Patrick Harvie, Minister for Active Travel, has officially opened a new walking, wheeling and cycling link at Gourock Station. By improving connections to onward travel by train and ferry, the realignment of National Cycle Network Route 75 will enable more people to make healthier and sustainable journeys.
New active travel route through Gourock train station is officially opened
A new and improved walking, wheeling and cycling link at Gourock Station was officially opened by the Minister for Active Travel, Patrick Harvie MSP, on 3 April 2024.
The transformed traffic-free route has re-aligned National Cycle Network Route 75 and improved connections to onward travel by train or ferry, enabling everyone in Inverclyde to make healthier and more sustainable choices for their everyday journeys.
Construction on the £196,000 project started in January 2024 and was recently completed.
Inspiration behind the project
Previously, the National Cycle Network was interrupted by the station and required users to dismount and navigate active platforms and the station car park to rejoin the traffic-free network.
The alternative route was mainly on roads and took a less direct path between towns and key services.
This made efficient commuting difficult for people walking, wheeling and cycling.
The Minister for Active Travel, Patrick Harvie MSP was joined by Sustrans Scotland Director Karen McGregor to open the new walking, wheeling and cycling link at Gourock Station. Credit: Sustrans
A seamless connection
The creation of a segregated, shared-use path through Gourock Station has addressed the issue, making it easier, safer and more convenient than ever to walk, wheel and cycle.
The 210m link can be joined via access points at the station and Gourock Ferry Terminal.
Separated from the main concourse by glass panels, the route avoids conflict with other station users and enables continuous travel for those journeying along the coast.
Now open, residents and visitors to the area will benefit from the improved links to key local services and the existing National Cycle Network Routes 75 and 753, which stretch to Greenock, Port Glasgow, Inverkip and beyond.
Signage and road markings have also been upgraded as part of the project.
Integration with public transport
Active travel and public transport go hand in hand, and the Gourock Station project is no exception.
Gourock sits at the end of the Inverclyde Line which runs from Glasgow Central to Renfrewshire.
It is also the jumping-off point for ferries to Dunoon and Kilcreggan.
The new path has not only made walking, wheeling and cycling pleasant, easy and direct, it has also improved connections to onward travel by train and ferry.
Crucially, this will enable more people to make healthier and more sustainable choices when commuting and making journeys further afield.
The transformed traffic-free route has re-aligned National Cycle Network Route 75 and improved connections to onward travel by train or ferry. Credit: Sustrans
Speaking of the importance of integrating active travel and public transport networks, Minister for Active Travel, Patrick Harvie, said: “It’s welcome news that people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle around Gourock can now do so continuously along National Cycle Network 75, with reduced conflicts around the train station.
“The realignment work makes it easier for people to choose active travel locally, or to integrate cycling as part of wider public transport journeys.
“We’re providing record funding for active travel in Scotland to remove barriers to more people choosing healthier and happier forms of transport. In doing so, we will see more infrastructure improvements, like we see at Gourock, in communities right across the country.”
Encouraging active travel across Inverclyde
Ahead of the opening of the re-aligned route, Councillor Michael McCormick, Convener of Environment and Regeneration, discussed the positive impact of the project felt locally:
He said: “This is fantastic news for everyone who wants to discover more of Inverclyde’s wonderful coastline.
“Previously anyone using National Cycle Network Route 75 had to go around the train station but now they can continue through and it doesn’t impact on station users.
“I commend everyone involved in this innovative project and am glad to see it up and running and delivered on schedule.”
Karen McGregor, Director at Sustrans Scotland, added: “We’re very pleased that this improved link through Gourock Station is now open to the public.
"The re-alignment of National Cycle Network Route 75 has enabled continuous travel for people walking, wheeling and cycling, making it easier and safer for everyone in Inverclyde to make healthier, happier and more sustainable choices for their everyday journeys.
"We hope the improved connection between local active travel routes and public transport hubs will encourage more residents and visitors to the area to leave the car at home”.
Separated from the main concourse by glass panels, the route avoids conflict with other station users and enables continuous travel for those journeying along the coast. Credit: Sustrans
Partnership working
The Gourock Station project was funded by the Scottish Government and designed and delivered through a partnership between Inverclyde Council and Sustrans, with support from Network Rail, Scotrail and Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL).
The new segregated route is part of Sustrans' wider work to improve and expand the National Cycle Network across Scotland, making it easier for more people to walk, wheel and cycle for their everyday journeys.
Read more about our work in Scotland.
Find out more about National Cycle Network routes in Glasgow and the surrounding area.
