Cicerone 2019
Guidebook to Jura, Scarba, Islay and Colonsay in the Hebrides, describing 22 walks plus a 5-day 89km trek along Jura's remote west coast. The routes range from 6.5 to 25km and cover rough - and often pathless - terrain suitable for fit, competent walkers. Even the coastal walks offer challenges.
Seasons
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, though these routes can be walked all year round. Winter can be wet and wild with short days, and in summer midges and bracken can be a real problem.
Centres
JURA - Feolin, Craighouse, Tarbert, Ardlussa, Kinuachdrachd, Glengarrisdale, Ruantallain, Cruib, Glenbatrick Bay ISLAY - Port Askaig, Port Ellen, Port Charlotte, Bowmore, Bridgend, Ballygrant, Bunnahabhain, Ardbeg COLONSAY - Scalasaig, Oronsay, Kilchattan, Kiloran SCARBA - Kilmory Lodge, Gleann a' Mhaoil bothy
Difficulty
The west coast of Jura walk, a round of the Paps or an ascent of Cruach Scarba should only be considered by fit, experienced walkers with strong navigational skills, as there are no waymarks and no footpaths. Walking on Islay and Colonsay is more accessible, but still requires navigational competence. All walkers should be equipped for rough terrain and wet weather.
Must See
The wild and remote west coast of Jura - one of the British Isles' last great wilderness walks, with spectacular geological formations and abundant wildlife; the Paps of Jura - a rough, tough hill-walking classic; dramatic land and seascapes from the Islay and Colonsay coasts; the small-island summit of Cruach Scarba, rising from the sea between the infamous tidal races of Corryvreckan and the Grey Dog
