Firth of Clyde Cruise

Firth of Clyde Cruise

Introduction

This evening I am providing information and images relating to yesterday’s cruise on the Firth of Clyde. Transport was provided by the 75 year old paddle steamer, the Waverley which is a popular vessel on the Clyde.

Typical Firth of Clyde vista

Information on the Firth of Clyde Cruise-Section 1

‘Firth’ is a Scottish word meaning bay or estuary. It is where the the River Clyde empties into the ocean on the west of Scotland, The Firth of Clyde forms an expansive stretch of water within which are numerous coastal resorts plus various islands.

The cruise started and finished at Largs which is popular with retirees and visitors. Close by is a large marina. Here, in 1263, took place a battle between the Scots and Norwegians. This acted as a catalyst for to the transfer of long held Norwegian lands to the Scots.

Largs seafront
Departing Largs on the Waverley
Sail boats off Greater Cumbrae
Millport, the principal town on Greater Cumbrae. The island has a population of about 1400 persons.
Tip of Little Cumbrae. This island has a population of zero.
Holy Island, off isle of Arran. This island has a long history of spiritual occupation. First commencing AD 700 when it was the home of Christian missionary, St. Molias. Today, it is owned and occupied by a community of Tibetan Buddhists. Visitors are allowed.
Lamlash, Arran which is opposite Holy Isle.

Information on the Firth of Clyde Cruise-Section 2

My main destination was the town of Brodick on the isle of Arran. Here I managed to spend about two hours.

Arran covers some 432 sq.km (163 sq.m) has a permanent population of some 5000 persons. The island is split into two parishes, Kilmory (west) and Kilbride (east). The principal town (and ferry port) is Brodick. Other main towns and villages include: Lamlash, Whiting Bay, Kildonan, Blackwaterfoot, Machrie, Lochranza, Sannox and Corrie. Tourism is the principal business on Arran.

Approaching Arran on the Waverley
Goatfell, Arran’s tallest mountain at 2867 feet. The name is of Norse origin and translates as Goat Mountain. Note outline of Brodick Castle in bottom right of image.
View of Brodick from beach. Brodick translates from Old Norse as ‘Broad Bay’.
View of Brodick Bay and Goatfell
Close up of Waverley at Brodick
The Waverley in Brodick Bay
In the far distance can be seen three grey ‘bumps’ These are the Paps of Jura at a distance of about forty miles.Visibility was unusually good. A close up image of the Paps (library pic) is provided below.
Paps of Jura taken from Islay

On the return trip we called at the Keppel Pier, Great Cumbrae. Here the boat was welcomed by the Millport Pipe Band as per video below.

More information for the visitor

For information on a wide range of topics including islands, whisky and history please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.

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