Glasgow is one of Europe's finest cultural and cosmoplitan cities and has several fine examples of architecture and a large number of photogenic structures. Many buildings are scheduled and the city is an architectural leader in the school of Art Nouveau. It's easy to see why Glasgow was chosen to host the festival of Architecture & Design in 1999.
This pleasant walk from the centre of Glasgow takes you along the River Clyde to Glasgow Green and back via George Square to Central Station. On the way you'll take in the beauty and the history of many of Glasgow's architectural wonders.
The walk begins in Glasgow's Central Railway Station, a fabulous building that has been tastefully upgraded throughout the years. Continue down Union Street. The first major crossroads is known as "Boot's Corner", named after the old large Boots the Chemist that used to occupy one of the corners!
Once you reach the riverside you'll see the first of the visitor information boards, with more background on the route's sights. Walk along the riverbank and you'll pass St Andrew's Cathedral designed by James Gillespie Graham and completed in 1817.
This was the first Roman Catholic Church in Glasgow and when built generated a lot of hostility and bad feeling. So much so that the locals would tear down the work completed during the night. With guards installed to protect the building work, the project was completed and the Catholic population in the city swelled. You'll actually see four more cathedrals before reaching Glasgow Green.
Walking through Glasgow Green you reach The People's Palace and Winter Gardens. A grand building that charts Glasgow's social history from 1750 to the present day. In front of the Palace is the Doulton Fountain, which has recently been magnificently restored to its former glory. The fountain is the largest terracotta fountain in the world.
Returning to the entrance of the park, go up The Saltmarket to the Trongate. You can't miss the Tron Steeple as you approach. The tower is a familiar landmark and dates back to the 17th Century. You'll notice the elaborate sandstone wall to the east of the tower at the corner of Chisholm Street. This cleverly acts as a screen for an airshaft ventilating the low-level rail line. To the west of the tower you'll see buildings from the mid-Victorian era.
Immediately behind the tower you'll find the Tron Theatre on Parnie Street, which puts on popular productions. Inside you'll find a trendy bar and restaurant. Handy if you want to stop and rest your feet.
From here your route will take you to the affluent Merchant City. It's full of lovely boutiques and numerous cafes and bars. It's definitely the place to indulge. Walk for a few minutes and you'll hit George Square, which is in the heart of Glasgow and where you'll find the wonderful architecture of the City Councils Chambers.
From George Square take a short walk down Queen Street to discover the beauty of Royal Exchange Square. The architect responsible was David Hamilton and this is hailed as his masterpiece. It was originally built in 1829 around a mansion house belonging to a tobacco merchant.
Bang in the centre is the elegant Gallery of Modern Art which was also designed by David Hamilton. At the gallery's entrance is a magnificent row of Corinthian columns. Behind these you'll find the main hall and if you go inside you'll see the intricately decorated arched ceiling which might distract you from the fine works of art hanging on the walls.
From here take a stroll through the arches on to Buchanan Street, where you find the popular shopping destination Princes Square. And if you fancy doing some sightseeing sitting down, you can head to The Willow Tea Rooms. All interiors have been recreated to reflect those designed by the much-loved Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The original Willow Tea Room is based in Sauchiehall Street.
Once you've had your tea and cake it's a short walk back to the walk start point at Central Station.
