Walking weather

 Now that autumn is here, there are some lovely walks to be had in Greenock and Port Glasgow.

Take a guided architectural ramble through Greenock's west end starting at George Square and looking at some of the wonderful buildings that grace this part of Greenock.  From old churches to the homes of shipbuilders and owners, sugar refiners and many other important Greenock residents, the range of architecture is quite amazing.  There is a map to follow and a fully interactive guide to download.  The history of some of these buildings gives a great insight into how Greenock grew and expanded over the years.  Download here.

Another, shorter but no less interesting walk takes you along Greenock Waterfront in the centre of the town.  Once again there is a map and fully interactive guide to download and follow.  See some interesting public art along the way, including Greenock's famous Ginger the Horse.  A walk along Cathcart Street to Cathcart Square give a fascinating glimpse of what was once Greenock's commercial heart.  There are some wonderful buildings to look at along the way.  Download here.

If you are going to be in Port Glasgow, then you can take the guided walk which starts at the wonderful Newark Castle and then continues through the town.  Along the way you will find out more about Port Glasgow's interesting history and the industries that made it famous.  Once again there is a map and fully interactive guide for you to follow.  Download here.

I'm sure everyone will find something of interest in each of these walks.  Whether you would like to take the walk on an autumn day, or perhaps you don't live nearby or would rather take part from the comfort of your home, then download the maps and fully interactive guides to find out more.  Click on the links below for more information.

Enjoy your walk!

Greenock Architectural Ramble

Greenock Waterfront Walk

Port Glasgow Heritage Walk

Port Glasgow Heritage Walk and Map

This summer why not take a walk through Port Glasgow enjoying both the scenery and the fascinating history of the town.  Download the guided walk booklet here.  Or you could take a copy of the map and enjoy the walk on its own.

I've updated the details of my Port Glasgow Heritage Walk and you can download a pdf of the walk and larger map from here.  There are some great things to see along the way.  Here's just a few you might like:-

1    Newark Castle dating from the 15th century
3    Ropework Buildings - former ropeworks, now apartments
6    Coronation Park and riverside
7    Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow sculpture

Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow sculpture, Coronation Park

8    Memorial Clyde Boating Tragedy
9   Murals at Steamboat Quay
10 & 11    Lighthouses
14     Shipyard Names (Tesco carpark)
17    Church of St John the Baptist built in 1854
19    New Parish Church and Churchyard - this building dates from 1823, original church much earlier
21    Murals & Hood's Well in Port Glasgow railway station

Hood's Well, Port Glasgow railway station

23    Former Town Hall and Masonic Lodge in King Street built circa 1750s
25    Port Glasgow Library, former town buildings built in 1816
27    Port Glasgow War Memorial
28    Endeavour Sculpture

Endeavour sculpture, Port Glasgow

As you can see, there's lots to explore in Port Glasgow.

Port Glasgow's coat of arms

Download the Booklet and Map to find out more.

Greenock West End Walk - An Architectural Ramble

If you would like to take a self-guided walk around Greenock's West End and find out about some of the wonderful buildings in the area, then this walk is perfect for you.  Even if it is raining or you don't live locally, you can download the PDF and explore the area virtually.  The map on page 2 of the document is fully interactive as are the quick links to the left of it.

The walk starts at George Square in Greenock and goes just as far west as Forsyth Street before returning to George Square where it ends.  There's lots to see along the way with many 19th century buildings some of which have been converted to other uses.

Former Greenbank Church, Kelly Street (14 on map)

There's a map with all the interesting buildings mentioned on the walk numbered in red, and when you download the PDF you can click on the red numbers and you will be taken to external sites giving more information about the building in question.

St Mary's Church, Patrick Street (26 on map)

So, if you live locally or are visiting Greenock for a short time then this would be a great walk to see some of our lovely buildings and find out a bit more about their history.  Download it here.

Self guided walk in Port Glasgow

I've just been updating my Port Glasgow Heritage Walk.  Download your copy here.

Starting at Newark Castle, follow the map below and find out all about Port Glasgow's wonderful history and heritage.

The walk will take you through Coronation Park and along the shore path where once shipyards lined the River Clyde.  

Once in the town centre you will see the beautiful New Parish Church - it has a fascinating history and some very old gravestones in the kirkyard.

Then visit Port Glasgow railway station where there are some wonderful murals to see.  They tell of Port Glasgow's history in a unique way.

Then go back down King Street and see the old Masons' Lodge and Town Hall before arriving at the former Town Buildings.  A short walk and you are back at Newark Castle.

For much more information please download your copy of the Port Glasgow Heritage Walk.