Between Paddle Wheels and Port Towns: A River Clyde Journey from Glasgow to Greenock aboard PS Waverley
- 3 min read
Cruising the Clyde: Glasgow to Greenock aboard PS Waverley
One of the most unique ways to explore the River Clyde is by taking a trip aboard the PS Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer.
A Floating Piece of History
Commissioned in 1947 to replace her wartime-lost predecessor, PS Waverley has been lovingly restored to her original 1940s appearance, complete with polished wooden decks, gleaming brass, and mighty paddle wheels churning the waters of the Clyde.
Waverley isn’t just a vessel — she’s a time machine, offering scheduled cruises along the west coast of Scotland, the Inner Hebrides, and the Clyde itself. You can find her cruise schedule and book tickets at waverleyexcursions.co.uk.
💡 Did you know? The Waverley is listed in the UK National Historic Fleet and has served millions of passengers over her long career.
The Glasgow to Greenock Trip: A Relaxed River Adventure
The cruise from Glasgow’s Science Centre to Greenock Custom House Quay takes around 2 hours, slowly revealing the river’s layered history and scenic transformations — from modern bridges and iconic buildings in Glasgow, to shipyards, sleepy towns, and castles along the Clyde.
With the gentle sway of the steamer and its open-air decks, it’s an ideal journey even for those who typically get seasick — a true river cruise rather than an open-sea voyage.
You can either:
- Take a return cruise, or
- Go one-way and return by bus, which takes just 40–50 minutes to Glasgow city centre from Greenock.
🎟️ Ticket Price (2025 season): £27.50 one way for adults, £42 return
👪 Concessions and family tickets available — check official pricing here
Picture-Perfect Moments on the Clyde 📸
This route offers a rare chance to photograph the Clyde from the water, capturing angles impossible from land.
From the deck, you’ll pass:
- Dumbarton Rock and its imposing medieval castle
- Shipbuilding relics, cranes, and modern industry
- Firth of Clyde towns and the distant hills of Argyll
Arriving in Greenock: A Town with a View
While often overlooked, Greenock offers a few hidden gems — and the top of the list is Lyle Hill, a panoramic viewpoint looking back over the River Clyde and the Argyll mountains.
It’s a bit of a hike or short taxi ride from the waterfront, but absolutely worth the effort for landscape photographers. The views sweep across Gourock, the Holy Loch, and out towards the Firth of Clyde.
Waverley in Action
The journey from Glasgow to Greenock is the shortest leg of the Waverley’s route — a gentle and scenic cruise that’s perfect if you’re short on time or just getting your sea legs. But if you’re up for more adventure, you don’t have to disembark at Greenock.
The PS Waverley continues to a range of stunning destinations, including:
- Dunoon and Rothesay — charming coastal towns with Victorian piers
- Tighnabruaich and Tarbert — nestled in picturesque sea lochs
- Arran, Bute, and Cumbrae — beautiful islands rich in wildlife and walking trails
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Glasgow or the west coast of Scotland and want to capture the Clyde from a fresh angle — while enjoying a relaxed, historical cruise — the PS Waverley journey to Greenock is a must. It’s perfect for solo travellers, families, history lovers, and photographers alike.
Whether you’re shooting from the railings, relaxing on a sun-warmed bench (aye, miracles happen in Scotland too!), or exploring the engine room windows, every part of the Waverley feels like a living museum — and the Clyde, its timeless setting.
🛳️ Visit waverleyexcursions.co.uk to check the latest timetables and plan your cruise.