Urban adventures in Glasgow
Urban adventures in Glasgow
From kayaking and biking to snow sports and rock climbing, it’s easy to have an adventure-filled time in Glasgow. Check out some of the activities on offer in and around the city.
Take to the water
Outdoor Pursuits
You may have tried white water rafting but have you ever tried river tubing or river boogieboarding? Specialists at Outdoor Pursuits can help you choose which water sport experiences is best for 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 glasgowwakepark.com for more information.
Pinkston Watersports
Pinkston Watersports is a paddlesports centre close to Glasgow city centre. There are activities available for any level such as open water swimming, kayaking and canoeing. Visit pinkston.co.uk for more information.
Seaforce Boat Trips
Take a speedy boat trip from the Riverside Museum and Tall Ship towards the city centre on the River Clyde with Seaforce. Or if you fancy a longer trip, you can whizz all the way up the Clyde estuary on the scenic Dumbarton Castle tour. Visit Seaforce's website to book.
Credit: West End Adventure
West End Adventure
West End Adventure offer lots of great water-based activities for all ages along the Forth and Clyde canal. Try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and even yoga on a stand-up paddle board! Visit westendadventure.co.uk to find out more.
Glasgow Paddleboarders Co
For paddleboarding activities, lessons and trips on the canal and in nearby lochs visit glasgowpaddleboardersco.co.uk. Aimed at all ages and skill levels, Glasgow Paddleboarders Co are a sustainable organisation.
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 scottishcanals.co.uk for more information.
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
Enjoy off-road driving in the hills above Loch Lomond with 4x4 Adventures Scotland. Your Land Rover comes complete with a friendly, kilted guide who can arrange transport from and to Glasgow if required. Visit 4x4adventures-scotland.com to find out more.
Go Quest Adventures Glasgow
Go Quest Adventures Glasgow is a self-guided, interactive walking tour which takes you on a journey around the city centre. Enjoy cracking codes, solving puzzles and completing challenges along the way. Find out more at goquestadventures.com.
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 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2018 European Championships, is open for all to enjoy. Book a coached introductory session or even become an accredited velodrome rider. Visit glasgowlife.org.uk to book.
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! Visit glasgow.gov.uk for more information.
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 glasgowlife.org.uk 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. Visit glasgowbiketours.co.uk to book.
Grab your board
Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre
The Glasgow Ski and Snowboard Centre, set within picturesque Bellahouston Park, has several dry slopes to try. They offer ski and snowboard lessons for the whole family, tubing and open practice times. Visit ski-glasgow.co.uk to find out more.
The Loading Bay
The Loading Bay is Glasgow's first and only indoor skate park. The 30,000 sq ft space features a street plaza, a 60ft long bowl, and movable modular ramps. And it's not all about skateboarding, they also offer scooter, BMX, parkour and quad skating classes. Visit theloadingbayglasgow.com to book a session or a class.
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 kelvinhall.org.uk 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, 2 dedicated bouldering areas and friendly instructors. It's 16m to the top of the highest route! Visit glasgowclimbingcentre.com 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 theclimbingacademy.com 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: August 2022
