PS Waverley at Blairmore

PS Waverley arriving at Blairmore Pier

PS Waverley calling at Blairmore Pier

A few times each year, PS Waverley, the world's last seagoing paddle steamer, sails into the National Park, and in May 2023, I was part of a crowd of people waiting to greet her arrival at Blairmore's Victorian Pier.

We'd watched her progress from the village as she left Kilcreggan for Dunoon before pulling in alongside the pier.

PS Waverley at Blairmore Pier

Whrere is Blairmore Pier

There was a delay of 30 minutes, but nobody minded. There was a good atmosphere, helped by the sunshine and the excellent piper waiting on the pier to pipe her in. If you are unsure where Blairmore is, see the map below, you can also read our guide to the village here.

 

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PS Waverley at Blairmore Pier

PS Waverley Cruise through the National Park

PS Waverley followed the same route today as her maiden voyage on June 16, 1947, up Loch Long and Loch Goil, sailing past Lochgoilhead, Carrick Castle, Ardentinny, and Blairmore.

The paddle steamer is in demand from her many fans throughout the UK, who join her during her extensive sailings that take her past famous landmarks such as Tower Bridge in London, Tobermory on Mull, past Eilean Donan Castle and around the Needles on the Isle of Wight.

Piper at Blairmore Pier

Paddle Steamer Waverely

PS Waverley has outlived her intended lifespan thanks to public donations and grant awards. There is much affection for Scotland's Steamers, Waverley, Loch Lomond's Maid of the Loch and Steamship Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine.

An example of the scale of support necessary to keep the Waverley sailing came in 2019 with a £2.3m boiler replacement. Sadly, her subsequent return to service in 2020 was cut short after striking Brodick Pier on the Isle of Arran in September of that year, damaging her bow.

PS Waverley on Loch Long

PS Waverley on Loch Goil

PS WaverLEy Colours

Thankfully, she is back sailing and, as you can see, looks very distinguished with a livery of red, white, and black funnels and paddle-wheel boxes decorated with gold lettering on each side. These are her original colours from 1947.

A highlight of our sailing was the sharp turn into Loch Goil, with a view of the Captain gushed as one of the steamer's most picturesque experiences each year. That view was of Carrick Castle and the view up the fjord-like Loch Goil.

Carrick Castle on Loch Goil

Book a trip to Loch Lomond & the Trossachs or beyond.

PS Waverley arriving back at Blairmore Pier

PS Waverley piped into Blairmore

Waverley Excursions in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

There is no doubt that sailing on the Waverly is a memorable experience and one worth taking when she sails in Scottish waters. I hope you enjoy these pictures of PS Waverley cruising through the National Park.

PS Waverley at Blairmore

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Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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