Glasgow Gallivanting: May 2020
And another month in lockdown has passed. We are still tramping the streets round home on our daily walk, in between John finishing work and dinner time, but at the weekends we go a bit further. This is Ruchill Park. It’s less fashionable, and therefore quieter, than the Botanic Gardens, our closest park, but it’s very rewarding, especially if you climb the little mound with the flagpole. Glasgow is spread out before you.
Victoria Park
This is another park slightly further away, though it’s also very busy so I’m not sure I would go back here despite its pretty pond with ducks and swans.
Western Necropolis and Lambhill Cemetery
We walked out to the Western Necropolis via Maryhill, and back via Possil Loch and the canal. I always find graveyards interesting in a sad sort of way. Here, we found lots of Commonwealth War Graves, including soldiers from Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The only famous person I spotted was Will Fyffe (1885-1947), a music hall star from well before my time, but whom my mum remembers fondly. His grave is marked “I belong to Glasgow”, the title of a song he wrote.
The Necropolis runs seamlessly into two other cemeteries, St Kentigern’s, which we didn’t visit on this occasion, and Lambhill. Here, I was looking for the monument to the architect, James Sellars (1843-1888), seen in the gallery below.
Many of Sellars’ buildings still exist in Glasgow including one which, coincidentally, we photographed earlier in the month – Anderson’s College Medical School on Dumbarton Road. Sellars died during its construction and the building was completed by his head draughtsman, John Keppie who, as part of Honeyman and Keppie, went on to employ Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
After this visit, we found cemetery maps online and printed them out (might have been an idea to do that first) and noticed all the things we’d missed. More about a subsequent visit next month!
Floral attraction
Our more local routes have provided some stunning colour, especially the Botanic Gardens and Glasgow University’s grounds:
Rainbows and teddies
Every time I go out I declare that I’m not going to photograph any more windows with rainbows and teddies. Then this happens:
Maybe in June I’ll give up!
Street art
In April, I shared a coronavirus mural by street artist Rebel Bear. A new one, depicting a health worker, has appeared on the wall of the Ubiquitous Chip bar and restaurant in Ashton Lane off Byres Road. There is another in the series, depicting a man with a coronavirus round his ankle like a ball and chain, but it’s in the city centre where I no longer go. You can, however, see all three in this BBC article.
The same wall used to be decorated with the advert for Auchentoshan whisky shown above. This is one of nearly 200 photos in a file on my phone marked Street Art, so I thought the current circumstances would be a good excuse to get rid of a few. Those below, a mix of official and unofficial decoration, were all taken in and around Byres Road, though some no longer exist.
Tartan paint is on the wall of De Courcy’s Arcade in Cresswell Lane. The two pieces of graffiti art on crumbling old buildings were added to the Western Infirmary as it was being demolished last year and have long since gone. Embargo (the wings) on Byres Road and Bar Gallus both still have their murals, but the final two images of the building opposite Gallus on Church Street have been painted over. No great loss!
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Normally when we visit Kelvingrove we’re there for an exhibition. Now that we can’t go inside we pay far more attention to the outside of the building. The rather grand entrance above presided over by St Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint, is just the back door! The front entrance is shown in the gallery below, along with various exterior adornments including the four elements of Glasgow’s coat of arms: the tree, the bird, the fish, and the bell.
The last bit
As we head into our third full month of lockdown, things have eased a little here in Scotland. We’re allowed to meet members of another household in an outdoor space, so we celebrated this on Saturday by visiting friends who have a very large garden. We took our own bottle and glasses, keeping the required 2m / 6ft apart at all times, and had a lovely time. The length of such visits is determined by the strength of one’s bladder as going indoors is still not allowed!
Another concession is that we can drive somewhere to exercise, roughly within five miles. This doesn’t really help much in our urban situation, and given reports over the weekend from beauty spots a little further afield, I think I’ll stick to what I can do from my front door at the moment. Even those routes make me nervous because of the increase in crowds. I don’t think our infection rate is anywhere near low enough to take risks.
And finally to my Scottish word of the month. Sleekit can just mean sleek, as in smooth and shiny, but to describe a person as sleekit is usually pejorative, meaning sly, crafty, or sneaky. I have seen this word used more than a few times recently in relation to a certain government advisor. My choice of words for him was a little stronger!
I hope you are all keeping safe, well and happy. Enjoy June as best you can!
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
Interesting street art and I love the cheerful rainbows and teddies. What a lovely idea. 😍
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It certainly makes a walk more interesting when you have to tread the same few routes each day! I still spot new ones all the time.
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Here in Canada, it’s hearts and rainbows in every window to show support for the healthcare workers. I wondered about the significance of your teddies? As for getting out, I feel so thankful to live in a semi-rural area with walking trails all around.
Jude
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Do you know the children’s rhyme “We’re going on a bear hunt”? Made famous by Michael Rosen, but long predating him. Children have something to look for in each other’s windows.
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“We’re going on a bear hunt, but I’m not afraid…”
Jude
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That’s the one!
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I’m glad you’re able to get out a bit more. Crowding in public spaces happened here as soon as we went into Level 3, and it’s got ridiculous, so you’re very wise to stay local and distanced.
Sleekit is being far too kind!
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I couldn’t print what I really think! It’s colder and wet today and -surprise! – far fewer people about.
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Hi Anabel – what an amazing collection of photos – and I love the way you’ve presented them to us … clever – and I’ll be back to look through them again. The graveyards offer so much – but what a great idea to print out the maps … that makes sense. Kelvingrove is just delightful to look at – while your views and photos just enhance the area … and that bladder scenario is just a nuisance isn’t it … take care and lots more to see I suspect – all the best – Hilary
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Thanks Hilary! Glasgow really scrubs up well in the sunshine 🌞.
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oh what a glorious look at Glasgow. Looks so fabulous, can’t wait to return for another tour when hopefully it won’t be raining and my hips won’t be playing up. Just fabulous Anabel, and yes very sensible on staying local.
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Can’t wait for that! Hope all is well with you and yours (hips included).
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All is good, although actually wishing for rain like we had that day I visited!!!
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Great shot of Glasgow Uni!
I 100% agree regarding avoiding crowds. So many people are now behaving a bit recklessly, and I worry we’ll be seeing the effects in a few weeks. (But then, I work in Infectious Diseases, so I’m probably a bit biased!)
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You have more cause than most to worry! But I’m alarmed too.
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There are so many things to like in this post but the flowers are the best for me – such beautiful colours and so bright 🙂
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Thanks, Eunice. I loved all the hot pinks.
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An amazing variety of Glasgow views! I’m not keen on venturing very far yet either, I’m mad keen to be out again, but only when the time is right. Luckily , I’ve been able to use the military training areas as all the exercises are on hold. Never thought I’d appreciate walking the tank tracks or enjoy watching the kids using the test tracks as BMX courses, but there you go. It’s been a funny old year so far!
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It certainly has! I’m biding my time too. Great to have your own exercise area!
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Some of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries in London have online walking guides or audio tours to download, which are quite useful, though as I can’t access any of the seven without public transport, it doesn’t do me much good at the moment! You’re lucky to be able to easily access so many different parks – I live literally right around the corner from Richmond Park, which is massive, but on the few occasions I’ve actually tried to venture in lately, it was just way too busy, and I don’t have any other options I can easily walk to (it’s good I’m not bothered about just staying at home). I guess this is the time when having a car would come in handy – living in a huge city isn’t much good when you’re on the outskirts of it and can’t use public transport!
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I get alarmed at the number of people sometimes, but I have to get out or I’d get no exercise at all. John does Pilates but I hate that sort of thing! We haven’t ventured anywhere beyond walking distance for exercise yet, though driving approximately 5 miles is now allowed. I certainly don’t intend to try public transport either!
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I’ve always worked out at home, and have a whole set-up with mats, free weights, etc in our spare bedroom, with about fifty different workout DVDs, so I fortunately haven’t had to make any changes to my usual exercise routine. Another way being a homebody has paid off lately!
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There is more of that stuff coming into our house these days, but none of it for me!
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What a nice wander through town. It sounds like you are doing well in this strange time.
Cheers, Amy
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Thanks Amy, we’re keeping sane at least!
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How lovely to know you have so many pleasant walking routes to enjoy without putting yourself at risk, especially those beautiful gardens. Our restrictions are gradually being lifted, a little at a time, and are quite reasonable. But we don’t feel inclined to spread our wings and venture too far just yet. Our numbers are so low and there have been no new cases in our state for days, but the virus might still be lurking. We’re in no hurry.
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Me neither, I’d rather be safe. I can’t believe they’re talking on the radio as I type about people flying off for summer holidays. Far too soon! You wouldn’t get me near a plane.
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Not us either. There is plenty for us to see here and we’re not even ready to do that yet.
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It is sad to see the dates on some of the gravestones. I like to walk the cemeteries just to read history. Sad but calming at the same time.
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I do too. We found a lot of comparatively young people in the more modern parts of this cemetery, which was sad.
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I love that view of Glasgow! And I also love that you are managing to go on your walks even in the midst of these lock downs. Here’s hoping we get the virus under control soon….
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Thanks Ann, I sincerely hope so.
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Who knew Glasgow looked so good?! I love seeing your photos from around the city.
The flowers are so beautiful and colourful and Glasgow always has great murals.
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Ha ha, well I knew! I agree it looks particularly good in the sunshine though.
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We’re seeing a significant uptick in activity around here. In town, masks are required, but I don’t think there’s any enforcement. So I still mostly stay home. We did go on one hike in the mountains and hubby has been biking and dirt-biking with friends quite a bit.
Enjoyed all your lovely photos, as always!
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All the “beauty spots“ were super busy at the weekend, so I shall keep well clear. Masks are recommended in shops and on public transport. I haven’t been on public transport since the beginning of March, but I do wear a mask in the supermarket. Despite the recommendation I’m in the minority.
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People here are generally being pretty good about masks, thankfully.
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Hi, Anabel – I love that you and John are still galivanting, despite travel restrictions. Very inspiring!
Thank you for sharing the street art – my personal favourite.
I also agree with Suzanne – those tullips do have a big WOW factor!
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Thanks Donna – we have to get out or we’d be climbing the walls!
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A busy month and I feel as though I have been away now myself after all.
I especially like the street art steps.
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That’s a pretty one, and it’s a shame it’s been painted over. Glad to have taken you on a virtual holiday in Glasgow! May is often one of our best months weather-wise, but this year has surpassed itself.
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Kelvingrove is a stunner! As is the art. Love a bit of graffito. Cemeteries are good too often giving surprising connections like your architect
Glad to see its permanently sunny in Glasgow these days
It had to happen!!
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Yes, I love all these things! And the weather since lockdown has been nothing short of miraculous – only a few wet days when I didn’t go out.
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Wet days!! I’ve heard they still exist but round here they’re as rare as toilet paper, flour and bedding plants…
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It rained overnight and is now sunny again! I can get behind that.
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We had a sprinkling just now but i could have spat more…
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Those tulips have that WOW factor. Anabel, pleased you have places close to home to enjoy. Getting out and about is important for both our mental and physical health [stating the obvious!].
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We caught the tulips just past their best, but they still looked good. Agree totally about getting out and about, though on some days I really have to push myself.
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Yes I’m the same though feel much better for getting out and releasing energy.
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Good weather helps, and we’ve been so lucky with that. The few days I’ve missed have all been damp.
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A good selection there. One thing I have noticed, especially with the fine weather, is that more people than ever are excising daily, probably due to not being at work. Cycle lanes, parks, and canal tow paths have far more folk using them than pre- covid 19 levels. Luckily, I still know places in Glasgow few people are aware of that stay empty.
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I agree, and we try to avoid the busier places too. Canal / Kelvin is to be avoided if at all possible. Fewer people seem to think of cemeteries!
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Anabel, it is so nice that you can reach all these wonderful parks and places by just walking out your front door. The street art is spectacular and I so love the window decorations of the citizens of Glasgow. Mark and I have been including a cemetery in our daily walk with Maya, as it is less populated there than on the rail trails. It’s so busy out on the sidewalks and walking paths, because everyone is still home due to the pandemic – we’re getting tired of having to cross the road this often or choosing out route based in foot traffic. I’m glad to read things across the pond are easing a bit!
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Thanks Liesbet. We found the cemetery to be quiet too, with a lot of park-like space. Our equivalent of your rail trails would be the river and canal banks which seem to be busier than ever! I avoid them now.
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Gorgeous colour in the flowers, Anabel. 🙂 🙂 For your mum’s sake you can’t afford to relax the vigilance.
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Thanks, Jo. Yes, we all have to be careful with elderly family (and we’re no spring chickens ourselves)!
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All good but I’m especially partial to the street art – especially the one re the distillery.
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Yes, that was very pretty, I was sorry to see it go. But probably the distillery only paid for a certain amount of time.
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Excellent. It’s amazing what places you can get to on foot from your front door! We’re lucky to live in a beautiful city.
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We are very lucky!
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We will have to visit Ruchill park, the views look great!!
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It’s much less “manicured” than parks like the Botanics and Victoria, but definitely has better views.
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Well, you still managed to keep quite busy last month and found great photo opportunities. We do go out every day to walk around our neighbourhood but we never take the cameras with us. The lockdown is also easing here and we are allowed to visit friends and family in an outdoor context though we have the right to go inside to use the facilities if needed while taking precautions so we can stay a bit longer. The weather has been nice lately so it is easier to spend time outside. (Suzanne)
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In England that is allowed, but not here year. We are being a bit more cautious in Scotland. John usually takes his camera – so many architectural details that are hard to capture on a phone.
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The colourful flowers in the Botanic Gardens are stunning. As you know, I love visiting cemeteries so I look forward to your future posts on ramblings among the headstones and tombs.
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Yes, there will definitely be more graveyard rambling to come. We caught the end of tulip season this month – lovely colours.
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Oh, and to say you are being very wise exercising caution, I certainly am
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👍🏻
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Well, you might be staying local, but you certainly find interesting places and things!
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I suppose that’s one of the advantages of a big city – we have plenty of parks to choose from. The downside is not being able to get to somewhere more rural and unspoilt. Access to the countryside form Glasgow truly is easy – but not if you stick to 5 miles!
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Ah, OK
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It looks like quite a few places you visited and walked around during May, Anabel. Love the photos you took – you got a good eye there for scenic scenes. It felt like I was walking along with you. The Botanic Gardens looks stunning with densely packed flora all over.
I haven’t really seen too many teddies in windows here in Australia. That is quite a few cute teddies in windows over there, and they must have been delighted to see you passing by 🙂
That is a very good point, that sometimes we might need to visit the bathroom at some point during the day. Really best to stick to places you know and are not too far, and definitely avoid crowds at this point. Stay safe.
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Thank you, Mabel! Credit where credit is due – my husband takes most of the photos. Every time we go out I spot new teddies and rainbows. I know they’re really meant for children to see, but I love them too. I hope you are also staying safe – I am still being VERY cautious.
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Alright then – great work to your husband for most of the photos 🙂 No reason why you can’t enjoy the teddies too. I know I’d stop and take a photo of teddies I see in windows. I’m doing okay over here, and like you, being very cautious even when places are starting to open back up in Australia. Take care.
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👍🏻
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I find graveyards interesting too, although sad, they are calm and peaceful places and stimulate pause for reflection.
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That’s very true. And “garden cemeteries” such as this one are also very beautiful. A lovely place for people to visit loved ones they have lost (and a lot of the more modern graves had floral tributes showing how fresh some of those losses still are).
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That sums it up nicely.
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