The best walks and hikes around Gartcosh
4.4
(220)
2,754
hikers
135
hikes
Hiking around Gartcosh explores a landscape of regenerated nature reserves, wetlands, and woodlands on the edge of Glasgow. The area is an integral part of the Seven Lochs Wetland Park, Scotland's largest urban nature park. This region is characterized by generally flat, well-surfaced paths that wind through diverse habitats including wetlands, meadows, and tranquil woodlands. The terrain features numerous lochs and offers accessible trails suitable for various skill levels.
Best hiking trails around Gartcosh
- The most popular hiking route is Lochend Loch – Lochend Loch loop from Gartcosh, a 3.3 miles (5.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 22 minutes to complete. This easy route offers views of Lochend Loch.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Lochend Loch – Monklands Canal Path loop from Gartcosh, an easy 4.3 miles (6.9 km) path. This trail provides views of Lochend Loch and follows the historic canal.
- Local hikers also love the Lochend Loch – Country Park loop from Gartcosh, a 3.6 miles (5.7 km) trail leading through local green spaces and near Drumpellier Country Park, often completed in about 1 hour 29 minutes.
- Hiking around Gartcosh is defined by its network of lochs, accessible woodlands, and expansive wetlands. The trail system provides options for both short, easy walks and longer, moderate hikes.
- The routes in Gartcosh are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 2,700 hikers have used komoot to explore Gartcosh's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
4.0
(1)
63
hikers
5.33km
01:22
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
26
hikers
2.09km
00:32
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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26
hikers
6.92km
01:47
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
17
hikers
5.73km
01:29
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
8.12km
02:06
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Always great pictures, beautiful impressions, or amazing panoramic shots... A worthwhile ✅🚲—tour around the loch (lake)😅😅
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The trails around Bishop Loch can become quite boggy after rain so be prepared for some hike-a-bike sections. The scenery is beautiful though with abundant wildlife throughout the area.
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Is this possible to visit as in no security or huge fences etc I'm kind of new to this sort of thing so any help would be appreciated cheers
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Gartloch Hospital was a mental health facility located on the Gartloch Road near the village of Gartcosh in Glasgow, Scotland. It opened in 1896 and was officially closed in 1996. It was managed by NHS Greater Glasgow. In January 1889 the City of Glasgow acquired the Gartloch Estate for the purpose of building a hospital. A foundation stone for the hospital, which was designed by Thomson and Sandilands, was laid in November 1892. It accepted its first patients in 1896 and was officially opened as the Gartloch District Asylum in June 1897. A nurses' home was completed in June 1900 and a tuberculosis sanatorium opened in December 1902. Bed capacity reached a peak of 830 in 1904. It served as an emergency hospital using hutted accommodation during the Second World War and joined the National Health Service in 1948. Robin Farquharson was an inmate at the hospital at the time he joined the Scottish Union of Mental Patients in the early 1970s. After the introduction of Care in the Community in the early 1980s, the hospital went into a period of decline and closed in 1996. Many of the surrounding buildings were subsequently converted into homes or demolished to create Gartloch Village but the Category A listed administration building remains intact but derelict. source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gartloch_Hospital
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There are houses being built on the west path, so you need to take the North one from Twinlaw Street
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Set in the beautiful Drumpellier Park, Lochend Loch is one of two natural lochs here. With a number of light gravel paths through the woodland and around the lochs it's a lovely place to while away a few hours, with plenty of wildlife to spot too. Keep your eyes open for resident and migratory waterfowl, as well as fungi in the autumn months.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many walking trails in the Gartcosh area?
Yes, there are over 140 routes to explore around Gartcosh. The area is part of the Seven Lochs Wetland Park, so you'll find a wide variety of paths through regenerated nature reserves, woodlands, and alongside several lochs.
What is the terrain like on the walking paths around Gartcosh?
Most trails in the Gartcosh area are generally flat and well-surfaced, making them accessible for a wide range of fitness levels. You'll be walking through diverse habitats like wetlands, wildflower meadows, and woodlands, primarily on paths suitable for both hiking and cycling.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks near Gartcosh?
Definitely. Drumpellier Country Park is a popular choice for families, offering an adventure playground and visitor centre. The Country Park loop from Espieside is a short, easy walk of about 2 km within the park, perfect for little legs. Many paths there are also suitable for prams.
Can I take my dog on the trails around Gartcosh?
Yes, the walking routes around Gartcosh are very dog-friendly. The open spaces and woodland paths in places like Drumpellier Country Park and the Seven Lochs Wetland Park are popular with dog walkers. As always, please keep your dog under control, especially around wildlife and other walkers.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, many of the best walks in the area are loops. For a shorter circular route, consider the Chryston Parish Church – Chryston War Memorial loop from Chryston, which is a pleasant 2.6 km walk through local green spaces.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Gartcosh?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with over 2,700 hikers having explored the area. The routes have an average rating of 4.4 stars, with walkers often praising the peaceful atmosphere of the nature reserves and the well-maintained paths through the wetlands.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The diverse habitats support a rich variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for roe deer in the woodlands, listen for the call of buzzards overhead, and look for water birds on the lochs. The Gartcosh Local Nature Reserve is particularly special as it hosts Scotland's largest population of great crested newts.
Are there any more challenging hikes in the area?
While the region is known for its flatter terrain, there are moderately challenging options. The West Pond loop from Gartloch is a good example, offering a longer 8.5 km route that provides a more substantial walk within the wetland park.
How can I get to the Gartcosh trails using public transport?
Gartcosh has its own train station with services connecting to Glasgow, making it easy to access the trailheads without a car. From the station, you can walk to the Gartcosh Local Nature Reserve and connect to the wider network of paths in the Seven Lochs Wetland Park.
What are some popular places for hiking in the Gartcosh area?
Several key locations serve as hubs for hiking:
- Seven Lochs Wetland Park: This is the main attraction, a huge urban nature park connecting seven lochs with numerous trails.
- Gartcosh Local Nature Reserve: A local favorite known for its peaceful woodland trails and regenerated wetlands.
- Drumpellier Country Park Woodland Walk: Highly popular with families, this area offers easy hiking, abundant wildlife, and well-maintained paths.
Are there any historical points of interest along the trails?
Yes, the landscape contains echoes of the past. The Seven Lochs Trail can lead you towards Provan Hall, one of Glasgow's oldest medieval buildings. You can also find sections of the historic Monklands Canal, which offers further walking opportunities along its towpath.
Most popular attractions around Gartcosh
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