The Isle of Jura
A visit to the Isle of Jura guarantees a wonderful day out with whisky tasting, history and wildlife abound. And the island is more famous than you think!
Things to do on the Isle of Jura
Just 10 minutes on the ferry from Port Askaig, you’ll be on the stunning Isle of Jura. It’s well worth a visit for the day with lots to see and do. We guarantee your visit will be a memorable one! Read on to find out more about this fantastic little island . . .
Book NowUntamed beauty
The Isle of Jura ferry runs from early morning until the evening, taking visitors from Islay to Feolin on Jura. This untamed island is one of the wildest in Scotland and perfect for whisky lovers, walkers and wildlife lovers. The 6,000 deer outnumber the 200 humans that live on the island! So when you visit, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter one of these majestic creatures.
The island lies off the west coast of Scotland, separated from Islay by the fast-flowing Sound of Islay. To the north is the Strait of Corryvreckan with its famous whirlpool. And that’s not the only famous thing linked with the island.
Drop in for a wee dram
The well-known whisky Jura is, of course, distilled on the island. Founded in 1810, the distillery originally fell into ruin at the end of the 19th century. It was rebuilt in 1963, reviving the island by producing the famous whisky that is now available all over the UK. Set in the main village of Craigshouse, you can take a tour and enjoy some samples when you visit.
Fun fact: George Orwell escaped to Barnhill on Jura when he was writing 1984. Craving some peace to finish his novel, he needed somewhere that was quiet, and the Isle of Jura was perfect!
So much to offer
Steeped in history, Jura has Iron Age forts, standing stones and ancient burial grounds to explore. Jura Church is open every day of the week and not just for worship. It houses a wonderful collection of old photos that chronicle the island and its people.
The rugged west coast is isolated, the perfect spot for wildlife lovers. It offers magnificent views and the chance to spot some of the wonderful wildlife that calls Jura home. Red deer are in abundance but there are also wild goats – a real highlight, especially for the kids. Along the coastline, you’ll be able to spot seals and otters frolicking in the sea. The Isle of Jura is a haven for Birdwatchers as it is home to the spectacular golden eagle, the white-tailed eagle, peregrine falcons, buzzards and more.
There are also plenty of walks on the Isle of Jura. From leisurely strolls along the beach to more challenging routes around the Paps of Jura – a real classic hill walk. There are walks for every ability and fitness level. When you are done exploring everything this amazing little island has to offer, you can refuel in the tearoom or at the Jura hotel.
Get in touch
So add this to your list of things to do when you visit Islay! If you want to find out more give us a call on 07880 706 356 or drop us an email. We offer fabulous Islay accommodation with a range of properties to choose from. Get in touch today, we can’t wait to meet you
Book NowEverything was to a good standard, the beds were comfortable and the wi-fi connection was more than adequate for such a remote location (we didn’t use the TV/DVD). The living room and kitchen area is perfect for relaxing in the evenings, and you’ll be amazed at the quiet ! If your idea of the perfect holiday is getting out into the wilds and exploring miles of unspoilt beauty, this is the place for you. I am certain it is popular with walkers, but you can also do many exciting trips by car (which you’ll need anyway to get around !). Some of the roads do get a bit funky in places, and it’s largely single track with passing places, but you soon get used to this, and the courtesy between drivers is generally a joy to experience.
The Kilchoman cottages are near three absolutely stunning beaches, all within 4/5 miles: Machir Bay, Saligo Bay and Sanaigmore, it was impossible to choose between them, but we visited each one at least twice. Perhaps the most scenic beaches we’ve ever seen, with beautiful rock formations, white sand and totally unspoilt (and indeed generally deserted !)
There’s also the possibility to take a day trip over to the nearby island of Jura, the famous `paps’ (mountains) add a stunning back drop to so many places on Islay. It is a photographer’s dream. Life is simpler here, and in many ways it had not changed at all for me since 1972 ! A lifetime dream fulfilled to come back here, and I wasn’t disappointed ! We were very very lucky with the weather, which does help, and on a good day I wouldn’t hesitate to call it paradise.
Handy hints: Take plenty of basic provisions with you, but the Co-op in Bowmore is up to modern standards for most of your needs, we only needed a couple of trips there to restock in two weeks. If you’re big on nightlife and bustle, give it a miss…but if you love nature, beauty and fresh air….it can’t be beaten.
