Pollok Country Parks is an ideal place to visit for all levels of mountain biking and contains three mountain bike circuits set in the heart og Glasgow, located close to National Cycle routes 7 and 75.
Pollok Coutry Park is a large (146 hectare) park located on the south side of Glasgow, Scotland. It is well lnown for a number of reasons including being home to the police mounted and dog-handling divisions, the famous Burrell Collection and Pollok House. It also has many wide open spaces that are ideal for filming outdoor scenes for Outlander. As well as portraying the surroundings of Doune Castle, scenes filmed here include the duel between Jamie and “Black Jack” and when Jamie and Fergus ride out.
Glasgow Green is by far the oldest of the city's parks. It is situated within walking distance of the city centre east of the Saltmarket. It is currently undergoing a renaissance with major investment through the Lottery Heritage Fund providing a catalyst for the redevelopment of the local neighbourhood.
Famously, in 1765, the Green was the site of a historic inspiration: The inventor James Watt was strolling across it when he hit upon the idea of the separate condenser for the steam engine. This invention is credited by some as having sparked the Industrial Revolution.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens is located in the heart of the city’s West End by the River Kelvin and contains a variety of plant collections, woodland copses and riverside walks as well as the famous Kibble Palace.
Kibble Palace is a magnificent glasshouse designed by John Kibble and houses the national collection of tree ferns. Plants from tropical rainforests grow in the palm house.
The Botanic Gardens Tearoom is the latest addition to the gardens and can be found in the former curator’s house near Kibble Palace.
There is also a children’s play area within the gardens.
Kelvingrove Park is a public park located on the River Kelvin in the West End of Glasgow.
This Sir Joseph Paxton designed park is a 34 hectares/85 acres site and a classic example of a Victorian park. Its design and setting on the banks of the River Kelvin enhance and complement the many magnificent buildings which surround the world renowned Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum prominently featured within it.
Kelvingrove Park was awarded a Green Flag in 2012. The Green Flag Award is the benchmark national standard for quality parks and green spaces.
Originally acquired by the Burgh of Partick, Victoria Park was named for Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee in 1887. The park is extremely popular with the public being one of the most visited parks in Glasgow. It contains extensive formal and informal gardens, an arboretum, a boating pond, bowling greens and tennis courts.
The park also contains the Fossil Grove museum which houses pre-historic fossils known as lycopods or giant clubmosses. There is also a recreation ground, a children’s play area with equipment suitable for children with disabilities, and the park features a hidden maze, cycle route and orienteering course. Victoria Park is listed on Historic Scotland’s Gardens and Designed Landscapes Inventory.
