Glasgow

Glasgow 7 Day Itinerary

If you've been dreaming of a trip to the west coast of Scotland, turn your plans into reality with our Glasgow 7-day itinerary. Start off in Glasgow before venturing out west and finishing off with a bit of island hopping.

Along the way, you'll discover the very best of Scotland's art and culture scene, take in historic sites, visit the country's best green spaces and much more.

Start / Finish
Glasgow / Cumbrae
  • Days
    7
  • Distance
    183.1 Miles

    292.96 km
  • Transport
    Car
  • Main theme
    Activities
Highlights
Historic attractions
Shopping
Great outdoors
Cycling
Areas covered
East

Day 1 Glasgow

Transport:
Car
Cycling
Walking

A trip to the west coast wouldn't be complete without stopping off in Glasgow. Named the UK's first UNESCO City of Music, this recognition has helped shape Glasgow's art and culture scene through live music venues, exhibitions and tours to even street art.

It's not just music though, the city oozes with character and personality through a range of cultural experiences; from world-class visitor attractions, shopping, and food & drink, to discovering the history behind one of Glasgow's architectural greats, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

  • Glasgow Contemporary Art Trail Glasgow

    The Glasgow City Centre Mural Trail

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Glasgow is notorious when it comes to street art, with local and international artists showcasing their incredible talent through an array of creative works; from colourful murals to stainless steel statues. If you're looking for free things to do in Glasgow, be sure to check out the Contemporary Art Trail.

    Explore 14 of the city's contemporary public artworks including The Clyde Clock, Cherub Skull and Tympanum.

    Get inspired with the Contemporary Art Trail
    Time to explore
    3 hours
  • Shopping at De Courcy's Arcade Glasgow

    Ashton Lane

    Fancy a bit of shopping? With its eclectic mix of boutiques, high-street and high-end stores, selling everything from clothing and homeware to jewellery, it's really no surprise that visitors and locals choose Glasgow as their go-to shopping destination.

    Situated in the heart of the city's West End is De Courcy's Arcade. This two-level arcade is a great find if you want to shop and support more local businesses.

    Whether you're looking for the latest fashion accessories at Ziri, enjoy a spot of afternoon tea at The Cup and Saucer Vintage Tearoom or spruce up your living space with some wall art from Janet & John, you'll be sure to find everything in one place here.

    Explore De Courcy's Arcade
    Time to explore
    2 hours
  • Hidden Lane in Finnieston Glasgow

    The Hidden Lane in Finnieston, Glasgow

    © © Glasgow Life

    Not too far from De Courcy's Arcade is another West End gem. From jewellers and designers to craftspeople and furniture upcyclers, Finnieston Lane brings a pool of talent together in one of Glasgow's well-established communities.

    Get ready to spend those pennies and browse through its wonderful selection of shops, including Shona Jewellery, Burning House Books and SPIN Pottery.

    Discover Glasgow's Hidden Lane
    Time to explore
    2 hours
    Worked up an appetite?

    Be sure to pop into Hidden Lane Tearoom for a pot of tea and delicious cakes or try out Rafa's Mexican Food.

  • Barra's Art and Design Glasgow

    VisitScotland logo

    Say hello to one of Glasgow's coolest venues. Barra's Art & Design is a hub of creativity, hosting live music events, exhibitions, street food markets and much more - all under one roof! Take advantage of the nicer weather throughout summer at The BackYard.

    This outdoor space is a popular food & drink hotspot featuring an outdoor BBQ & Grill, gourmet food trucks and a beer garden.

    Get creative at Barra's Art & Design
    Time to explore
    2 hours
  • Cycling around Glasgow Glasgow

    Cyclists along The Kelvin Aqueduct in Glasgow

    © VisitScotland

    You might want to take the bus to see the wonderful sights of Glasgow, but cycling can be just as fun. Hire an OVO bike from Glasgow's bike hire scheme for as little as £5 a day and check out Aye Cycle Glasgow's for some great routes to take across the city.

    Plan your cycling trip around Glasgow
    Time to explore
    2 hours
  • Mackintosh at the Willow Glasgow

    Mackintosh at the Willow

    A champagne afternoon tea? Yes please! Step inside the beautiful surroundings of the Salon De Luxe at Mackintosh at the Willow where you will be given a tailored talk through the history of the original Willow Tearooms. Afterwards, sip on flutes of champagne while tucking into a delicious selection of sandwiches and pastries, a perfect place for resting your weary legs after lots of sight-seeing.

    To round it all off, the Salon De Luxe Afternoon Tea packages give you exclusive access to the interactive exhibition where you can discover more of Glasgow's rich and vibrant history in the late 1890s to the early 1900s and learn about one of the city's most well-known architects, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

    Experience Mackintosh at the Willow
    Time to explore
    2 hours
    215 - 217 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow City Centre, G2 3EX
    Key facilities
    • WiFi
    • Accessible toilets
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Cafe or Restaurant

Day 2 Invercylde

Transport:
Car

Today we're heading out of the city and travelling further west to Inverclyde.

Known for its outstanding natural beauty, maritime history and industrial past, Inverclyde offers a wealth of outdoor pursuits and activities, from sailing and walking, to swimming, wildlife watching and more.

  • Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Inverclyde

    Child friendly hill walk at Muirshiel Country Park

    Soak up the great outdoors at Scotland's largest regional park. From taster sessions on paddle sports to powerboating at Castle Semple Loch, Clyde Muirshiel is a glorious spot to enjoy some adrenaline-fuelled action.

    If you prefer staying on dry land, there are lots of cycle routes suitable for all abilities, as well as walking trails.

    Adventure around Clyde Muirshiel
    Love animals?

    The park is home to an abundance of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for ravens, tawny owls, deer and if you're lucky enough, rare birds of prey.

    Calder Glen Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4LB
    Key facilities
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • Parking
  • Lyle Hill Greenock

    Free French Memorial and Lyle Hill Viewpoint in Greenock

    When it comes to exploring Scotland off the beaten track, you're always guaranteed spectacular views at Lyle Hill. On a clear day, you will be able to see across the Firth of Clyde and the southwest Highlands.

    Start your Lyle Hill adventure
    Time to explore
    2 hours
  • Gourock Gourock

    Looking down to Gourock - A resort and passenger and vehicle ferry terminus on the Firth of Clyde; Inverclyde.

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Take a trip to the ferry port town of Gourock and keep the kids entertained by stopping off at Gourock Park. With a pet's corner and large play area, it is a great place for kids to explore and run off all that energy. If you're a fan of golf, make sure to swing by Gourock Golf Club. This 18-hole course provides great playing conditions with its spacious greens and fairways and with the Clyde Estuary as your backdrop, what's not to love!

    In the summer, take a dip at Gourock Outdoor Pool - the oldest heated swimming pool in Scotland. Swim a few laps while out in the sun (hopefully) or lounge at the traditional patio while overlooking the Clyde Estuary.

    Get active in Gourock
    Gourock

Day 3 Lanarkshire

Day 4 Renfrewshire

Day 5 Arran

Day 6 Bute

Day 7 Cumbrae

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