Waverley Excursions
Paddle Steamer Waverley, built over 70 years ago, is the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer. She has been magnificently restored and now offers cruises to and from many ports along the west coast of Scotland. With towering funnels, timber decks and gleaming varnish and brasswork, she is a magnificent sight to behold in Argyll’s waters. A unique piece of Britain’s maritime heritage, she brings pleasure to tens of thousands every summer. It’s fair to say that she holds a special place in many people’s hearts.
A summer cruise on board Waverley is a fabulous way to explore Argyll’s coastline, with day, afternoon and evening cruises available. Dine or relax with a drink in one of the restored lounges, or simply watch the world slip by as you enjoy breathtaking views. If you can drag yourself away from those magical seascapes, then head down to see and hear the mighty engines that propel the ship’s paddles.
Cruises and destinations
The Paddle Steamer Waverley summer sailing timetable offers a huge range of fantastic cruises to choose from and destinations to visit across Argyll and the Isles. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a cruise and go ashore to discover vibrant fishing villages, beautiful beaches and stunning countryside.
'Doon the Watter'
Paddle steamers used to bring throngs of Glaswegian holidaymakers ‘doon the watter’ to Cowal and Loch Lomond. The PS Waverley continues this tradition with cruises visiting the most popular destinations of these bygone days, including Rothesay, Tighnabruaich, Kilcreggan, Blaimore, and Dunoon. When the Waverley pulls up at the area’s iconic Victorian piers, with gleaming brass and waving crowds, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Highlights include sailing to Rothesay on the island of Bute, cruising up Loch Long and Loch Goil – known as the ‘Clyde Fjords’ – to view the 15th-century Carrick Castle and enjoy epic mountain scenery and cruising up Loch Fyne through the famous Kyles of Bute deep into Argyll’s Secret Coast.
Why not stay the night?
Jump off in Dunoon to spend an extra day exploring the spectacular Cowal area. Stay in central in Dunoon at the Douglas Park Guesthouse to discover the various restaurants and cafes such as The Blairmore. The next day, head over to the Isle of Bute and discover the iconic Victorian architecture mixed with a buzzing town. Stay at the Boathouse Super Suites to be right in the middle of Rothesay. Discover more accommodation in Dunoon and Cowal.
Kintyre
Cruise down the Kilbrannan Sound towards the Mull of Kintyre and the Sanda Islands or steam across the Kilbrannan Sound to Skipness Point with views of the 13th-century Skipness Castle. Sail into the harbour at Campbeltown and spend the afternoon strolling around the town. Springbank Whisky Distillery is just a short walk from the pier.
The Inner Hebrides
Cruise to some of Argyll’s most beautiful Hebridean islands on board the Waverley. Visit the four beautiful mid Argyll sea lochs of Shuna, Melfort, Craignish and Crinan before heading out to visit the world-famous Corryvreckan Whirlpool between the islands of Jura and Scarba. Or how about cruising up the Sound of Mull to the Sound of Gunna to visit Tiree and discover its beaches? Another highlight includes cruising up the Sound of Mull to visit Tobermory on the island of Mull. This lively port with its brightly painted harbour-front buildings is packed with great shops and cafés.
On board
This is dining with a view! Waverley has a restaurant, two lounge bars and a tea room, all restored to their original 1940s style. The traditional steamer dining saloon offers refectory style dining. Enjoy a drink in the Jeanie Deans lounge, or head to the Talisman bar for a selection of over 30 malt whiskies and a range of guest ales. Or how about afternoon tea or Sunday roast? For something different, don’t miss the Evening Showboats with live music. Sail down the River Clyde and see the sun set over Dunoon before you turn and head back upriver. And did you know that you can bring your bike on board Waverley? It costs £7.50 for single or return journeys.
Find out more about PS Waverley and view the summer timetable.