Five Glasgow Christmas walks with great pubs at the end

Shifting those extra pounds you put on over Christmas is never easy so why not get a head start with some of these delightful winter walks around the city?

Published 20th Dec 2016
Updated 20 th Sep 2023

Don't worry, as it's the festive season we've thrown in a little added incentive, with a great pub being selected for the end of each walk to reward yourself with a wee drink.

The Walk: Queens Park - The Pub: The Allison Arms

(Queens Park: 520 Langside Road, Glasgow G42 8QR - The Allison Arms: 720 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G41 2AD)

Picture: Geograph.org

Picture: emma mykytyn \Geograph.org

Glasgow, our dear green place, has no shortage of wonderful parks and the southside is no exception.

The most impressive of which has to be Queen's Park, an expansive green area close to the bustling hub of Shawlands that has everything from a pitch and putt and lawn bowls to a boating pond and children's play park.

Escape the cold with a visit to the Glasshouse, go off the beaten path with a meander through the naturalised walks which are rich in wildlife or simply enjoy the view of the city from the summit of the park's main hill.

Finish with a wander down to Pollokshaws Road and the hidden gem of a pub that is the Allison Arms.

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With the charm and atmosphere of a typical Glasgow local, the 'Ally Arms' offers the added bonus of being a treasure trove of craft beers, gins and whiskies.

The Walk: The Necropolis - The Pub: Drygate

(The Necropolis: Castle St, Glasgow G4 0UZ - Drygate: 85 Drygate, Glasgow G4 0UT)

Picture: Geograph.org

Picture: Chris Downer\Geograph.org

The Glasgow Necropolis is a uniquely interesting Victorian garden cemetery that offers a great walk on a winter's day.

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With wonderful views of the city and plenty of wildlife to be seen, the Necropolis is an excellent glimpse into the rich history of Glasgow and the resting place of 50,000 people.

Begin your walk at the stunning Glasgow Cathedral before making your way into the Necropolis proper, when you've enjoyed a wander round, head down towards John Knox Street and the Drygate Brewery which awaits you there.

Drygate is celebrating its first birthday

Picture: Drygate

Enjoy a cracking beer or two from the bar's extensive list or grab yourself something delicious to eat from the Brewery's kitchen.

The Walk: Kelvingrove Park - The Pub: The Ben Nevis

(Kelvingrove Park: Glasgow, G3 6BY - Ben Nevis: 1147 Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8TB)

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Picture: Chris Upson\Geograph

Perhaps the most popular of Glasgow's parks, Kelvingrove sits close to some particularly striking architecture including the Kelvingrove Museum and Glasgow University.

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The beautiful park is a favourite of students and hugely in demand in the summer. In winter time it's no less interesting, in fact it's often times far prettier, particularly when it snows.

Wander alongside the River Kelvin before heading up towards Argyll Street and the now renowned Finnieston area of the city.

Here, you'll find some of the city's best and brightest food and drink stars; on a cold winter's day we recommend a visit to the snug confines of the Ben Nevis bar.

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Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller

Pull up a pew next to the cosy fire, survey the massive whisky selection and enjoy some live Scottish folk music.

The walk: Glasgow Green - The Pub: West Brewery

(Glasgow Green: Greendyke St, Saltmarket, Glasgow G1 5DB - West Brewery: 15 Binnie Pl, Glasgow G40 1AW)

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Picture: Wikimedia

Picture: Michael Gallacher\Wikimedia

Take the dog along on this one with a walk through probably the closest park to Glasgow's city centre; the perfect place to find some peace and quiet after escaping the madness of the shops, Glasgow Green is another reminder of how stunning the green spaces in this city can be.

A full 136 acres, the park is one of the oldest in the city and home to the People's Palace and McLennan Arch; take on the park's Heritage Trail before heading over to picturesque Templeton building and the West Brewery housed there.

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Offering continental class, artisan lagers, wheat beers and traditional German cuisine, West is the perfect place to unwind after your long walk.

The walk: Glasgow Mural Trail - The Pub: The Clutha Bar

(Glasgow Mural Trail: Glasgow city centre - The Clutha Bar:159 Bridgegate, Glasgow G1 5HZ)

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See Glasgow like never before with the Mural Trail, unveiled by the council earlier this year, the new trail allows visitors and locals alike the chance to see a different side of the city.

Enjoy a wander along the Clyde, a visit to Cowcaddens and a trip to Charing Cross as you check out the numerous beautiful pieces of public street art that have popped up across the city.

Finish up with a trip to the re-vitalised Clutha Bar, which also happens to be on the trail with its own stunning mural.

Glasgow’s second-oldest pub, it has been frequented by some famous names over the years with Billy Connelly, Gerry Rafferty and Frank Zappa all having spent time there.

Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
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