Jura is of course famous for its whisky, and tours of the Jura Whisky Distillery are a must-do while on the island. Boat trips from Jura and the surrounding coasts will take visitors to the impressive whirlpool, and brave divers have even experienced the phenomenon from below the waves! The name comes from the Gaelic for ‘Cauldron of the Speckled Seas’, and the whirlpool is the third largest in the world. The famous novel almost never came about thanks to a near-death experience Orwell experienced at Corryvreckan Whirlpool, a turbulent strait between Jura and Scarba caused by a rapid tidal race and an underwater mountain. The island’s scenery is stunning wherever you go, with the ‘Paps of Jura’ (the island’s hills) visible above pretty coastal villages.īarnhill, at the north of Jura, was home to George Orwell while he wrote Nineteen Eighty-Fourm, and you can in fact stay in the cottage where he wrote it, only accessible by 4×4, looking out over the Sound of Jura. The west coast is unreachable by road, but for those with the skills, experience and drive to walk it, is highly rewarding with caves, raised beaches, coves and cliffs. The island’s population is mainly scattered around the south and east coasts. Keep an eye out for these gorgeous animals, which are especially noticeable in late September when they ‘rut’, with the males roaring and clashing their formidable antlers in competition for the females. In contrast to its tiny population, Jura is home to around 5,000 red deer – and indeed the name is thought to come from the Norse for ‘Deer Island’. Jura, home to just 200 people, offers fantastic walking, wildlife and space to relax. But if whisky isn’t your thing, there is plenty more to see, do and experience on these lovely islands. Free return foot passenger ticket on the Jura Ferry for every tour member booking & paying in advance.For many, the isles of Jura and its neighbouring Islay are best known for their whisky – and the islands are indeed on the bucket list for many whisky fans. Private Manager's Tour Please get in touch for details. You'll open a cask, pour yourself a dram using the valinch and learn how different woods affect the ageing and flavour of spirit. The Maturation Experience 13:45 every Monday, Wednesday & Friday (£20) Learn the story of the Angel's Share. Join a spirited discussion as you sample five select drams and one extra tipple. The Jura Tasting Experience 13:45 every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday (£25) Learn about the foundations of Jura's flavour profiles. Discuss progressions of malt, water and wood as you sample four of our finest drams. The Connoisseurs' Tour 10:00 every Monday, Wednesday & Friday (£35) Learn about our process every step of the way. Take this tour to hear our story and enjoy a dram or two. JURA DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTRE New TOURS & TASTINGS April 1st to October 31st 9.30 To 16.30, Monday to Saturday Nov 1st to March 31 10.00 To 16.00, Monday to Saturday The Distillery Tour 11:00 and 14:00 every day (£6) See where it all began. We also went up Beinn Bheigier on Islay which had amazing views of the Paps and Barnhill. Distillery tours not running due to Covid. There’s a public toilet by the pier at Craighouse. Only place to get any provisions is the single community run shop in Craighouse. Side note : we took the car ferry over in a campervan and was told no overnight stays were allowed due to COVID so had to run back to get the last ferry at 6pm. Jura is a special place and it was a privilege to get close to the Paps. Tourism so quiet currently - we only saw only a few other walkers. Views are stunning if the weather clears. The path seemed to disappear as we ascended to the saddle between Beinn an Oir and Benn Shiantaidh, then appeared again and the ascent from there was mostly scree. Loch an t-Siob is on the journey and is very beautiful. First part of the walk has a path and is relentless bog - would have been almost impassable for us average walkers in worse weather. Indeed we saw huge number of deer whilst walking who watched us curiously from a distance (no stalkers thankfully). There’s signs out informing you that up til Oct is deer stalking season with a number to call. We parked just over the old stone bridge on the Corran River. There are good descriptions of this walk elsewhere on the internet by more experienced people which was helpful for us. We attempted Beinn an Oir on a sunny day.Goes without saying - check weather, bring map etc. The Paps are completely the focal point of any scenery on Jura. Reviewed By 294mariay - Chester, United Kingdom
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