The Jura Direct Passenger Ferry funded by Argyll and Bute Council is running once again between Tayvallich and Craighouse until the end of September. This is the only direct access from the mainland to Jura and can deliver you to the heart of the island in less than an hour. Tayvallich is in Argyll off the Oban to Lochgilphead road.
The first view of Jura from the ferry is the distinctive outline of the Paps of Jura. The jagged scree clad skyline, with gentler slopes below, all changing tone and hue as the light varies, is a paradise for artists and photographers whilst for climbers the skyline speaks of ancient glaciations and challenging walking. Beinn an Oir, the islands only Corbett is the highest of the Paps, whose punishing cones of scree offer some of the finest viewpoints in Scotland and can be claim with the summits of the other two lower Paps, in a single day.
Jura is also perfect for cyclists. You are allowed to bring your own bike on the ferry free or you can hire one when you arrive. The road is long and challenging, with many steep climbs, but you will be able to reach parts of the island from which cars are excluded. The scenery is wonderful and varied and for the technical cyclists there are several off road trails to provide entertainment. For many the ferry is not just about a return trip from Tayvallich. Jura can be the hub of a circular tour which continues through Islay and Colonsay to Oban or across to Kintyre and the many opportunities it presents.
Jura is also a great place to relax and unwind with accommodation from wild camping to the islands hotel in Craighouse available. Deer are everywhere and with patience and skill you may get quite close to them. In summer, when the deer have donned their red coats, watch for hinds with dappled calves in tow and on an autumn evening feel the stirring of something elemental as the mature stags roar their challenges. Move quietly along the shore and you may be lucky to find one of the Jura otters which doesn’t know that they are only supposed to appear at night. The very lucky might see Mum out with her cubs, feeding them and teaching them to fish. Ornithologists will find Jura specially attractive. Jura offers everything from the magnificent White Tailed Eagle, its Golden cousin and the secretive Red Throated Diver to warblers and the common birds of woodland and scrub.
The passenger ferry will run until 26 September 2011. For more information about the ferry including timetables, prices and booking details see the Isle of Jura Ferry website.