Urban adventures in Glasgow
Urban adventures in Glasgow
It’s easy to have an adventure-filled time in Glasgow. From kayaking and biking to snow sports and rock climbing, there's loads to choose from. Here's some of the activities on offer in and around the city.
Take to the water
Outdoor Pursuits
Try white water rafting or take it up a gear and give river tubing or
boogieboarding a go. Outdoor Pursuits will help you find which water sport
experience is best suited to you. Visit Outdoor
Pursuits' website for details.
Glasgow Wake Park
The Glasgow Wake Park offers an exhilarating wakeboard experience (like snowboarding on water!). It’s a great spot to try it for the first time or perfect your moves. They have friendly instructors on hand and a cable tow to replicate the full experience. Visit Glasgow wake park website for more information.
Pinkston Watersports
Pinkston Watersports is a paddlesports centre close to Glasgow city centre.
Activities are suitable for any level of skill and expertise. Try open water
swimming, kayaking or canoeing. Visit Pinkston
Watersports website to find out more.
Seaforce Boat Trips
Take a speedy boat trip from the Riverside Museum and Tall Ship towards the
city centre on the River Clyde. Or if you fancy a longer trip, you can whizz
all the way up the Clyde on the scenic Dumbarton Castle tour. Visit Seaforce's website to
book.
Credit: West End Adventure
West End Adventure
West End Adventure offer exciting water-based activities along the Forth and Clyde canal. There are lots of great activities for all ages. Try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and even yoga on a paddle board! Visit West End Adventure to find out more.
Glasgow Paddleboarders Co.
Water education and safety are core for Glasgow Paddleboarders Co. They offer trips and lessons for beginners as well as something for the more adventurous water explorer. There’s something for every skill level. To find out more visit Glasgow Paddleboarders Co website.
Glasgow to Edinburgh Canoe Trail
Avoid public transport and try canoeing between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Follow the Scottish Canal's trail, paddle through the iconic Falkirk Wheel on route, and take in the beauty of Central Scotland from the water. Visit Scottish Canals website to start your adventure.
Take a tour
Glasgow Central Station Tours
Experience a 'behind the scenes' tour of Scotland’s busiest train station. Explore underground passageways beneath Glasgow’s streets and visit railway vaults. You'll also hear some remarkable stories about the people using the station over the years. Visit Glasgow Central Tours website to book.
4x4 Adventures Scotland
Discover the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond on an off-roading adventure with 4x4 Adventures Scotland. Your Land Rover comes complete with a friendly, kilted guide who can arrange transport from and to Glasgow if required. To find out more visit 4x4 Adventures to book your trip.
Go Quest Adventures Glasgow
Discover Glasgow’s Merchant City district with Go Quest’s self-guided, interactive walking quest. Discover iconic sites within in the area, including the Cathedral as well as Glasgow’s more hidden gems. Enjoy cracking codes, solving puzzles, and completing challenges along the way. Find a tour at Go Quest Adventures website.
Get on your bike
Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome
You don’t need to be an elite athlete to ride the track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. The track, which was the venue for the indoor cycling at the UCI World Championships in 2023, is open for all to enjoy. Book a coached introductory session or even become an accredited velodrome rider. To book your Velodrome experience visit Glasgow Life’s website.
Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails
Explore the southside and head to Cathkin Braes for over 9km of thrilling mountain bike trails. There are glorious views of Glasgow too! For more information on Cathkin Braes visit Glasgow City Council’s website.
Glasgow BMX Centre
Ride on the same course as athletes on Scotland’s only Olympic standard BMX track. With an 8m starting hill, jumps and banked corners – it’s sure to give you a rush of adrenaline. For an induction session, all safety equipment and a BMX bike will be provided. Visit Glasgow BMX Centre’s webpage to find out more.
Glasgow Bike Tours
For a more relaxing experience on two wheels, join Glasgow Bike Tours, and do a bit of sightseeing along the way. See spectacular views of the city from places not accessible by bus or car. Your friendly guide will share stories about Glasgow along the way. To book visit Glasgow Bike Tours website.
Grab your board
Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre
Set within the picturesque Bellahouston Park, Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre has several dry slopes. They offer ski and snowboard lessons for the whole family, tubing and open practice times. Visit the Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre website to find out more.
The Loading Bay
The Loading Bay is Glasgow's first and only indoor skate park. It has 30,000 square foot of space and features a street plaza, a 60-foot bowl and movable modular ramps. They also offer scooter, BMX, parkour, and quad skating classes. Visit The Loading Bay Glasgow's website to find out more.
Climbing in the city
Clip 'n Climb at Kelvin Hall
An exciting venue for urban adventure seekers! Clip 'n Climb at Kelvin Hall has a range of climbing challenges suitable for the whole family. And if you're feeling brave, you can take on the 'Leap of Faith'. Visit Clip and Climb’s webpage to book.
Glasgow Climbing Centre
The facilities at the Glasgow Climbing Centre suit all levels and styles of climbers. They have slabs, vertical walls, overhangs, two dedicated bouldering areas and friendly instructors. It's 16 metres to the top of the highest route! Visit Glasgow Climbing Centre to find out more.
The Climbing Academy at The Newsroom
The Newsroom is a large welcoming bouldering centre close to the centre of Glasgow. As bouldering is low-level climbing over mats, there are no ropes or harnesses required, so it's perfect for all levels! Courses and personal coaching are also available. Visit the Climbing Academy website to find out more.
Height or age restrictions may apply for some climbing activities, so be sure to check these out before you go.
Article last updated: February 2024