FERRY
TRIP NEWS
WAVERLEY • The world’s last sea-going paddle steamer’s new boilers, the result of a public appeal that raised £2.3million in just seven months, were tested for the first time in late July, with smoke seen coming from the forward funnel for the first time since 2018. A week later tests included the engine and paddle wheels being turned, with Waverley Excursions then using the vessel for a short Clyde season from Friday 21 August to Sunday 6 September, with departure ports including Glasgow, Greenock and Largs.
DART CRUISES • Although the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Co put its entire staff on furlough from late March, River Dart sailings began in July, with the 1924-built paddler Kingswear Castle running harbour cruises, including some connecting with the steam rail services between Paignton and Kingswear.
• Windermere Lake Cruises resumed operations in July, but instead of through sailings from Bowness and Ambleside to Lakeside, the lake’s three
