Discover Wildlife

As well as more than 5,000 deer, Jura offers a diverse range of wildlife. From seals basking in Small Isles Bay to playful otters along the shore, rare sea birds and soaring eagles, there’s a wealth of natural wonder in store.

We regularly see mute swans, eider ducks and oyster catchers along the shore. Keep an eye out for seals basking on the rocks too, even at Craighouse. Jura has both grey seals and the smaller, dog nosed harbour seal. If it's otters you're after, the best times are early morning and evening as this is when they are most active. With an otter for every 4 miles of coastline you stand a good chance of coming across one!

Lowlandman's Bay, just a short cycle from Craighouse, offers the chance to see some rare waders and waterfowl including common and purple sandpipers. With the beautiful backdrop of the Paps, which is stunning in itself, it's easy to be distracted from the amazing wildlife they hold. Out on the hills is the best place to catch sight of one of the many birds of prey found here; from peregrines and hen harriers to the gigantic sea and golden eagles but sightings are also far from rare in the Bay.

Click on the animal's names above to get their stories courtesy of Scottish Natural Heritage who have more information about these and other species on their website.

A journey you’ll never forget...

You won't need to wait to reach Jura to start spotting widllife. We regularly see dolphins and porpoises from the boat and sometimes they even ride along with us.

Abundant bird life is always around, sometimes including sea eagles, buzzards and golden eagles. There's always a variety of divers and ducks to see.

As we head down Loch Sween there are seal colonies and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for otters too. You can see them swimming amongst the kelp or bounding across rocks.

Photograph by Kenneth Cameron

Discover Landscapes

Take a gentle stroll or a challenging climb – Jura has walks suitable for every fitness level, whether you have a few minutes or a few days to spare. Maybe you want to admire the stunning views from atop one of the Paps, enjoy a gentle stroll along the beach, or something in between. Whichever way we can guarantee you spectacular views to Knapdale, Gigha, Islay, down to the Mull of Kintyre and even Antrim on a clear day.

For directions to climb Beinn an Oir: munromagic.com

Photograph by Kenneth Cameron

Discover Jura Life

Crofting – Jura has two crofting townships - Knockrome & Ardfarnal and Keils – modern working settlements continuing to offer security to smallholders. Both are just a short car journey or cycle ride from Craighouse.

Heritage – With evidence of human occupation going back 10,000 years there's plenty to see on Jura from ancient settlement sites, standing stones, cairns and cists to evidence of former farming practices.

Jura Service Point is home to the Jura Genealogy Project – check out census records, ship manifests and more. Investigate upstairs at Jura Parish Church to find a photo display featuring scenes and characters from 150 years of Jura life. Living memory is currently being explored by Jura Lives, the island's own oral history project: juralives.tumblr.com

Photograph by Kenneth Cameron

Discover Jura Distillery

For a real taste of island life there's nowhere better to start than a tour of Isle of Jura Distillery. Founded in 1810 and now famous the world over, here’s your chance to see exactly how this unique, award-winning single malt is created.

All tours must be booked, just call 0149 682 0385.

Become a Diurach – Why not sign up to become an honorary Diurach and claim your free dram of the month? Visit www.isleofjura.com for more details.

Isle of Jura: Getting Around

Walking
Jura is a fantastic place to walk. Whether strolling along the shore or heading for a challenging climb up one of the Paps, you’ll soak up the scenery and the views from every perspective. The ferry lands you in the heart of Craighouse, home to Jura Hotel, Jura Stores, Jura Bike Hire and The Antlers restaurant.

Cycling
With little traffic and lots to see, cycling is the ideal way to get around. A gentle 2 mile pedal around Small Isles Bay brings you to the beautiful Corran Sands. To hire a bike from Jura Bike Hire call Nicol on 07768 450 000.

Tour the island by bus
Jura Island Tours offers private tours by bus, starting from 1 hour. For more details: www.juraislandtours.co.uk/

Public transport
Buses travel from the Feolin in the south to Inverlussa in the north, you can check times and plan your trip including connections with Jura Passenger Ferry at travelinescotland.com. The full timetable can be found on Argyll & Bute Council's website. The operators, Garelochhead Coaches, can be contacted on 0143 681 0200.

Photograph by Kenneth Cameron

Groceries and more

Bùth Dhiùra - Jura Community Store
2013 saw the community of Jura take ownership of the island's only shop. Bùth Dhiùra is in Craighouse, next door to the Jura Passenger Ferry terminal. The shop offers a wide selection of groceries and everything else you could need for a stay on the island.

Accommodation and Eating Out

If you fancy an overnight stay or maybe a long weekend then you won’t be stuck for a cosy bed. There are a number of cottages, chalets and B&B’s to choose from as well as the popular Jura Hotel. Visit juradevelopment.co.uk for a list of providers.

Jura Hotel has 17 bedrooms, a residents' lounge, bar, pool & darts, beer garden and camping with coin operated showers & laundry facilities. The Hotel has a restaurant and bar offering full Scottish breakfast, lunches and evening meals. Tel: 01496 820243. www.jurahotel.co.uk

The Antlers in Craighouse serves coffee, teas, lunch and snacks 7 days a week in conjunction with the Passenger Ferry. Why not call by for an afternoon cream tea? Tel: 0149 682 0496.

Tea on the Beach is at Inverlussa at the north end of Jura, it's a truly amazing experience with drinks and home baking served in the elements.

Photograph by Kenneth Cameron