Out and about in spring
With Spring finally here, it’s a great time to go out and explore the spaces in our neighbourhood and those further afield. Lucy Gillie, of South Seeds, shares some local spaces to get out, from the Southside Tree Trail to a day trip to Campbelltown.
By Lucy Gillie, South Seeds | Photo from Unsplash
The weather has warmed up and it is time to get outside. Being outside with other people is a great boost to feeling good. On the Southside, we are lucky to have a number of opportunities to be sociable outside. Here is a list of a few – any of these activities have the power to transform your outlook, by introducing you to local outside spaces and fellow residents who you may not have come across before.
In the Southside
Southside Tree Trail
Wanna find out more about the Southside’s trees? By using the Southside Tree Trail, you can find out about the various trees plotted around the Southside. The trail stretches through Govanhill, Strathbungo, Crosshill and Shawlands, but you can start and finish wherever you want!
Southside Slowies’ Run Club
Run (or walk) with friends at the Southside Slow Run Club! It’s a good way to get active with the company of others. Meeting on Monday corner of Meeting on the corner of Terregles and Shields Road (outside Titwood Park) at 6:30pm. On Wednesdays at the entrance of Burgh Hall and on Saturdays at the entrance of Maxwell Park 8am. Southside Slowies also has regular meet ups for drinks and hikes, so it’s a nice way to meet new people.
Magic Cycling Club
Connect with fellow cyclists whilst wheeling around Glasgow with Magic Cycling Club. Take a trip with the cycling club, which leaves from the top of Victoria Road at Queen’s Park at 8pm every Wednesday. There are usually over 30 bikes each Wednesday and lots of chat with fellow cyclists along the way.
In the wider Glasgow area
Tenement House
Most Southsiders live in traditional tenement flats built over 100 years ago and many are doing them up and changing them (some borrowing tools from the Southside Tool library). To find out more about the traditional tenement flat, head for the Tenement House in Garnethill, which has been preserved by the National Trust and is open to the public. This museum is a fascinating time capsule, full of Agnes Toward’s personal belongings. Find out what the original layout and interior of a tenement flat looked like and you may be inspired to decorate yours.
A wee overnight outside of Glasgow
Scotland has hostels in some great locations, check out www.hostellingscotland.org.uk. However, some hostels can be tricky to get to without a car.
Campbelltown
There is a bus from Buchanan Street bus station to Campbelltown where there is a lovely recently refurbished hostel.
Isel of Aaran
If you are up for cycling over a hill, put your bike on a train from Central to Ardrossan, take the boat to Arran (cycles go free) and take your time peddling to the Lochranza Youth Hostel.
Loch Ossian
Perhaps the best hostel getaway without a car may be a train to Corrour from Queen’s Street, and the short cycle ride or walk to the Loch Ossian Hostel, which is a great base for exploring the hills and the water’s edge or simply reading a good book. The restaurant at Corrour Station House claims to be the UK’s remotest.