The best food and drink walks in Glasgow

Scotland's biggest city is known as Dear Green Place and for good reason, with plenty of parks, river walks and canals it's the perfect place to get out for a wander, with a drink or a bite to eat along the way of course.

Published 19th Apr 2018
Updated 8 th Aug 2023

Walking is not only great for the body but it is also essential for a healthy mind, giving you time to relax, take in some fresh air and digest everything that has happened that day at your own pace.

Here are five of our favourite walks to take in the city that also come with the added enjoyment of food and drink along the way.

The Necropolis - East end

(Starting point: Castle St, Glasgow G4 0UZ – finishing point: Drygate: 85 Drygate, Glasgow G4 0UT)

Overlooking the city centre, the 37 acre Necropolis offers some of the best views in Glasgow. Picture: Getty Images

Starting at the corner of Cathedral Street and Castle street, walking towards the entrance of the Glasgow Necropolis you'll be able to take in Glasgow Cathedral, the Provan's Lordship (a 15th century house) and the St Mungo Museum.

From there you can head into the Necropolis itself which is a uniquely interesting Victorian garden cemetery that offers wonderful views of the city and plenty of wildlife to be seen.

The cemetery itself is an excellent glimpse into the rich history of Glasgow and the resting place of around 50,000 people. Once you’ve enjoyed a wander round, head down towards John Knox Street and the Drygate Brewery which awaits you there.

Grab some of their amazing craft beers, with may brewed in house or grab a bite to eat in their excellent beer garden.

Queen's Park southside

(Starting point: Victoria Rd, Glasgow G42 8BG  – finishing point: 758 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G41 2AE)

Picture: Flickr/Mark O’Rourke

Starting at the Victoria entrance to the wonderful Queen's Park you can head into the park towards the flag pole at the centre where you'll find some of the best views of the city in the southside (outwith the Car Park in the Sky of course).

From here you can check out the hot house (open most days from 10am to 4pm) or play some lawn bowls or enjoy the pitch and putt before heading down towards the boating pond and the Pollokshaws Road entrance, from their exit the park and wander along towards Strathbungo where you'll find the excellent new eatery Gnom, and home of street food specialists Chompsky - the perfect place to enjoy a post-walk bite to eat.

Don't worry if it's busy, nearby you can find Lebowski's South, The Bungo, Ranjit's Kitchen and several great pubs all within a short distance of one another.

Island cafe with stunning views to team up with Michelin-recommended Edinburgh restaurant for one-off supper club

Don't forget to pop into the Wee Beer Shop on the way back for some craft beers to enjoy at home.

Kelvingrove Park West end

(Starting point: Kelvinbridge Subway, Great Western Rd, G4 9HG – finishing point: 920 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G3 7TF)

Picture: Robert Perry

This walk is fun as it starts with a pint at Inn Deep, which lies close to the underground station before taking you along Otago Street heading towards the park entrance, from there you can take in the sights in what is widely considered to be one of the most cosmopolitan public spaces in the city, with people of all ages taking the opportunity to enjoy the greenery.

Head along past the skate park towards Sauchiehall street and head for the Ox & Finch and enjoy one of the best dining experiences the city has to offer - or go a little further and check out the Finnieston Strip for a huge selection of amazing restaurants and bars.

A wander along the river Clyde - City Centre

(Starting point: St Enochs Underground Station  – finishing point: Clydeside Distillery, 100 Stobcross Rd, Glasgow G3 8QQ)

Clydeside Distillery

Picture: Clydeside Distillery

A simple enough walk starting at St Enoch Underground station, head south towards the rivers and follow it towards the Kingston Bridge, keep going, taking in the site of the Finnieston Crane, the Armadillo and the Squinty bridge before finishing at the excellent new Clydeside distillery.

Here you can learn all about the past at the city docks, the whisky barons and the distillery itself before discovering more about its production - finishing with a tasting of three great whiskies.

New Scottish restaurants added to the Good Food Guide

Glasgow Green - City Centre\East End

(Starting point: Saltmarket, Glasgow G1 5DB – finishing point: West Brewery: 15 Binnie Pl, Glasgow G40 1AW)

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.

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

El Perro Negro and Ka Pao team up for kitchen takeover in Glasgow 
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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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