We are the Glasgow Ramblers. If you enjoy walking or want to give it a try come and join us.
Marjory A.
OPTIONAL SHORTER WALK: Woodhall to Port Glasgow
Starting at Woodhall Station, this scenic coastal walk along the River Clyde combines natural beauty with industrial heritage. Passing through Parklea, the route follows a beach to Finlaystone Burn, marking the eastern boundary of Inverclyde. Turning west, it continues along the shoreline past old timber ponds before reaching Kelburn Park and back past Woodhall Station. The trail then leads to Lamont’s Pier, the impressive 15th-century Newark Castle, and Ferguson Marine shipyard, a reminder of the Clyde’s shipbuilding legacy. The walk passes through Coronation Park and Steamboat Quay, with Port Glasgow town centre nearby, where there is a large Tesco with toilets.
For those opting for the shorter version of the walk, which finishes at lunchtime, this is a convenient endpoint - close to Port Glasgow station where there are regular trains back to Glasgow.
The full route follows Greenock’s historic shipbuilding sites, passing James Watt Dock Marina along the A8 before continuing to the new coastal promenade, built on the site of the former Scott’s Shipyard. The route also passes Victoria Harbour, The Beacon Arts Centre, Custom House, and several shipbuilding memorials. Leaving Greenock esplanade, the final stretch leads to Battery Park, where the walk finishes. Toilets are available at the pavilion, and the park hopefully offers stunning views of the Argyll mountains. Fort Matilda has a pub and cafe nearby, and trains from Fort Matilda Railway Station run every 30 minutes back to Glasgow.
The walk follows a mix of pavements and surfaces, including busy roads such as the A8 and A770, tarmac paths, grassy tracks, park trails, and short beach section. The terrain is mostly flat, though some shoreline areas can be uneven, so walking shoes or boots are recommended.
If you’d like to join the walk, please contact Marjory, by email or text no more than two weeks in advance (from Saturday 12th April). When booking, please also provide a mobile number in case of any last-minute changes.
There will be three stops along the way for snacks and lunch, and at the end of the walk, there’s an optional visit to Fort Matilda for some well-earned refreshments.
Meet Marjory and Louise outside M&S Simply Food at Glasgow Central Station at 9:00 am, ready to catch the 9:17 am Wemyss Bay train to Woodhall. Please purchase a return ticket to Fort Matilda. Although the outbound and return journeys follow different rail lines, we’ve been advised by ticket staff to do this. (For the shorter walk, please buy a return ticket to Port Glasgow). Toilets are available on the train.
