Jura (Diùra)

The last of the western drive-able islands required a return visit to Islay to get to it. I thought I’d do a round trip and return to Colonsay as well but ferry issues meant that was not to be. We lost a few hours on Jura due to rushing back to try to get a ferry cancellation to get back to the mainland earlier (I was ill so it seemed a good idea at the time) – as we couldn’t we could potentially have had longer on Jura in better weather.

Rising with the sun offers the chance for beautiful photos and the opportunity to see deer and birds of prey having their breakfast

Being on Islay for another 2 days wasn’t a terrible thing as the weather was good and we discovered there are nice sand beaches though the best ones require a little bit of effort to get to.

Settled on the top of the biggest rock on Singing Sands

We headed up to Lochaber for a few days when we did get back to the mainland.

Bishops Bay from An Dunan
A little paw stretch down to the loch from our parking spot with a view
Looking towards Ardnamurchan from Ballachulish

Why visit Jura?

The ferry crossing can look a little exciting as the water flows quickly through the Sound of Islay.
There is one road on Jura. Driving to its northern end and then walking might get you a view of the Corryvreckan whirlpool and also takes you to the Lussa gin distillery.
If you’re a walker who likes mountains the Paps of Jura must be a good reason for visiting.
The wildlife outnumbers the people by a large amount.
Last but not least Jura makes its own whisky.