Ferries timetable, right click and select Save As - it will be large enough to view

When people think of cruising on the Clyde, naturally, their first (indeed for many ONLY thoughts!) are of the paddle steamer Waverley.

This fine old ship, built in 1947 at A&J Inglis, is of course quite rightly the first of choice when wanting to go a sail on the Clyde - with her magnificent saloons, mighty engines and the music of her paddle beats, nothing compares.

But she is only with us on the Clyde for a few months of the year, so what to do when she is off sailing around other British resorts?

Well, it may surprise you to learn that there is an excellent service on the Clyde that is a:)affordable b:)regular, and c:) lets you experience the most beautiful parts of the Firth every day.


It is operated on behalf of Strathclyde Passenger Transport by Clyde Marine Motoring Ltd, a Greenock firm that has a number of small passenger vessels.

From Helensburgh, or Kilcgreggan or Dunoon you can visit each of these ports, crossing the Tail o' the Bank, viewing the magnificent Cowal Hills or taking a peek up the Gareloch, all for just a few pounds.

Usually the vessel used is the veteran Kenilworth, a rugged workhorse of a vessel, or if she is not available, the Denny-built The Second Snark, this elegant little vessel is much famed on the Clyde and I have described her elsewhere in the Magazine.

Here follows a selection of shots from our army of subscribers of the vessels used on the routes:



On board Kenilworth, taken by David Watson



A fine view of her from Gary Lucas



Some Clydesiters who took a trip on her this year.



The Second Snark, picture taken by John Newth



Another nice shot of 'The Snark'  - taken by Allan Comrie



Sometime if neither Snark or Kenilworth are on the run, you will find this wee boat, the Rover, taking over  the ferry run. Built by McLeans of Renfrew, she is an important link to a yard now obliterated by 'developments'

So, on you go, get out of the house, and breath in the fresh Firth air - it won't cost you an arm and a leg and it'll do you good!