Things To See & Do - Isle of Jura
There is plenty to see and do on Jura. Please take a look below or look at our map to find out where everything is.
West Coast Walk & Bothies
Lussa Gin Distillery & Juniper Garden
(Garden opening Summer 2025)
Make sure to stop by Lussa Gin, a small, family-run distillery in the north of the island, that captures the essence of Jura in every bottle. Known for its unique, hand-crafted gins, Lussa Gin uses locally sourced botanicals and pure spring water from the island’s hills, offering a true taste of Jura’s rugged beauty. The distillery is nestled in a peaceful spot on the island, surrounded by stunning scenery, making it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing tour and tasting experience. The distillery are opening a Juniper Garden this summer.
Jura Cycles
Jura Cycles have 8 adult bikes & 2 kids bikes up for grabs. Helmets included. Packed lunches can be arranged.
Day and weekly rates, helmets, quality ridgeback bicycles. £20 per day / £100 per week.
Facebook Group – www.facebook.com/p/Jura-Cycles
Tel: 07562 762382
Email: Juracycles@icloud.com
Jura Boat Tours
Robert Henry offers bespoke RIB Tours to various areas of outstanding beauty with an abundance of wildlife found around our shores. Passengers have the opportunity to enjoy the Corryvreckan whirlpool which is the 3rd largest in the world and is a sight to behold during large spring tides, and there are various other tours including the West Coast of Jura to see the raised beaches. There is scope to see Dolphins, Porpoise, Seals, Otters and occasionally Minke Whales as well as Red Deer, Goats and Sea Eagles from the safety of the boat. For more information visit www.juraboattours.co.uk
Hike the Mighty Paps of Jura
The Paps of Jura are three distinctive mountains that dominate the island’s skyline. Hiking to the summits of Beinn an Òir, Beinn Shiantaidh, and Beinn a’ Chaolais offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea. It’s a challenging but rewarding outdoor adventure for experienced hikers. www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ Or perhaps you fancy running the Jura Fell Race in May? For more information www.isleofjurafellrace.co.uk
Wild Swimming - Lochs & Beaches
There are many safe places to swim on Jura. And also many places you need to be super careful too. Corran Sands is shallow and sheltered, as are the village beaches and Lowlandman’s Bay. Inverlussa in the north has a wonderful bay for swimming. Fresh water lochs are plentiful and Jura is famous for its raised beaches on the west coast for the adventurous.
You can find out more about our beaches here.
Photographs of Old Jura
The old photo exhibition at Jura Church just outside Craighouse, offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s rich history and unique character. The exhibition features a collection of vintage photographs that transport visitors back in time, showcasing the island’s stunning landscapes, its close-knit community, and the changes it has undergone throughout the years. Many of the photos capture moments of daily life, from farming and fishing traditions to local celebrations and the resilience of the people who call Jura home. Set against the backdrop of the church’s serene and historic ambiance, the exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the island’s past, connecting both locals and visitors to the timeless beauty and enduring spirit of Jura.
Jura Guided
Grant Rozga offers guided walks and adventures on the Isle of Jura for anyone wanting to get deeper into our magical island. With an islander as your guide, you can explore Jura’s hidden gems you might not find on your own. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, Jura Guided will craft a bespoke walk tailored to you, bursting with natural wonders, dramatic views and island stories.
www.juraguided.com
Jura Craft Fair
Jura has a weekly craft fair in the village hall in the summer. The first date is: Friday 20th May from 12pm – 4pm. Come along to see the crafts of makers and creators on Jura and have a cup of tea and some cake.
More dates to follow.
Seas The Day - Pedal Boards
‘Seas The Day’ and pedal across Craighouse Bay!
Pedal boards for hire. £20 per hour
To book please call Ronald on 07736 311 275
Jura Whisky Distillery
Jura is renowned for its whisky, and a visit to the Jura Distillery is a must for whisky enthusiasts. Take a guided tour to learn about the whisky-making process, explore the distillery’s history, and enjoy tasting some of their finest single malts.
2025 OPENING TIMES
Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
To book a tour: https://www.jurawhisky.com/en/distillery/our-tours/
Deer Island Rum
Jura’s third distillery is a rum distillery. You will find our wee distillery at The Pier Garage on Jura.
From April 2025 the distillery will be open again for visitors.
The Whisky Island Gallery
Based at The Pier Garage next to Deer Island Rum and Carmella Crafts in Craighouse, is a photography studio run by Konrad Borkowski.
www.thewhiskyisland.co.uk
Waterfalls
Island Tours
See Jura and beyond by land & sea. Indoor and outdoor seating with toilets onboard Orion with Nicol.
Orion Trips & Private Charter
(when not doing the Jura Passenger Ferry sailings)
Nicol: 07768 450 000
On land with Gordon who has two 6 seater vehicles available for guided tours around the island.
Island Taxi / Tours
Gordon 07803 198 320
Email: gordonjura@outlook.com
George Orwell's Barnhill
Barnhill is a remote, privately owned property that sits amidst the island’s rugged landscape, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and sea. While the house itself is a historic and significant spot, particularly for fans of literature, visitors are not allowed to approach the house as it remains privately owned. The house comes dramatically into view from the track as you walk up to the north of the island (see photo here). You cannot drive up, the last parking spot is the quarry, please park there and walk the rest of the way.
Barnhill holds particular historical importance because it was the home of author George Orwell during the final years of his life. It was here, in this isolated setting, that Orwell wrote his iconic novel 1984, finding the solitude and dramatic scenery of Jura the perfect environment for his work. Despite its seclusion, Orwell’s time on Jura remains a key part of the island’s literary legacy, with the landscape and Barnhill house now immortalized in the context of his writing.
Corryvreckan Whirlpool
The Corryvreckan Whirlpool, located between the Isle of Jura and the Isle of Scarba, is one of the largest and most powerful whirlpools in the world, famous for its dramatic swirling waters and thundering sound. It is created by strong tidal currents funnelling through a narrow strait, causing a vortex that can reach up to 10 meters in diameter. The best time to see the whirlpool in full action is during the spring and autumn equinoxes, when the tides are at their strongest, typically between March and September. To get to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool on foot, you can follow a rough trail that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the whirlpool. The views of the swirling waters, particularly when the whirlpool is active, are truly mesmerizing and offer a thrilling experience for visitors.
Camella Crafts
Based at The Pier Garage next to Deer Island Rum in Craighouse, Camella Crafts is owned and run by Elaine Campbell.
Influenced by her surroundings and inspired by the colours, shapes and textures of her island home Elaine make lots of items from locally sourced materials including deer antler, whisky barrels, pebbles, sea pottery, wool and wood.
Crackaig Textiles
Crackaig Textile Studio is where Fiona MacDonald [Throssell ] creates a wide variety of woven, knitted and crocheted items. She shares a workshop with Carmella Crafts at the old pier in Craighouse.
Knockrome Library
Knockrome Library open to visitors again this summer – a happy reading, hunting ground. Lots of new books to tempt you with more kids’ books too this year. Any donations will, as always, go to the Village Hall. Enjoy – The Knockrome Librarians!
Directions: From Craighouse head towards Knockrome, 5km along the road north you go across the Corran River at Three Arch Bridge. Turn right and follow the road up into Knockrome, keep following the road through the crofting community and the telephone box is on your right at a sharp turn before you get to Ardfernal.
