This centre started as stud and livery stables and is now one of Britain's top equestrian…read morefacilities. It has two large indoor riding arenas, an outside allweather arena. Riding lessons are offered in the Academy by qualified coaches on their own horses or you can bring your own. The only off putting part of having lessons is that the people visiting the restuarant are able to watch you - not good if you are just learning. There is a large resturant, a smaller take away for riding competitors. Another resturant is being built. There is also a saddlery shop, although this is quite pricey. There is plenty of car parking, easy access off the M8.

Large equestrian store located near a garden centre. It has a big car park…read more Inside a large section is given over to clothes, ladies, gents and children. There is a good range of saddlery equipment, saddles, bridles and rugs. Unfortunately it tends to be the more expensive ranges they stock rather than budget ranges. There is also horse feed for sale. Staff are knowledgable and friendly, and they will specially order stuff in for you. The only downside is the store is very exposed and the wind hits you as soon as you step from your car or the shop.

I've been trying to get onto Gryffeside since 2016 but the stars and circumstances have never…read morealigned, Karen has always been honest about what you are looking for and if the yard would suit (I was looking for full livery at the time). I finally have managed to become a very proud member of the Gryffeside livery, I keep pinching myself! We were meant to move a couple of weeks later, however, we had to move a few weeks earlier than planned and Karen could not have been more supportive, kind or helpful. Probably the most welcoming bunch of liveries as well! One of my horses arrived at the yard very lame and my other one was acting as her companion. So they were staying in overnight and out in the hardstanding pens during the day. To say he is a grot monster is an understatement - think hose pipe every morning! Karen has not once, but twice thought of solutions to help me out - first putting them into the rubber turnout overnight so I wasn't mucking that stable out and they both got turnout, but then when my mare was ready, pairing her up with her mare so she had quiet company and introducing my gelding to his new herd. The yard is so well thought out - my boy was starting to pile on the pounds and the hard standing pens and paddy paddock has been a godsend! That indoor is also what dreams are made of. The yard is beautifully maintained - from the land and fencing, to the arenas, you can see the pride Karen and Willie take in it. The stables are spacious, with automatic waterers and there's tonnes of well thought out storage space - I have a lot of stuff between two horses and it's still all neat and tidy opposed to crammed in. Seeing really is believing (and I don't just mean the storage). There's a lovely place to socialise called the Wendy house - fully equipped with a fridge, kettle, toastie maker and a microwave. So if you want to stay there all day, you can. Karen is really accommodating of needs, so if you are thinking of coming and joining us, come and have a look around and a chat. I have two horses with varying needs - one is on the best of both package (mainly living out) and my other horse is on the standard living in at night in winter package. You also have the option of grass livery, so there really is something for everyone. I am looking forward to many, many happy years here as part of Gryffeside and can't thank Karen and Willie enough for having us!

I have had horses at Gryffeside for the last 11years and I can honestly say that we have enjoyed…read moreevery day there. I think it's down to the fabulous facilities and the excellent way the yard is run by Karen and Willie. They are there for you and your horse, whether it's Willie helping with your horse, car or trailer or whatever you need help with as he can turn his hand to anything. Or Karen looking after your horse just like she would her own. Every horse is an individual, and treated as such, and their little likes and dislikes catered for, nothing's a bother. I have no hesitation leaving my horse in their care, I know that when I am at work or on holiday they are well looked after, in fact some people would say spoilt. The other brilliant thing about Gryffeside is the other liveries, you couldn't meet a nicer bunch, always there to support you and to have a good laugh with you. So it's a 10 from me."

Dumbreck is a family run riding school, where my daughter began taking riding lessons Staff are…read morevery friendly , helpful and encourage the children to gain their confidence around horeses. Set in the most beautiful of settings Pollok Park, one can enjoy the semi rural setting and get the kids active in a skill which develops the ideal of responsibility for animal welfare, and keeps them physically fit at the same time.

We ate at their restaurant Palominos, and the food was good, with amazing detail to helping with…read morefood allergies. Sadly though, service was extremely slow as they actually forgot to bring the meals Cocktail bar was good. Equestrian ambiance made it fun. We stayed in a little cabin which was quiet, relaxing before a 6:00 am flight in Glasgow. A very quick drive to airport. That would be a fun place for a horse show, meticulous stables.

Oh reviewing a country club are we? Bet you didn't know I am secretly posh!…read more Ingliston is located in Bishopton, about 15 minutes from Glasgow Airport and is surrounded by lovely views of the countryside. It is first and foremost an equestrian centre and although it has been years since I have ridden a horse myself I believe Ingliston has the best facilities in the country. There are classes for everyone from the complete beginner right up to the most experienced competitive riders. They can teach you everything from how to care for horses and managing a stable to show jumping and dressage. However, if like me you love horses but don't fancy getting quite so involved, you can go on one of the stable tours to check out the great facilities and meet some of the gorgeous horses. If you've had an injury from horse riding or are just a bit nervous about getting back into horse riding after a few years away from it, Ingliston have a simulator which gently eases you back into the saddle so to speak and helps build up the muscles you would use when riding a real horse. At Ingliston there is also a boutique called Flying Changes where you can buy all the gear for your horse as well as clothing for yourself by the likes of Joules and Toggi. You can also pick up some lovely equestrian themed gifts for little ones and adult alike. Ingliston also has ten gorgeous looking lodges which you can stay in and while on the outside they look a bit like fancy sheds; on the inside they are very modern, spacious and stylish. I have never stayed in one myself but I have had a little tour round them and I recommend you check out some of the photos I have posted from the Ingliston website as they really are quite impressive little sheds! The reason for most of my visits to Ingliston is for some food. There are four different dining areas all with a different vibe to them. I usually eat in Palomino's which is a bistro and wine bar and have had some wonderful afternoon tea here and several delicious meals. I highly recommend the steak pie followed by the sticky toffee pudding. You'll need a good 2 weeks solid at the gym to work that meal off but it is definitely worth it! At Palomino's there are huge windows which face onto the inside training arena and you can watch the riders practice. The Salerno Suite reminds me of the grand dining room aboard the Titanic! It is very Art Deco with a lot of the features being inspired from London's Savoy Hotel. This dining area tends to attract an older crowd for things like dinner dances but it can also be hired as a wedding venue. There is a beautiful terrace which would make a great place to sip champagne as the sunsets on your wedding day. The Polo Rooms attracts a younger customer as it has a very vibrant atmosphere and is decorated like a cocktail bar in Ibiza! There are often live bands playing or (horror of horrors) karaoke, but don't let that put you off! The summer barbeques are always good fun and we have to make the best of any decent weather we get in Scotland! The Polo Rooms can also be hired out for smaller weddings or parties. The Clydesdale and Shetland suites are more your typical function suites. Ideal for small parties and the seating can be adapted to suite your specific needs. All in all I highly recommend Ingliston whether you are interested equestrianism or not. You can spend a few hours there enjoying a great meal or a few days staying in one of the lovely lodges and taking a few riding lessons.

A tranquil yoga venue hidden in Pollok Park. Maureen teaches in the Ashtanga Vinyasa style and has…read moretrained with John Scott a world renowned Ashtanga teacher. Glasgow is blessed to have many wonderful teachers and Maureen really stands out with her compassionate and warm teaching style.

The Old Barn is located in what is quite possibly one of the best city parks between both…read morecoastlines, a soothing and calming space for healing arts such as yoga, meditation, and other alternative therapies. A few months back they started offering a new class on Sundays, and this alone has been motivation enough to make the drive into Glasgow. Classes are on a drop-in basis, which is practical for the schedule-challenged and commitment-phobes out there. Certainly there isn't a dearth of yoga studios and instructors around, however for me the space is just as important as the teacher, and the Old Barn lacks in neither atmospheric hospitality nor simplistic beauty - both of which have helped me ease into the stretches. I'm no pretzel, but doctor's orders have me engaging in the practice, and despite myself, I've actually come to like and even enjoy it. Part of this certainly has something to do with the open environment and warm people I've met thus far in the yoga world, and the crew at the Old Barn are certainly no exception - truly wonderful souls. I have a soft spot in my heart for all things barn-related, which is how we stumbled upon the location after a serendipitous conversation and follow-up round of google-ing. Oh you could take this barn-affinity in any manner of your choosing, but it's meant in a purely innocent one, very closely tied to frequent happy memories of being out in the country, oozing with fresh air seeping out the pores. Not even 10 minutes from the city center, the stone structure has been refurbished into a beautiful venue for freelance instructors to hire for their various art and healing courses. It's not just a stone-cold (pun-intended!) money making venture, the evidence of which includes the fact that they don't rent out the barn for private parties, weddings or corporate gigs. Instead they have dedicated the barn to promoting culture and bringing people together, giving teachers an affordable way to share their various arts. Whether for their yoga offerings or special events, or just to check out the space while visiting Pollok Country Park, do take a wee gander at the place. Even in the chilled winter months it has been a space of welcoming and inviting warmth (they've an old wood burning stove!). Certainly it's only going to get better as the spring begins to thaw everything and everyone out. One final blurb worth including here, taken directly from their website: "The downstairs of The Old Barn is home to the Scottish arm of the South African NGO, The Bookery. We collect second-hand books to help build libraries in disadvantaged schools in South Africa." "We are looking for donations of fiction and non-fiction books for age 5 through to 18. Adult books are also welcome - we sell all unsuitable books for £1/book to help pay for the shipping to South Africa. Please drop all donations off in The Old Barn. The door is always open."

EN GARDE! So my…read morefriend and I have got into the habit of taking on new sporting adventures. Last weekend we slapped each other in the face with a glove (you don't actually get to do that!) and settled in for a duel at Braveheart Fencing. Located towards the back of Maryhill it is essentially a fencing club that has opened up it's doors to potential new joiners by offering up the space for people to try it out. We had taken up an introductory offer on Groupon where for 90 minutes you get given a brief history of the sport and then shown what to do before battle commences. The teachers are both professionals and often would share an anecdote or two from their time on the circuit. Of course we got to duel and despite coming home with a bruise on my chest it was a lot of fun and far more energetic than you'd think. It was so much fun that in fact my friend has added to a list of potential stag do options for early next year. If you want to do something a bit different and that is a bit of fun then I would certainly recommend giving this a bash

Great tuition for the kids. Nice wee slope about to be extended. The equiptment is in good order…read moreand up to date. They have recentley added a mountain bike run and its looks very good. Not yet tried it. The staff are very helpful, and will give advice. Lessons are cheap as is a days skiing or snowboarding. Got wee bobsleighs for the very young to play on.