Escaping the City

The Rain is Coming

Sometimes the city is the last place you want to be, whether it's during the summer months and the 90+ parks aren't quite cutting it, or at the end of term and you're ready to leave the library behind.  Glasgow is so close to the rolling hills that you've probably seen in the intro sequence of Braveheart and so well connected to some of the other cities in Scotland, that you owe it to yourself to get out of the city and explore.

Lochs and Highlands

Fire swirl on the shores of Loch Lomond

Even the towniest, geekiest, shopaholic, coffee-loving, bar-hopping among you will get a buzz from Glencoe, Loch Lomond, or anywhere along The West Highland Way's 96 mile route. BBQing on the coast of Loch Lomond, trekking up the hills, setting up camp, mountain biking/skiing/boarding are some perfect opportunities for great potential profile pics. And it's all no more than a £4 bus ride, or an hour and a half drive from the University.

Beaches

Highland beach

The beach is close too. On the west coast is Largs, which is an awesome windsurfing spot - and not a bad place to spot a seal or two. It has an awesome ice cream parlour called Nardini's, the place is a bit of a landmark - an art deco building originally opened in 1935. Royal Troon links golf course is just down the way too.

The islands are always worth exploring if you get a chance.

The Isles of Arran and Mull are not much more than a day trip away and the longer road to Skye and the Western Isles is well worth the effort.

Parks

Studying on the hill

What you might not realise is that Glasgow has more parkland than any other British city. With more than 90 parks, it seems like the neighbouring Highlands has worn off on the city. With so many places to chill in summer, it's fortunate that some of the best ones are right by the uni. With a ton of neighbouring delis and cafes, the Botanic Gardens is probably the most civilised of them all. Housing an unfathomable amount of tropical orchids, ferns and begonias, its A-listed 19th Century glass house Kibble Palace is pretty popular amongst West End boho types and families.

You will inevitably visit Kelvingrove Park, not only does it border the uni, but "the hill" in the middle of the park is one of the busiest parkland spots in the city when the temperature hits anything above 14°. So if you're looking to kick back, you're best off finding another spot in this massive park.