The best traffic-free bike rides around Partick

There are over 130 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Partick. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from leisurely riverside paths to more extensive canal towpaths, ensuring a peaceful ride away from busy roads.

Yes, Partick is an excellent starting point for easy, family-friendly rides. Many routes follow the flat, well-maintained towpaths of the Forth and Clyde Canal, which are ideal for all ages and skill levels. The Stockingfield Junction Bridge – Forth and Clyde Canal Towpath loop from Partick is a great example of an easy route.

The most popular no-traffic routes in Partick often follow the scenic River Kelvin and River Clyde, as well as the extensive canal networks like the Forth and Clyde Canal. These waterways provide flat, dedicated paths, offering a mix of urban scenery, green spaces like Kelvingrove Park, and tranquil natural stretches.

Yes, many of the no-traffic routes around Partick are circular, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. For example, the Rise Sculpture by Andy Scott – Pigeon Tower loop from Partick (Rail) offers a pleasant circular experience.

Yes, Partick's location provides excellent access to the Sustrans National Cycle Network. The Forth and Clyde Canal towpath, for instance, is part of National Cycle Route 7, which offers a west-to-north bypass of the city center and extends to destinations like Loch Lomond.

Many routes offer cultural and natural attractions. You can cycle past the Glasgow Green, or visit the Linn Park Waterfall. The Riverside Museum and The Tall Ship Glenlee are also easily accessible from many routes, offering interesting cultural stops. The Bell's Bridge – The Tall Ship Glenlee loop from Partick is a great option for seeing some of these sights.

While Partick itself is urban, several routes extend to areas with beautiful water features. The Forth and Clyde Canal routes can lead you towards areas like The Claypits Local Nature Reserve, which features a lake. Further afield, you can find reservoirs like Milngavie Reservoirs, accessible via longer rides.

Spring and summer (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Partick, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. The paths along the rivers and canals are particularly scenic during these months. However, many routes are accessible year-round, weather permitting.

While many routes are easy, some longer loops, particularly those extending further along the canals or connecting to more distant parks, can offer a greater challenge in terms of distance. For example, the Stockingfield Junction Bridge – Forth and Clyde Canal Towpath loop from Kelvinhall is a moderate route that covers a significant distance.

Partick is a major transport hub, making many of these routes highly accessible by public transport. Partick Interchange offers connections for train, subway, and bus, allowing cyclists to easily reach starting points for various car-free trails, especially those along the River Kelvin and the canals.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Partick, with an average score of 3.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the excellent connectivity to traffic-free paths, the scenic beauty of the riverside and canal routes, and the convenience of starting rides directly from the city's West End.