Ashton Paddling Pools
Nestled along the scenic coastal promenade of Gourock, the historic Ashton paddling pools and sand pit area hold a cherished place in local memory as a nostalgic focal point of Scotland’s Firth of Clyde seaside tradition.
Though the original tidal paddling structures have since transitioned into history, the area along Ashton Promenade remains highly popular for walkers, cyclists, and visitors seeking sweeping, panoramic sunset reflections over the water.
Creative Regeneration
We are working with a local group to look at the feasibility of bring the paddling pool area back into use, providing a range of opportunities for locals, visitors and celebrating the heritage.
Learning from other groups across Scotland from the Friends of the Cellardyke Tidal Pool to The Friends of Tarlair, both groups reviving and regenerating tidal pool areas through community led regeneration.
Initial works including research into the various adaptations and infilling over the years, utilities / structural and topographical surveys and community engagement to help direct potential new uses. This might include things such reinstating some form of accessible paddling pools, sandpit, sauna experience, changing, performance area, improving the esplanade with pitch spaces for food & drink trucks.
Getting involved
If there is ideas, knowledge, skills & experience you can offer to assist this project, please do get in touch. The local group leading on this project are looking for volunteers to help develop the group and proposals.
We are also keen to hear from anyone that may have photographs or memories of the paddling pools in use that they might be willing to share with us.
