During a recent lunchtime, aware that I had been working at a screen for far too long, I put on my trainers and headed out for a revitalising power walk around my favourite enclaves – the leafy, bustling areas of west Glasgow.

It was wonderful to see the buzz coming back to what has been one of Scotland’s fastest selling locations in recent months. It's steeped in history, with loads of green space, a café society feel and a wide array of culture and I feel very lucky indeed to be selling so many great developments here.

I began my walk on Shakespeare Street at North Kelvin Apartments in the West End, a beautiful conversion of a former school. Built in 1915, its sandstone exterior with huge classroom windows belies the apartments’ cool interiors. They are mostly being snapped up by young professionals, many of whom have appreciated the parks on their doorstep during lockdown. These include Glasgow Botanic Gardens, just a short stroll along Great Western Road, with its landmark Kibble Palace glasshouse.

The River Kelvin runs along the north side of the Gardens so I followed it eastwards, passing the top of the eclectic Byres Road at the Òran Mór. Originally Kelvinside parish church, it is now a thriving arts centre with music, restaurants and auditorium featuring a stunning mural ceiling.

My walk down Great Western Road took me past some favourite outlets, including Farrow & Ball, fresh produce empire Roots & Fruits and a delicious pizzeria, Paesano. I passed the highly regarded Glasgow Academy Preparatory School on my left, before crossing the River Kelvin at Kelvinbridge. I continued eastwards up Park Road towards the conservation area of Park. On the cusp of West End and City Centre of Glasgow, Park is characterised by glorious Georgian terraces that have been sensitively returned from commercial to residential purpose in recent years. 

Arriving at Woodlands Road, I turned right onto Woodlands Gate and came face to face with the prestigious Park Quadrant Residences, the missing piece of the original Park area masterplan, first envisioned by architect Charles Wilson in 1851. The contemporary stone frontage of this collection of 98 luxury new build apartments blends seamlessly into the surrounding blonde sandstone listed properties of this historic area.  

Just beyond is Kelvingrove Park, which brought 85 acres of green space to Victorian Glasgweigans and is still such a wonderful asset today. I passed through its picturesque entrance and walked towards the renowned Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which sits within the park, leaving it by the Argyle Street exit.

From here I walked along Haugh Road towards Yorkhill and one of my favourite developments – The Works on Gilbert Street. These two-bedroom apartments, with their balconies and terraces, have proved extremely popular particularly with students and staff at the nearby University of Glasgow who appreciate the elegance of the West End, but also the vibrancy of nearby Finnieston. 

I headed towards the latter by rejoining Argyle Street. Passing the award-winning Six by Nico restaurant and a lively assortment of independent shops, bars and coffee shops, I’m reminded of why Finnieston is consistently voted one of the UK’s coolest places to live. With the Clyde in front of me, I approached G3 Square on Minerva Street. The impressive views of the world-class SSE Hydro and SEC Centre music and entertainment venues from these slick apartments have made them a hit with urban culture vultures.

My walk around the prime western enclaves of the city of Glasgow was extremely well timed – it was a fantastic reminder of just how much this lively, green and cultural place has to offer. I’m looking forward to enjoying it to the full as the summer months brings more freedom post lockdown.   

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Contact Pamela Aitken

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