Woodland on Cathkin Braes, on the southern edge of Glasgow

Where to go · Glasgow

Forest bathing at Cathkin Braes Country Park

The highest ground in Glasgow, with 18th-century beech and oak in the Big Wood and long views to the hills.

Cathkin Braes is a country park of about 200 hectares on the southern edge of the city and the highest point in Glasgow, with views to the Campsie Fells and Ben Lomond on a clear day. The woodlands date back to the 18th century. The Big Wood holds mature beech, sycamore and oak, with bluebells and pink purslane on the floor in spring and summer. Part of the land was gifted in 1887 on condition that it was kept in a natural state.

The main way in for walkers is from Ardencraig Road in Castlemilk, or from the viewpoints and lay-bys on Cathkin Road east of Carmunnock. The Big Wood gives shelter when the open braes are windy; the higher ground suits a clear, still day. Queen Mary's Seat, a cairn linked to the Battle of Langside, is a natural place to pause. Expect a mix of path surfaces and some mud.

Practical

Managed by
Glasgow City Council, with the Countryside Ranger Service
Parking
Car park on Ardencraig Road, Castlemilk, and viewpoint car parks and lay-bys on Cathkin Road (B759) east of Carmunnock
Terrain
Woodland and open braes; developing path network with long and short routes
Nearest station
Kings Park is the closest, but not near; buses run to Ardencraig Road and Carmunnock
Facilities
None on the braes; café and toilets in Castlemilk and a tearoom in Carmunnock village
Opening and entry
Open 24 hours, all year, free
Official page
glasgow.gov.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides nearby

Three guides within 15 miles of Cathkin Braes Country Park

More woodlands in Glasgow

All venues in Glasgow
Path through Castlemilk Woodlands, GlasgowCastlemilk ParkEstate woodland of oak, beech and lime, with sequoias and a waterfallStone bridge over the River Kelvin in Dawsholm Park, GlasgowDawsholm ParkMostly wooded nature reserve on the River Kelvin, deliberately left wildTrees in Garscadden Wood, Drumchapel, GlasgowGarscadden WoodAncient oaks and spring bluebells on the city's north-west edge

Photos: Castlemilk Park, Alec MacKinnon (CC BY-SA 2.0); Dawsholm Park, Richard Sutcliffe (CC BY-SA 2.0); Garscadden Wood, Richard Sutcliffe (CC BY-SA 2.0).