Wild Swimming on Jura
Jura is one of the best places in Scotland to wild swim. The water is clean, the scenery is extraordinary, and on a good day you’ll have the whole beach to yourself. Here’s our local guide to the best spots on the island.
Wee Corran The southern end of Corran Sands, where you’ll see the Corran Sands sign and the bins. There’s a car park and easy access to the water. It’s a long, gradual walk out to deeper water which makes it ideal if you’re building up your confidence. This is where the Jura Wild Swimmers meet on Sunday mornings.
Big Corran The northern end of Corran, out towards the airstrip. A wilder, more open feel than Wee Corran and usually quieter. Beautiful on a calm day.
Craighouse Village Beach The easiest access on the island – the beach sits right behind the shop in the village. Perfect for a quick dip before or after lunch.
School Beach Just across from the school with a car park right next to the beach. Easy, accessible, and a lovely spot with views across the Sound.
The Secret Beach, Ardfernal This one takes a bit of effort – up and over the top of Ardfernal hill from Knockrome. What you find is actually two small coves facing opposite directions, one pointing north and one pointing south, so you can pick whichever is more sheltered on the day. Beautiful, safe, and almost always empty. Worth every step of the walk.
Inverlussa In the north of the island where the Lussa river meets the sea. A beautiful sheltered cove, safe swimming, and the added drama of fresh water mixing with salt. One of the most scenic spots on the island.
3 Arch Bridge Loch – the Salmon Pools Just up from the 3 Arch Bridge there’s a small loch that feeds into the salmon pools below. It’s a bit slippery underfoot so wear wetsuit booties if you have them. Entirely worth it – one of Jura’s hidden swimming gems.
Tarbert Loch A short walk along the track at Tarbert brings you to the west coast and this sheltered sea loch. Very safe as it’s well protected from the open sea, and the surrounding landscape is spectacular.
Jura Wild Swimmers A friendly group of local swimmers meet at Wee Corran at 10am most Sunday mornings. Everyone is welcome – just turn up, or contact us at info@isleofjura.scot for details of the WhatsApp group.
A note on safety Always check the weather and tide conditions before you swim. The sea around Jura is cold year-round – a wetsuit extends your season considerably. Never swim alone in remote spots and always tell someone where you’re going.
