Puffer Steamboat Holiday on the Clyde

On arrival at Crinan, having welcomed you to the boat, we might suggest a woodland walk to blow the journey’s cobwebs away. On Monday morning we venture through the lovely Crinan Canal built over 200 years ago by John Rennie- prepare those lock–gate pushing muscles!

On Tuesday we depart from Ardrishaig and head up Loch Fyne, famed for its kippers and beauty to anchor off Crarae gardens and for those intrepid enough to enjoy a dinghy trip ashore, walk around amongst rhododendrons and azaleas. On to admire Lachlan Castle and on again to Tarbert, a busy fishing village full of life.

Having spent the night at the pier, we continue on Wednesday morning to Lochranza on the Island of Arran. We anchor in the bay close to a seal colony and bicycles may be hired in the village.

On Thursday we steam to Millport on the Island of Great Cumbrae, famed for its chocolate shop and bicycling around the island. During lunch we continue to Rothesay, on the Island of Bute and in the afternoon you might visit Mountstuart House or just potter around this Glaswegian holiday resort with a Victorian atmosphere and 1098 Castle.

On Friday we return to Ardrishaig via a brief look in at Loch Riddon and Tighnabruiach.

The itinerary is partially the same as Cruise A but we do not make a passage through the Crinan canal and have an extra day in the area. The cruise starts in Ardrishaig and ends in central Glasgow (you will be advised of the exact location on receipt of your holiday balance). We may include Dunoon, Helensburgh (Hill House) and the James Watt Dock at Greenock, the submarine base at Faslane on the Gareloch, Carrick Castle in Loch Goil and of course a fascinating trip up the River Clyde to Glasgow.

We suggest transport back to your vehicle in Ardrishaig in the form of a taxi to Buchanan Street Bus Station (10 mins) and a West Coast Motors (or City-Link) bus (2½ hrs.)

The itinerary is the same as Cruise B but starts in Glasgow (you will be advised of the exact location on receipt of your holiday balance). We suggest, if you are driving and not using public transport, you drive your car to Ardrishaig and leave it there during your holiday with us. You then take the bus from Ardrishaig to Glasgow and a taxi to your embarkation point and join us on the Sunday afternoon.

This is a new cruise in the Loch Fyne and Clyde area starting and finishing at Ardrishaig, a small harbour at the eastern end of the Crinan Canal. Walk its colourful banks on your arrival. We may visit any or all of the following places during the cruise according to the Skipper’s whim and fancy: Tarbert, Lochranza, Millport, Largs, Rothesay, Dunoon, Blairmore, Carrick Castle in Loch Goil, the Holy Loch, the Gareloch including passing the submarine base at Faslane, Helensburgh, Greenoch, Tighnabruaich, Loch Riddon and viewing the Maids of Bute.

The itinerary is the same as Cruise A but is reversed. The cruise starts at Ardrishaig and ends at Crinan.