Summer Sport in Glasgow

Continuing our Summer Sport series in honour of London 2012, this is a feature for everyone suffering from post-Olympic blues.

Although Glasgow may not have hosted the greatest sporting event on the planet, this city has a rich heritage in physical activities, and can stake a claim to being the city where the first international football match took place. (It was between England and Scotland and in the spirit of all climactic events, it ended in a draw without a single goal scored).

Whether you prefer the competitive burn of a team sport or feel like pottering along at your own pace, sports fanatics will find everything their hearts desire when visiting this vibrant sporty city.

Glasgow Sport walking club
Perhaps the easiest form of exercise, there's no special equipment and no training required to enjoy a lovely walk with Team Glasgow Sport. Their varied programme offers something for everyone, from sedate meanders around stately gardens to full-on trekking through the surrounding countryside.

Between these two extremes, you'll find a number of intermediate levels, so you're guaranteed to get something that pleases everyone. Each venture is led by a group of trained volunteers who are more than happy to provide friendly chatter, motivation and photographic evidence of your walk. Physical & Outdoor Team, Glasgow Sport, 20 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5ES, 0141 287 3675.

Undiscovered Adventure
Find running around the city a bit dull? Do you find gyms lacking in excitement? Undiscovered Adventure is the solution for all those aspiring to be Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. Paddle to wild places in a canoeing adventure suitable for everyone, whether you're a single traveller or a group of friends.

The thrills take place over at Loch Lomond which is within very easy reach of hostels in Glasgow. Ride the rapids and enjoy the thrill, or simply paddle around the loch in a meandering fashion – your choice. Either way, you're sure to have a blast. 272 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JR, 07833 588090.

Kayaking
Although the only white water rapids you're likely to see in Glasgow are confined to within your washing-up bowl, it's still a great place to learn the basics of this thrilling activity. Lessons take place on the ponds of the city's local parks, ensuring a calm environment for developing your skills.

A qualified instructor will talk you through the basics, and you'll be paddling around the surface of the water in no time at all. River Ganges, here we come. Physical & Outdoor Team, Glasgow Sport, 20 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5ES, 0141 287 3675.

Jogging
Experience the city on foot, but don't plug your iPod in and go alone. Instead, join the Glasgow Running Network, where the staff have been coming up with ways of making jogging fun for years. Explore the city in a social environment on one of their fun runs, or take a training session if you're a bit of a couch potato.

Ladies will certainly be tempted by the Pasta Party Fun Runs, which take place in spring and summer. Jog around the city before getting a plate of pasta and dessert at the finishing line. Massages and free entertainment are also available at this very fun and sociable evening. 600 Aitkenhead Road, Glasgow, G42 0PD, 08000 270 470.

The Glasgow Climbing Centre
This world-famous climbing venue opened in 1994 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. It's no coincidence that it's amassed more than 50,000 passionate members over that time – this is a fantastic place to practice your climbing skills or even learn how it's done from the professionals.

Boasting a state-of-the-art climbing wall, the centre is run by extremely friendly staff, ensuring a highly sociable atmosphere and a great place to stretch your arms and legs. Once you've finished, grab a drink from their handy cafe to quench your thirst. You will have earned it, especially if the team has put you through your paces. 534 Paisley Road West, Glasgow, 0141 427 9550.

Tennis for free
"Getting more people to hit more tennis balls" is the slogan of this free tennis drive. As taglines go, it's fairly apt – that's exactly what the initiative is about. Supported by various patrons including comedian David Mitchell, QI master Stephen Fry and the Lord of Tennis Himself Andy Murray, anyone can use their website to find their nearest free tennis court and then play to their heart's content on a first come first served basis.

Never played tennis before? Not a problem – the initiative also lists courts that coach people in the sport, so anyone can participate even if they've never held a racquet before. Great free venues in Glasgow include Queen's Park, Coalburn Recreational Ground and Kelvingrove Park. www.tennisforfree.com

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