The new Govan – Partick Bridge which opened in 2024 is one of the longest opening pedestrian and cycle bridges in Europe. The 99m long main span of the cable-stayed swing design swings open to allow large boats up and down the River Clyde. This 2019 video from Glasgow City Council shows an earlier design but gives you an idea of how the bridge will open:

The bridge is situated between the Riverside Museum at Pointhouse Quay on the north of the river and Water Row in Govan on the south bank. A passenger and car ferry crossed the Clyde here until the mid 1960s. The bridge was designed by CH2M Hill (now part of Jacobs), who in their previous incarnation Halcrow were responsible for some other Glasgow bridges, notably the Clyde Arc, the Dalmarnock Smart Bridge and the Tradeston Bridge. The bridge was built in Belgium and the pylons and cabling were added in the Netherlands. The whole project has cost £29.5million with funding coming from the Glasgow City Region City Deal, a significant capital investment programme by both the UK and Scottish Governments.

The design of the bridge is rather like the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam which connects the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam. That bridge is named after Desiderius Erasmus who was born in Rotterdam.

Find out about the seven main types of bridge design – see how many you can see on the Clyde and in the rest of Scotland: https://www.engineeringclicks.com/types-of-bridges/

Walking Route Instructions This is the official end of the walk. From here you can return to the town centre via the subway station at Govan by crossing the new bridge. Or you can make your way to Partick train station to return to Glasgow city centre or pick up the 100 Riversider bus at the Riverside museum. If taking bus transport from the museum please check with the museum for the latest timetable.