18 THE ISLE OF JURA
Even though it's quite close to the mainland Jura is an amazing, sparsely inhabited and wild and beautiful place with a population of only 130 people. On this trip we'll circumnavigate the island, tackle some exciting currents, explore on shore and delve deep into the fantastic waters of Loch Tarbert.
DATE: 13 - 18 SEPTEMBER 27
DURATION: 5 NIGHTS
EMBARK: CRAOBH HAVEN
DISEMBARK: CRAOBH HAVEN
PRICE: £1,295
SPACES: AVAILABLE
Via our enquiry form — we'll confirm availability by email
Jura is a particularly beautiful island and well worth exploring. It's one of the largest of the inner Hebrides but is very sparsely inhabited. The waters around Jura are relatively sheltered and there is a deep sea loch that almost cuts the island in two. We'll explore the anchorages all around the island and go on shore to wander in the stunning and completely deserted hills. We'll call in at the village of Craighouse and maybe have a visit to the distillery there.
Heading south from Craobh Haven, we'll pass to the west of the Craignish peninsula to encounter the Corryvreckan, a stretch of water at the north of Jura. This is a famously treacherous spot where the local tides try to squeeze millions of gallons of water through a tiny gap. We'll have a good look at the charts and tidal stream atlas before choosing the right moment to pop through. Heading down the north west coast of Jura we'll pass ancient raised beaches, a testament to the changes in sea level over millions of years. We'll sail into Loch Tarbert, using leading marks to wind past rocks and shallows to anchor at the head of the loch. From here we can jump into out dinghy and explore even deeper into the ravine like upper reaches of the loch or go ashore to climb the deserted hills. Heading further south we'll slip down the Sound of Isla, passing the Caol Isla and Bunnahabhain distilleries. From here we may sweep west to call in at Port Ellen on Isla. This village is pretty much the capital of the whisky world. Or perhaps we'll head south east, we could head for the charming wee island of Gigha with some lovely beaches to wander on. Heading back north we'll call into Craighouse, the only sizable settlement on Jura and home to it's excellent distillery. On the way back we'll drop in on a couple more anchorages including a bay on the north east Jura coast above which sits a house where the author George Orwell stayed while he was writing 1984. Like all our trips we'll use the winds and currents to our best advantage. You'll have lots of opportunities to get involved with life on board, hoisting sails, steering and navigating, always with lots of help and instruction from the crew.
SAIL TUITION: ALL LEVELS
FULLY CREWED
PRIVATE CHEF
DOLPHIN/WHALE SPOTTING
EXPLORING ON SHORE
GREAT FOR ADVENTURERS
PRIVATE CABINS
SAILING INSURANCE
WEATHER LED/NOT ITINERARY LED
HANDS ON TRADITIONAL SAILING
WORKING WOODEN SAILING BOAT
GREAT FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS
DESTINATIONS WE MAY VISIT:-
Jura
What our guests say:
“I can honestly say that the trip sparked a desire to learn more about boats and sailing in general.”
"An amazing week which I will remember for a long long time to come."