Glasgow city centre 30 min run - suggestions please?

[southlundon]

I'm due to be staying in Glasgow for work the week after next and I hope to fit a run in while I'm there. I'm staying just south of George Square and I'd really like a suggestion for a 30 min run please, plus a 4-5 min warm-up and cool-down walk on either side.

I'm thinking it would be a 7am run so would appreciate safe* and preferably flat-ish route suggestions please! Eg would I be able to get to the park where the People's Palace is in that time and if so, what would be the best route? Or perhaps there is a riverside route that might be nice? Thanks in advance!

*It's not that I think Glasgow is a particularly unsafe place, but I don't really want to be running through anywhere dodgy as a lone female, early morning when I don't know where I am etc...

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

You cold go to parkhead or ibrox in the colours of the other team, not sure of the warm up, but you’ll get a good run!

My tip, not knowing the city well, would be to use Strava, join the local parkrun group and then you can see where the locals run daily, including the early morning female runners. Hope this helps. I’m sure some of Glasgow’s finest are also on here.

[southlundon Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks for the suggestion - I will have definitely have a look on Strava

[theoldfellow]

Have you thought to ring your hotel? They may have the info.

[southlundon Graduate in reply to theoldfellow]

No I hadn't thought of that! Might wait until I get there and then ask them at reception

[MarkyD Graduate in reply to southlundon]

In my short running career - and some business travel - I've found every hotel that I've asked have a 5km recommended running route.

[southlundon Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

Thanks MarkyD - and here is me just thinking I’d ask my fellow c25kers but you and oldfellow are probably spot on 😀

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Glasgow Green is the park you have mentioned, at that time in the morning it is quite safe, plenty of runners/ joggers are about at that time. As theoldfellow says ask at the hotel for directions, but as I come from near Glasgow I can tell you that it's only at the most a 10-minute walk down any of the streets south to the river Clyde Walkway. Turn left and walk or run along the traffic-free walkway towards Glasgow Green. I hope you enjoy your runs in Glasgow's famous Glasgow Green Park.

[southlundon Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you so much! That’s what I’ll do then 😀

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to southlundon]

PS the riverside walkway goes on for miles either direction, going east-southeast you can get I think as far a Strathclyde Loch and Country Park which is about 9 miles away. Going west north-west along the Clyde Walkway, it joins the Glasgow Loch Lomond cycle route, that is about 24 miles long and gets to Balloch near Loch Lomond, good practice if you are training for a marathon, all off-road.

[Jenny567 Graduate]

I work in Glasgow city centre and often wish I had a shower at my work as I think it would be great to run round in the morning. The streets are quiet (but not deserted) and some of the buildings and views are just really beautiful. I feel quite proud of my wee city but like any city there are good bits and not so good bits and I totally understand what you mean about wanting to feel safe.

First, flatness. The city centre north of George Square has some really steep hills (I walk these on my way to work every day and they do amazing things to your calf muscles!) so if you are staying just south of George Square then anywhere further south towards the river will make for an easier run.

Glasgow Green is very near to where I work. It’s flat and open i.e you can see and be seen rather than lots of trees and bushes. I’ve seen loads of runners there in the morning and many women also walk through it as part of their commute.

Easiest route to the park would be to head east along Argyle street (partly pedestrianised) continue along trongate until you get to the Tolbooth (big tower thing) and then go south down saltmarket and you’ll see the park on your left. These are all main shopping/business streets. And this is a five ten minute walk so could count for your warm up.

I would probably try and avoid the area just directly north and east of the park first thing in the morning (London road/Barrowlands/Bridgeton) as this is you starting to leave the city centre and enter a more residential area where, as with any city there are a few ‘dodgy’ streets.

The Clyde walkway (along the riverside itself) is used by commuters and joggers alike and although I only know the bit near where I work, I would imagine this route would also be safe at this time of day and you will get to see some beautiful views along the river.

Hope you enjoy your stay!

[southlundon Graduate]

Thanks all - I got out this morning and did it! 😅