The isle of Jura is busrting with natural beuty and wonderful wild life. Its famous for its stock of 5,500 red dear which are known for their great body weights weghing up to a massive 26 stone. This is a major attraction for many sportsmen, wildlife photographers and natural history documentaries. The island is also a popular destination for birdwatchers throughout the year as it is home to many rare birds such as the 'Arctic Skua' and the 'Golden Eagle'. Many other rare wading birds and some nesting seabirds can also be seen throughout the year. The surrounding waters are also full of wildlife such as others and seals and when in season it is a great place for trout fishing. From the scree covered Paps to the heather and blaeberry hillsides, the island's diverse range of habitats is always crammed full of amazing wild plants, insects, birds and animals.

As well as wildlife there are many other attractions that Jura has to offer such as its empty 2 mile safe beach at Corran Sands, excellent hiking over 'the Paps' and numerous other wild walks. There are a number of pre-historic standing stones, interesting raised beaches on the West coast, and there is also the famous whirlpool of Corryvreckan at the North end of island (a boat trip can be arranged via the hotel). At low tide, excellent and numerous mussels are found in Inner West Loch Tarbert (try them cooked in the local brew!).

Jura was also home to famous author, George Orwell. He lived on island for some years and wrote the well known '1984' there. You can visit his home at Barnhill.

There are lots of Jura guidebooks in the house.

• An ancient Jura graveyard lies 1/2 mile along the track from the house.
• There is an excellent permanent photo display on Jura social history in a room at the back of the church.
• George Orwell lived at Barnhill and wrote 1984 there. The last 4 miles of the track is suitable for 4-wheel drives only.
• Collect mussels from West Loch Tarbert at low tide.
• There is a Summer Calmac ferry every Wednesday from Islay to Isle of Colonsay giving you six hours on Colonsay. This makes a wonderful day out.
• Jura House has some nature walks and and its delightful walled garden.
• Jura distillery - see the process of how the World famous 'Jura Whiskey' is produced.
• On Islay - golf course, distilleries, museum, swimming pool,
  
  

• Mid May - The Jura Fell Race with Saturday night dance
• May, third weekend - The Three Peaks race (yachts plus runners)
• Islay festival of Malt and music - End of May
• Islay Mod - Mid-June
• First weekend in August - The Jura Regatta with Saturday night dance
• September - Islay Jazz Festival
• Third weekend in September - Jura Folk Music Festival with Saturday night dance
• 31 Dec New Year Dance - the place to be!

The Isle of Jura (Deer Island in Gaelic) is about 30 miles long by 10 miles wide and is one of the least inhabited Hebridean islands (currently there are around 200 inhabitants). It consists of wild moorland and sea and fresh water lochs. Loch Tarbert almost bisects the island into two halves. The Paps of Jura dominate the island. They are three extraordinary cone-shaped hills, which can be seen for miles around, which make an ideal day's walk. The adjacent island of Islay is more populated, and has a golf course, museum of social history, swimming pool, and 6 distilleries!

The croft is on the track leading to a historic Jura burial ground and was part of the old crofting community of Keils, a protected historic area with glorious views. It is a very pleasant 15 minute walk (1/2 mile) from Craighouse, the only village on Jura with one well-stocked shop/post office, hotel bar, and distillery (the birthplace of the famous Jura single malt whiskies). Trips round the distillery can be arranged.

(in stalking season, ring first - walk phone no. 01496-820151)

• Jura is famous for its raised beaches along the West coast. Walk from Feolin ferry north along coast past Inver cottage.
• Pre-historic cup-marked stones are about 2 miles up the hills from Keils (see Jura guidebook).
• The three Paps of Jura (height 2000 feet) are local landmarks with spectacular views to Ireland, Outer Hebrides, Mull, and Ben Nevis, etc.
• Glenbatrick walk to west coast
• Along Corran Sands
• Glengarissdale on NW coast. Has excellent bothy for overnight stay
• Barnhill, where George Orwell wrote 1984
• Famous whirlpool of Corryvreckan on northern tip of Jura - one of the largest in Europe. Walk wound need overnight stay, or by boat - try Gemini cruises below, or Ardlussa estate (820252)

 

Craighouse is 1/2 mile away from the cottage and has one well-stocked general store and a hotel with bar and meals. It also has a petrol pump.
The Hotel serves set meals in the restaurant (book in advance) and bar meals, usually 7 - 9 pm.
The nearest main shopping centre is Bowmore on Islay.