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I thought that I would post a report and photographs from one of the best hillwalking weekends I have ever had, on the Isle of Jura in the height of summer last year...
We set off on a chartered boat (a RIB - rigid inflatable boat) from Tayvallich on the Friday evening, racing the scheduled Jura Passenger Ferry across to the east coast of the island.
- Racing the Jura Passenger Ferry
- On the way
- Jura Hotel and Distillery
On arrival at Craighouse on the east coast of the island, some of us set up our tents on the lawn of the Jura Hotel overlooking the Sound of Jura (the hotel permits this and only asks for a small donation, and provides coin operated showers). Others opted for the luxury of a room in the hotel.
- Our campsite overlooking the Sound of Jura
We all then met in the hotel bar for a meal before retiring to our respective tents and rooms.
The next morning, after breakfast amidst the smell of the Jura Distillery, we took the bus 5km up the road to the start point of the Paps walk, at the Three Arches Bridge. My memories of routes walked weeks ago, let alone last year, are very hazy, so our route will be described by pictures and a map rather than words....
- Crossing the Corran River
- View from Beinn Shiantaidh. Small Isles visible in the middle distance.
- Beinn an Oir and Beinn a' Chaolais from Beinn Shiantaidh
- Approaching the summit of Beinn Shiantaidh
- Beinn an Oir and Beinn a' Chaolais
- Beinn a' Chaolais
- Beinn a' Chaolis from Beinn an Oir
- Contemplating the third Pap - Beinn a' Chaolais
- On the way back
- Houses on Jura
- End of a perfect day
In the evening, we again dined at the Jura Hotel and enjoyed a few games of pool and various Jura whiskies.
The following day was a less strenuous one - most of us headed to the picturesque Jura House Gardens, where the wild birds seem practically tame.
- Jura House Gardens
- Tame wild birds
On the Monday, I woke early and watched the 5am departure of the yacht on which a few of our party were travelling, against the stunning backdrop of the sunrise.
- Amaryllis departing at 5am
- Amaryllis on the Sound of Jura
- Sound of Jura