Partick Station – Low level trains, the western West End and nearest supermarket
Partick is a station that serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it is the local station for the area of Partick, which is the most westerly of the West End stations. Secondly, it is the main connection point to the low level train rail service that sits above the subway station. With that said, by the time it gets to Partick, it is far from low level and the rail line itself sits high up behind the tenements around the station.
The rail line heads east towards its core terminus underneath Central Station. Additional lines run through Charing Cross, Buchannan Street and various stations in the city centre. In fact, it even runs out to the east of Glasgow. If you need to reach the north-western side of the city, this rail service is an excellent option. The numerous lines give easy access to the leafy suburbs of Milngavie and Bearsden for example. The connection at Partick is well used by regular commuters, who will often swap rail for subway on their way to and from work. Expect this station to be busy at rush hour periods.
The station platform itself is of a separate side design, although unlike Govan, you can easily swap platforms as the barriers serve either side. What’s more, if you are heading to the city centre stations of St Enoch and Buchanan Street, there is very little difference in time as Partick is at the opposite end of the subway circle and both directions will take roughly the same time.
Above the subway platform, the concourse area opens up in to a vast area that is shared with the rail station. This can be reached via the other train barriers directly opposite the subway ones. It is certainly one of the larger and best served stations, with retail kiosk and plenty of staff from both subway and rail service. Additionally, there is a main route bus stop directly outside the station and services here lead all over the north west of the city.
Outside the station, the area of Partick is a typical West End area with plenty of shops and direct access to Dumbarton Road, one of the main arterial roads out of the city and a main route through the West End. If you follow Dumbarton Road west from Kelvinhall, you will end up at Partick. Dumbarton Road is full of interesting shops, restaurants and bars and Partick is a fairly vibrant locale, not dissimilar to the rest of the West End stations.
There are also a very impressive set of murals painted on the sides of the old tenements that surround the station which make for quite the sight. Continuing the artistic theme, Partick also serves the local Riverside museum, if you fancy the land route rather than the ferry from the Govan side. The north bank of the clyde, the clydeside expressway and Glasgow Harbour Terrace are within walking distance to the south.
One of the big attractions for any subway regular is the large Morrisons supermarket immediately outside the station entrance. If you lack a car, and want to use the subway for your supermarket shopping, Partick is your best bet. Be sure to have a look at our guide to shopping on the clockwork orange.
In terms of the subcrawl, the most common stop is the Doc n Doris which is just on Dumbarton Road. There are however various other establishments in both directions down Dumbarton Road as well as a variety of fast food establishments. If you have come via the southern route then this is your point of respite with a clear run home. For the more hardcore route coming from the north, this is the last point of salvation before you hit the more difficult late night return leg past Ibrox.
On the whole, Partick is a popular, modern and well served transit station that acts as the anchor on the most north western side of the Glasgow Subway network.