Most people are unaware that there are over 50 sequoia (redwood) trees in Glasgow and around 3,500 in Scotland. In the West End, it’s easy to run between them. We detail the route here but for more information on redwoods, identification tips and the story behind this route, read Emily’s blog on the Scottish Redwood Trust site. Emily and her friend, Fiona Roberts, set out to hug all twenty-six redwood trees  across the West End. Keep your eye out for some majestic monkey puzzles too!

Check out the gallery tab for images.

The route starts from the Lobey Dosser statue on Woodlands Road, opposite what used to be the Halt Bar. Run along Park Drive behind the church, bowling green and St Andrews Building to enter Kelvingrove Park. Follow the main path all the way round to the skate park where with an eagle eye you’ll spot a dawn redwood on your left, next to a large stone. Continue on, crossing Kelvin Way to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery for eight more dawns near to the war memorial (hint – five are in a row).

From Dumbarton Road, zig-zag your way to Partickhill Road and down Turnberry Road to Hayburn Park where there are another two infant dawns in the corner, near the playpark. After the park, aim for Garscube Estate. Head along Airlie Street and run up Novar Drive to turn left along Hyndland Road.

Through Kelvindale to Dawsholm Park and enter Garscube from Ilay Road where you’ll spot a giant sequoia near the Vet School. Over to the Beatson building and you’ll find another three giants and one coast redwood.

Once over the picturesque bridge, follow the path on your right along the Kelvin river and keep a look out for another two redwoods by the path. The last three dawns in the estate are in a row overlooking the rugby pitches. Find these ones by running on the grassy path around the pitches. To complete the tour of the redwoods run the Kelvin Walkway to the Botanic Gardens.

Enter the Botanics Arboretum, which is at the Kirklee side, and follow the main path to Ford Road, passing another coast and giant redwood on the way. Run up Ford Road to re-enter the Botanics. By the wall on your right you’ll see another dawn redwood. Follow the path closest to the wall to spot one more dawn near a bench, then another larger one by the children’s garden at the top of the hill. Take a moment to read the history and catch your breath. Continue through the park to take the exit behind the Kibble Palace. 

Finish your loop by running back to Lobey Dosser via Hamilton Drive, Great Western Road and West Princes Street.