Lets StartSkating Now
Where To Skate In Scotland
You've purchased skates and taken skating lessons. Now where are you going to skate? It is not unusual to hear new skaters exclaim they can't find anywhere to skate. Well, here's a list of 50 venues in Scotland to get you started. There are many more places which you may already know about. Tell us, and we'll add it to the list.
DUNDEE
Riverside Drive, about 4½ miles long, runs along beside the main road,
unfortunately.
Know a good place to skate? Why not share it and let others enjoy skating with you?
CLACKMANNAN to DUNFERMLINE using NCR 764. Straight undulating cycle track. Some rough surfaces can be a bit gritty, mostly easy skating. Best with a following wind. This used to be a favourite venue but some parts of the route have deteriorated quite a bit and may not appeal to all skaters.
Best on big wheel skates.
EAGLESHAM WINDFARM
Park ¾ mile past the visitor centre. Smooth surfaces, a few speed bumps. Short, just over a mile long. Good for beginners.
EDINBURGH WEST - CRAMOND ESPLANADE
Esplanade off Marine Drive, mainly flat and smooth, some rough patches, steep hill access/exit at Silverknowes. Recently extended smooth surface. Highly Recommended. Approx 2½ miles from Cramond to Granton TrySkating learn-to-skate lessons available here by arrangement.
GLASGOW - EAST
Follow NCR 75 from Glasgow Green. Some parts very rough, some smooth. Avoid tree roots start from Dalmarnock Rd.
GLASGOW EAST - GLASGOW GREEN
Some really rough surfaces, one or two steep bits but mainly flat. Plenty of easy skating. Easy access. Most suitable for big wheel skates. A bit of a challenge. TrySkating learn-to-skate lessons available here.
GLASGOW SOUTH - BELLAHOUSTON PARK
Mainly good surfaces, occasionally rough, mainly flat, a few hills, one steep. The cycle track has a smooth surface, plenty of easy skating. Highly recommended. TrySkating learn-to-skate lessons available here. EASY
GLASGOW CENTRAL - ARC SPORTS CENTRE
Indoor skating for all on Sunday mornings from 10.30am. Drop in session, new skaters always welcome. Learn to skate. Try the Lap-Ladder. This is our favourite indoor venue, EASY skating
We're always on the lookout for new smooth flat tarmac. Keep us posted when you find some.
GLASGOW - WEST
KELVINGROVE PARK
Mainly good surfaces, a bit hilly, has skate park. Can be very busy. EASY
LARGS ESPLANADE
Flat, mainly good surfaces, sometimes busy near the ferry terminal. Can be windy. Easy access. Recommended. TrySkating learn-to-skate lessons available here by arrangement. EASY
STREET SKATES has some skating locations in England
NEWTON MEARNS TO FENWICK
Smooth surfaces occasional rough patches. Some sections spoiled by pathway grit. More suited to big wheel skates. Start from Fenwick to have a following wind. EASY skating.
Skate Routes
Grading skate routes can be tricky because, dependent on ability, what one skater finds easy another finds difficult. Should you be reasonably fit and capable of stopping proficiently then all the skate locations are relatively easy. If you can't stop competently you must not skate on public roads. Not sure you can handle any of this. Can't skate rough surfaces? Then take a private lesson or join group indoor classes in your area.
Feedback
We like to know what you think of the skate routes. When you have skated one, please email your comments. It helps to keep descriptions accurate and up-to-date. Found somewhere good to skate in your area with decent surfaces and mainly flat? Share it with other skaters by having it listed.
Safety First
StartSkating recommends wearing pads & helmet everytime you go skating. When skating in public areas, please give precedence to pedestrians, especially children, elderly and disabled people at all times.