Gourock pt1

Located three miles west of Greenock, Gourock is a relatively small town which in the past functioned as a seaside resort on the Firth of Clyde.

The town dates back to 1494 as it was recorded that James IV of Scotland arrived on the shores of Gourock to conquer the Highland clans that rebelled. In 1784 Gourock was bought by Duncan Darroch from the Stewarts of Castlemilk and his house called Gourock House which no longer exists was built on what is now known as the Darroch Park also known as the Darroch Woods or the Gourock Park.

As a former resident of Gourock I know the best places to visit on a day out. There are the Darroch Woods, the Tower Hill, the Promenade, the Gourock Pool and Granny Kempock.

The Darroch Woods

The Darroch woods is a popular place for locals to walk their dogs. There is a path that takes you around the park and it takes around 30 minutes to complete. When on this path you can pass the Gourock Bowling Club, tennis courts, the Bunny Park and a tomb.

The tomb belongs to the Darrochs and various members of their family are buried there.

The Darroch Tomb

One piece of advice I could give you is do not go there at night. Apparently the woods are haunted but from walking through the woods at night by myself your mind plays tricks on you also it has in the past been a popular place for underage drinking and some really odd folk.

If you are interested in learning more about the hauntings of the Darroch Woods please visit Tales of the Oak

Near the bottom of the Darroch woods is an area that is walled off. Inside this is the Bunny Park. The Bunny Park is very popular with the residents of Gourock and there is a play park for children as well as enclosures containing ducks, chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, degus and budgerigars.

The Shetland pony in the Bunny Park

Cockerel in the Bunny Park

There is also a field that contains a donkey, a goat and a Shetland pony as well as a pigsty that contains two pigs. This park is open most days until late afternoon and dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash at all times.

The next post will be on the Tower Hill and Granny Kempock.

For more images please visit the Gallery.