By Andy, founder
I've always thought a walk is one of the best first dates there is, and autumn in Glasgow makes a strong case for it. The parks turn gold and copper, the air is fresh, and walking side by side takes the pressure off. You're not staring at each other across a table, there's always something to point at, and if it's going well you can just keep going. Here are a few of my favourite autumn walks around the city and a little beyond.
Along the River Kelvin
The Kelvin Walkway follows the river from Kelvingrove Park up through the West End towards the Botanic Gardens. Start under the trees in Kelvingrove, wander up past Kelvinbridge and finish near Byres Road, where there's no shortage of places for a coffee. It's easy going, and the colours along the riverbank in October are hard to beat.
The Forth and Clyde Canal
The canal towpath is one of Glasgow's quieter treasures. From Spiers Wharf you can follow the water out towards Maryhill, where the flight of locks and the Kelvin Aqueduct give you something to stop and look at. Canal walks are flat and peaceful, and easy to cut short or stretch out, which makes them ideal for a first meeting.
Southside parks with a waterfall or two
- Linn Park. Woodland paths along the White Cart Water, with a waterfall tucked away in the trees. It feels miles from the city.
- Rouken Glen Park. The glen walk down to the waterfall is lovely in autumn, and there's plenty of open parkland for a gentle wander afterwards.
- Pollok Country Park. If you'd like a bit more space, the woods and the river are glorious when the leaves turn. Our first date ideas in Glasgow have more on this one.
A wee trip out of town
If you both fancy a change of scene, Chatelherault Country Park near Hamilton has woodland trails along the Avon Gorge that are at their best in autumn. It's an easy trip from the city, and a good choice if one of you lives out in Lanarkshire.
Making a walking date work
- Keep it short. An hour is plenty for a first meeting. You can always add a coffee...then another lap if it's going well.
- Pick a busy route. Popular paths in daylight are better than quiet corners when you're meeting someone new.
- Watch the light. It gets dark earlier every week from October, so a late morning or early afternoon walk is easiest.
- Dress for Glasgow. Good shoes and a waterproof. Nobody minds a bit of drizzle, but soggy trainers can spoil the mood.
- Make your own way there. Meet at an easy landmark and tell a friend where you're going. Our guide to dating safely has more.
Why I love a walking date
A walk suits anyone who'd rather get to know someone gently. There's no pressure to fill every silence, you learn a lot from what someone notices along the way, and it's a natural way to find out whether you'd enjoy spending more time together. If you're looking for someone to share an autumn walk with, have a look at singles near you on Go Glasgow Dating.
- autumn
- walks
- glasgow
