Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel on a steam-powered ship, with the sound of the paddles splashing in the water and the smell of coal and oil in the air? If so, you might want to book a ticket on the Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer.
The Waverley is a historic vessel that was built in 1946 and named after Sir Walter Scott’s first novel. She was originally designed to sail from Craigendoran on the Firth of Clyde to Arrochar on Loch Long in Scotland, carrying passengers and cargo. She was operated by the London and North Eastern Railway until 1948, when she became part of the Caledonian Steam Packet Company, a subsidiary of the nationalised British Railways. She wore different funnel colours and logos over the years, reflecting the changes in ownership and branding.
The Waverley continued to serve the Scottish coast until 1973, when she was withdrawn from service due to rising costs and declining demand. She was saved from being scrapped by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS), a charity that was formed in 1959 to preserve and operate historic paddle steamers. The PSPS restored the Waverley to her original 1947 appearance and began to operate her as a tourist attraction, offering passenger excursions around the British coast.
Today, the Waverley is a unique and popular attraction that attracts thousands of visitors every year. She sails from various ports and piers, such as London, Glasgow, Southampton, Bristol, Liverpool, Llandudno and many more. She offers a variety of cruises, ranging from short trips to full-day excursions, along scenic routes that showcase the beauty and history of the British coastline. Some of her destinations include the Isle of Wight, the Jurassic Coast, the Scottish islands, the Thames Estuary and more.
My day on board the Waverley started early one summer morning on the dock in Glasgow, where she sat there resplendent with her red funnels glinting in the sunlight. First order of the day was to get a sausage sandwich and a coffee from the galley. That done we went into the aft lounge to eat breakfast. Then we were off.
What surprised me most about the Waverley was the power produced by the engine and transmitted to the large paddle wheels on either side of her. Within a few minutes we were making good progress to the sea.
Once we reached the sea the Waverley really showed her great strength, increasing her speed and remaining totally stable.
One interesting and quirky feature of the boat is a Royal Mail post box, where postcards can be sent from!
I can’t remember the name of our destination, but it took around 4 hours to get there, and around the same time to get back to Glasgow, but the time flew by for me.
The Waverley is not only a sightseeing vessel, but also a living museum that preserves and showcases the heritage of steam navigation. She is powered by a diagonal triple expansion steam engine that was built by Rankin & Blackmore in Greenock, Scotland. The engine room is open to visitors who can see the engine at work and learn about its history and operation. The Waverley also has a traditional wooden wheelhouse, where visitors can watch the captain steer the ship and chat with him about his experience. The Waverley has several lounges and bars where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments, as well as a souvenir shop where they can buy exclusive Waverley merchandise.
The Waverley is a remarkable ship that has survived many challenges and changes over her long career. She is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of her builders and engineers, as well as the dedication and passion of her crew and supporters. She is a national treasure that deserves to be celebrated and supported for generations to come.
If you are interested in sailing on the Waverley, you can check out her timetables, fares and brochures on her official website. You can also book your tickets online or by phone. You can also support the Waverley by becoming a Friend of Waverley, joining the PSPS, donating or volunteering. You can also buy items from her Amazon Wish List or her online shop.
Don’t miss this opportunity to step aboard the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer and experience a day of adventure, nostalgia and fun!
Journeys In Words And On Wheels 