I’m back on board the Paddle Steamer Waverley with Waverley Excursions.

The red line is roughly the trip we’ll be taking.

Craig got me two sailing ticket for my birthday last year and this is the first one I’m using. I wanted to sail all week but I couldn’t find accommodation in some of the places she is docking for the night. I picked the best of the bunch and despite my low mood yesterday, I’m really looking forward to it.

Very early start with the alarm set for 4.55am!

I parked the Glasgow Science Centre at 6.30am and the Waverley sailed promptly at 7am.

I had wanted to be on a Waverley cruise for the whole week but I couldn’t get accommodation booked up north so had to settle for today’s trip which is the easiest to navigate from home.

It’s much cooler this morning so I’m wrapped up. We’re expecting 18°C but in was so cold on my Ailsa Craig tour last year that I’m wrapped up well today. I am still fairly cold and regretting leaving the fur lined boots at home.

Heading under the Erskine Bridge.

Finally the sun is out. I’ve had a hot chocolate breaking my fast very early for warmth!!

Largs Ahoy!

A large ferry crossover behind the Waverley while we are docked in Largs.

Millport on Great Cumbrae.

The sun is out and while it’s hot the breeze keeps it cool. The sea is mostly calm.

They’re filming a documentary about the Waverley with David Hyman.the hope to release it this year as they’ve been filming it for years.

Sailing into Campbeltown at 12.30. I have taken two layers off. I’m still wearing 3!

Leaving Campbeltown.

Loved these cows on this tiny island. So very Scottish! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Davaar Island.

This is so similar to Ailsa Craig.

This next one is the view from the ladies toilet porthole!

This is Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse. I loved the birds in low flying formation.

They did this a lot.

The Coastguard flew out from the Mull of Kintyre and did a fly around the ship. That was really cool!

Heading towards the Sound of Islay. We were meant to sail into Port Ellen on Islay but there was a grain tanker in our berth. We had to divert to Colonsay. This shows Islay to the left and Jura to the right.

The south coast of Jura.

The Paps of Jura.

Looking back over Jura.

Stopping in Colonsay.

Colonsay looks lovely. I’ve never been here.

As I write this we are currently heading for Correyvreckan whirlpool and then into Oban.

I don’t get home until about midnight tonight so I’m going to put this out now and write about the rest tomorrow.

All I can say is, I have had the best day. I’ve been sailing since 7am and it’s now 18.30. No sadness, no low mood, just total wonder at the beauty of the trip!

Wow.

Stay safe everyone ☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿☀️