at Balmuildy Bridge. Balmuildy road bridge (A 879) is on the right, and 4 large bore pipes cross the River Kelvin carrying water from Loch Katrine to Glasgow. The bridge on the left is a pedestrian route for the Kelvin Walkway, and uses a central support for the aqueduct to provide stability. The remaining two aqueduct pipes are to the left.

North Woodside flint mill - geograph.org.uk - 888202

North Woodside flint mill. The remains of the mill by the River Kelvin in the west end of Glasgow. Kelvin Stevenson Memorial Church is visible in the background.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Kelvin Walkway.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Kelvin Walkway.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)