Things to do on the Isle of Jura
The Isle of Jura, with its stunning landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, offers a range of activities for visitors.
With minimal light pollution, Jura is an excellent place for stargazing. On clear nights, you can see an impressive array of stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature, the Isle of Jura has something for everyone. Its unspoiled beauty and welcoming community make it a memorable destination for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle. From hiking the Paps, exploring the coastline, wildlife watching, or sampling the local produce, here are some of our favourite things to do on our beautiful island.
Jura's Great Outdoors
With its rugged landscapes, remote beaches, and rich natural habitats, Jura is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers alike.
Jura's Wildlife
One of the most striking features of Jura is its population of red deer. These majestic animals roam freely across the island’s hills and glens, and it’s not uncommon to spot them grazing in the early morning or late afternoon. With an estimated population of around 5,000 deer, Jura is home to one of the highest densities of red deer in the UK. Observing these graceful creatures in their natural habitat is a truly memorable experience.
In addition to deer, Jura is also a sanctuary for other wildlife, including the elusive otter. These playful mammals can often be seen along the shores or darting through the waters, especially in the quieter coves. For those patient enough to wait, a glimpse of an otter is a highlight of any wildlife excursion.
For bird enthusiasts, Jura offers a remarkable variety of species. The island is particularly known for its population of golden eagles and sea eagles, which can be spotted soaring majestically over the cliffs and coastlines.
Other notable birds include hen harriers, and a variety of seabirds. The diverse habitats found on Jura—from rocky shores to wooded glens—provide ideal nesting and feeding grounds, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers.
Exploring the Coastline
Jura’s rugged coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches and hidden coves, which you are likely to have all to yourselves! Spend a day beachcombing, picnicing, or simply enjoying the views. Our favourite beach is Corran Sands at the North end of Small Isles Bay. Follow the Corran Path and see if you can find the musical instruments.
The sheltered waters of Small Isles Bays are accessible from right on our doorstep and are great for wild swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, but please be mindful of wind and tides!
Hiking on Jura
The walking on Jura is pretty hard going, mainly due to the lack of formal paths. We highly recommend our friend Grant, who offers guided walks at varying levels of difficulty as Jura Guided.
If you would rather head out on your own, please ensure you are confident in your outdoors skills and are prepared for rapidly changing conditions. If you stay with us our welcome guide will provide you with links to some of our favourite hikes through AllTrails, and there is also an Ordnance Survey map of the island in the cottage.
Cycling on Jura
Jura's single track road and low volumes of traffic make it ideal for cycling. You can even bring your bike over to Jura for free on the Jura Passenger Ferry! If you haven't brought a bike Stuart is now offering bike hire on Jura to help you get around through Jura Cycles.
Guided tours with the locals
- Jura Boat Tours - Robert offers small group wildlife and sightseeing tours in their MCA approved RIB.
- Discover Jura - Alex offers small group tours by minibus and in conjunction with Jura Boat Tours.
Jura Whisky, Gin, Rum and Beer!
Jura is rightly famous for its whisky, and many visitors come to Jura especially to pay a visit to the Jura Whisky Distillery.
Luckily the distillery is just a short stroll from the cottage, so you can safely go for a tour and a tasting without having to worry about driving. Visit the Jura Whisky website for details on tours and tastings.
Did you know that Jura is now also home to a gin distillery, rum distillery and brewery?
- Lussa Gin distill by hand in a traditional still in a converted stable on the Ardlussa Estate at the North end of the island. Using 15 botanicals which they grow or forage on the island, it's the 'spirit of island adventure'. They are also open for tours, check out the Lussa Gin website for details.
- Deer Island Distillers make a small batch Scottish spiced rum from the business units at Craighouse Pier, also just a short walk from Lorne Cottage. They have a distillery shop and also offer tours, check out the Deer Island website for details.
- Jura Brewery are still finishing the construction of their new brewery at their croft in Kiels, which is about a 15 minute walk. Their Laughing Stag is an easy drinking pale ale which you can find in the community owned Jura Stores, in the Jura Hotel bar, and from the Jura Brewery TrALEr at certain events.
Islay Whisky
Why not combine your visit with a trip to our nearest neighbour, the Isle of Islay. Known as the "Queen of the Hebrides", Islay is renowned for its landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
We often joke that the best thing about Islay is the view of Jura - but it’s the whisky that truly sets it apart. With nine working distilleries, its unique and diverse range of single malts are well worth checking out.
The current distilleries are; Ardbeg, Ardnahoe, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig.
Islay is just a short journey away, travel from Feolin to Port Askaig on the Jura Ferry, which takes around 10 minutes to cross the Sound of Islay.
Meet the Jura Community
It's not all about alcohol though! Take the time to meet the locals and learn about life on Jura. The island has a close-knit community with a rich culture and history. If you time it right you'll find local events, craft fairs, and even traditional Sunday sessions in the Jura Pub or a Ceilidh in the Village Hall.
Throughout the year there are a number of regular events, which can see the Jura population expand significantly, you're strongly recommended to book early if you want to stay on Jura during these events:
- Jura Fell Race - this 28km fell race sees 200 competitors climb seven of Jura's summits on the last weekend in May. This is one of Jura's busiest weekends.
- Jura 10k and Half Marathon - usually held on the third Saturday in July.
- Ardlussa Sports - this annual sports event is great fun for all of the family and raises money for local charities, it usually happens the last weekend in July. Events include tug of war, hammer throwing, barrel rolling and family races. It takes place on the Ardlussa estate at the north end of the island, so you will need transportation.
- Jura Regatta - this day of water based sports is usually held on the first Saturday in August. Events include open water swimming, rowing, kayaking, sailing and a raft race.
- Jura Music Festival - this great festival is usually held on the last weekend in September.
Gifts and Souvenirs
Stop by Konrad's beautiful photography gallery - The Whisky Island, and take home a reminder of Jura's stunning landscapes.
Don't forget to pay a visit to the local craft and gift store Camella Crafts, which stocks locally inspired hand made items and the great Jura Tartan from Crackaig Textile Studio (as modelled on our lovely reading chair).
Jura Food
The Jura Hotel bar is the heart of the local community. Check out their Facebook page for up to date opening hours and food service times.
The Antlers is a cafe / takeaway based in a community owned building. Don't miss their great ice cream selection!
Make sure you check out the Island Bakehouse's Pink Bread Shed, for delicious sourdough bread and other goodies baked by Kirsty. The bread shed is a self-service honesty system at the opposite end of our row of cottages.
During the summer, take a trip up to the North end of the island and pay a visit to Tea on the Beach. Another honesty system, selling tea and cakes from a converted horse box at Inverlussa beach. Tea on the Beach has temporarily relocated to Lussa Gin for the 2024 season.
Jura Tourist Map
Take a look at our map for the locations of all the things we've mentioned here and more!
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