Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Entertainment
Sean Murphy

The stunning southside park walk with a warm and welcoming pub waiting for you at the end

One thing we never get bored of is Glasgow's green spaces and though we have our favourite haunts, it's always good to get out and explore the city.

While the southside has an abundance of great places to go to reconnect with nature such as Queen's Park, Pollock Park and the smaller Maxwell Park, one of the lesser-known but perhaps most intriguing spots is that of Linn Park in Cathcart.

A short walk from the train station and easily accessible by car and bus, it's one of those parks that excitable dogs and enthusiastic children will absolutely love with plenty to see and do.

Combining nature trails and waterfalls with wide green spaces and historic bridges, there is even a warm and welcoming local at the end to refuel once you are cream crackered from all the excitement.

The Old Smiddy Pub is ideal for a wee refuel with great food and drink options and cosy seating and a bustling atmosphere (Sean Murphy)

READ NEXT: The much-loved Glasgow pub with stunning whiskies named West of Scotland Pub of The Year 2023

The park itself is deceptively big, and be warned to gain access to the Snuff Mill Bridge end and the Smiddy end you'll have to go along the nature trail via the far side of the river, as the usual entrance here is closed. The best places to start are either at the Netherlee Road end or the Clarkston Road entrance.

There are multiple entrances with plenty of parking opportunities meaning you can easily pop along in the car. Be warned though, it is a "country park" so expect some mud and some puddles – be sure to bring wellies for the kids and towels for the dogs (especially if they love a dip in the water as there is a wide section at the White Bridge where they can go in for a swim).

Inside you'll find an adventure playground and various long and pleasant walks, you can pick up maps from the website and ideally, you want to end at the north end at Snuff Mill Bridge, which gives you a short wander down to the Old Smiddy Bar on Old Castle Road, where you can get access to a warm and welcoming pub with plenty of grub and drink options.

The bridge itself is stunning, and a bit of a hidden gem. With strong historical links (including to Robert Burns himself), it looks like something straight from a magical Studio Ghibli Film and is perfect for a wee photo opportunity or two. Be sure to keep dogs on a lead here though as the walls are not especially high and the drop on the other side to the river is steep.

The stone bridge itself dates back to 1624 and was rebuilt in the 18th century, with the Baronial Lindsay House – one of the city's oldest tenements – looming over it in the background.

Best of all, the north end also leads on to both Holmwood House and Cathcart Cemetery, which are also great walks so if you are looking for something a little more strenuous you can visit both before finishing up in the Old Smiddy.

READ MORE:

Football legends Frank McAvennie and Gordon Dalziel team up for music video for Glasgow singer

Flagship Glasgow Social Bite coffee shop opens on Sauchiehall Street

We tried Glasgow's Splatter Art Studio and it was riotous messy fun

Two seaside destinations near Glasgow named among 'least favourite' in UK

The colourful castle under an hour from Glasgow with walks, playparks and a music festival

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.