Best Cycling Routes in Glasgow for Commuters and Weekend Riders
Jun 10, 2025
Great for individual cyclists, work commutes, or cycling clubs.
Whether you're a weekday commuter or a weekend adventurer, Glasgow offers a brilliant mix of cycling routes that combine urban accessibility with Scotland's scenic charm. With over 300km of dedicated Glasgow cycling paths, plus easy connections to national routes, the city is a growing hub for sustainable, two-wheeled travel. From flat, traffic-free rides ideal for electric bikes to hilly climbs for the ambitious, there’s something here for every level of cyclist.
In this guide, we explore the best bike routes in Scotland, right here in Glasgow, with a focus on practical, enjoyable, and electric bike-friendly journeys.
Why Glasgow Is a Top Spot for Cycling
Glasgow has made major investments in cycling infrastructure over the past decade. The city now boasts:
- A 24/7 OVO bike hire scheme
- Extensive off-road routes along canals, parks, and old railway lines
- Regular cycling events, including the 2023 UCI World Championships
- A thriving e-bike culture, with more and more locals choosing electric bikes for both commuting and leisure
If you're thinking of buying an electric bike in Glasgow, the variety of cycling environments—from city flats to gentle lochside paths—makes it a great place to start your journey. Glide & Gear offers a wide selection of commuter and adventure-ready e-bikes ideal for Glasgow’s terrain.
Getting Around: Bike Hire, Tours & E-Bike Access
OVO Bikes & E-Bike Tours
For those looking to test out cycling in the city, OVO Bikes offers a convenient, city-wide hire scheme. Many tour operators also include e-bike options, such as Gallus Pedals and Glasgow Bike Tours, which take riders through vibrant neighbourhoods and historic landmarks.
E-Bike Benefits for Glasgow Riders
Electric bikes shine in Glasgow's hilly areas and longer routes:
- Tackle climbs like Duke’s Pass or the Tak-Ma-Doon Road with ease
- Make commutes faster and sweat-free
- Extend your range on weekend rides to places like Loch Lomond or Falkirk
The Best Urban Rides in Glasgow
Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycleway
- Distance: 17 miles
- Elevation: 58.8m
- Surface: Mostly flat and traffic-free
This stunning riverside route is a dream for electric bikes and casual riders alike. Starting in Partick, you follow the River Clyde west through Bowling and Dumbarton, all the way to Loch Lomond. The disused railway line gives the route a green, peaceful feel while remaining close to the city.
Glasgow Green to Uddingston
- Distance: 8.24 miles
- Elevation: 44m
A fantastic weekday commuter route or beginner-friendly weekend ride. Departing from Glasgow Green, this flat riverside path passes Rutherglen and Cambuslang, offering a mix of historic landmarks and scenic stretches.
E-bike tip: A great test route if you're new to electric bikes—minimal effort with maximum enjoyment.
Pollok Park Circuits
- Distance: Variable
- Features: Green, blue and red MTB-style circuits
Perfect for practicing handling or introducing the kids to riding. Accessed via Cycle Routes 7 and 75, Pollok Park offers gentle trails and punchier loops through scenic woodland, with visits to Pollok House and the Burrell Collection.
Canals, Viaducts and Art Trails: Exploring More of the City
Forth and Clyde Canal to Falkirk Wheel
- Distance: 45.4 miles
- Elevation: 74.7m
- Route: Via Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch, Bonnybridge
This long-distance canal path is among the best bike routes in Scotland. Traffic-free and largely flat, it’s ideal for those riding electric bikes, especially if you’re after a longer, scenic challenge.
The route ends at the spectacular Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift and engineering marvel.
Forth and Clyde Canal to Kirkintilloch
- Distance: 9 miles
- Highlights: Cadder Wharf, Auld Kirk
An easy-going, scenic ride perfect for commuters or families. A relaxing canal-side route through Kelvindale to Kirkintilloch, offering waterside views and plenty of places to pause.
Glasgow Art Trail
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Distance: 10 miles
Created for the 2023 UCI World Championships, this mural and sculpture-filled trail is a great way to enjoy Glasgow’s creativity. Suggested stops include cafes and bike shops, making it a well-rounded urban ride.
For the More Ambitious Rider
Whitelee Wind Farm Loop
- Distance: 34.5 miles
- Type: Intermediate road ride
Riders with good fitness (or a trusty e-bike) will love this smooth loop with wide-open landscapes and clean air. The Whitelee wind turbines offer a unique backdrop as you pedal past.
Duke's Pass via Loch Katrine
- Distance: 76km / 47 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,113m
One of the most classic and scenic Scottish cycling climbs, this route features wide sweeping bends, steep gradients, and rewarding descents through the Trossachs National Park. If you're riding an e-bike, the climb becomes far more enjoyable while still feeling like an adventure.
Cycling Infrastructure and Resources
- Stockingfield Bridge: Recently completed, this bridge links major national cycle routes between Glasgow and Edinburgh, creating new opportunities for bike travel.
- Glasgow City Council GIS Map: Great for finding cycle paths, hire stations and bike racks.
- Bike Shops: Local gems like Bike for Good, Billy Bilsland Cycles, and Dales Cycles are great places for repairs, upgrades, or advice.
Why an E-Bike Makes Sense in Glasgow
From the canal paths to the Highlands, Glasgow cycling paths cater well to electric bikes. Here’s why an e-bike is a sound investment:
- Saves time and effort on daily commutes
- Enables longer weekend rides without needing top-tier fitness
- Eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to public transport or driving
At Glide & Gear, we offer a selection of e-bikes suited to city riding, park trails, and longer-distance routes. Whether you’re tackling Cathkin Braes, riding to work, or exploring the NCN754, there’s a model that fits your lifestyle.
Final Thoughts: Where Will Your Wheels Take You?
Whether you’re heading to Loch Lomond for a weekend ride, pedalling the art trail on a Sunday morning, or using the Forth and Clyde canal to get to work, Glasgow is an incredible place to ride—and even more so with an e-bike.
Explore our full range of electric bikes at Glide & Gear, and let your journey around Scotland’s Dear Green Place begin.
Ready to power your ride? Visit Glide & Gear and find your perfect e-bikes today.
