A day on the Glasgow Subway
The Glasgow Subway. Known locally as simply “The Subway” or “The Underground”. There are those that would have us refer to it as “The Clockwork Orange” but even though I personally like the sound of that, I can understand why no-one would say that in regular conversation.
There are older and more photographed underground railway systems in the world, but not many. Dating back to 1896, and still going strong, the Subway has a special place in my heart. One rainy day in 2016, I decided that I would buy a day pass and spend a few minutes in and around every station on the line. The following pictures were from that day.
St Enoch
Located close to St. Enoch centre. Typical me, I rushed to the station and jumped on the first train. So I did not shoot the original booking office and headquarters of the original Glasgow District Subway Railway Company. A beautiful building that I really should have photographed that day.
Bridge Street
First stop south of the Clyde. I should have stopped in that pub but it was early in the day and I had another train to catch.
West Street
One of the quietest stops on the Subway. Felt a bit isolated there but I did take my favourite shot in the car leaving the station.
Shields Road
Another quiet station in an underdeveloped part of Glasgow. Strangely, not located on Shields Road at all. The parking lot is pretty big though, so big that the east end of it is closer to the entrance of the stop at West Street Subway.
Kinning Park
You do have to cross over the M8 to get to Kinning Park from the station but that’s ok. It’s an awesome bridge over a motorway. You can’t say you do that every day (unless you live near there of course).
Cessnock
Want to visit The Glasgow Science Centre, BBC Scotland or the STV offices? Then you’d get off at Cessnock. Want to see a cool part of the city? You’d probably get off here as well. Want to feel bad for people who live above a subway station (literally)? Here’s your station.
Ibrox
Not being a football fan, I didn’t know about Ibrox Stadium being the home of Rangers F.C. but now I do.
Govan
Last stop south of the River Clyde. The station was undergoing major renovations when I was there.
Partick
One of the only Subway stations that has direct National rail connections.
I only have one picture from here because, well that’s all I have.
Kelvinhall
Blink and you miss it, get hungry and you might be in a different kind of Subway.
Hillhead
Right in the heart of Byres Road. Near the University and the botanical gardens. Also two doors away from a fine pub. I almost went there for lunch but common sense saved the day.
Kelvinbridge
Right beside a bridge over the river Kelvin. A beautiful spot with easy access to Kelvingrove Park.
St George's Cross
Once a major junction in the city, now not so much (that’s what wikipedia told me).
Cowcaddens
On the North side of City Centre. Closest stop to Chinatown. If you didn’t know Glasgow had a Chinatown, you do now.
Buchanan Street
Finally back in the heart of City Centre. All 15 stops on the subway completed in just under four hours. I needed a pint after that but where I went is lost in time.
