Travelling to Jura

The Isle of Jura is fairly unique among the larger islands of the Scottish west coast, in that it cannot be accessed directly from the mainland by a major ferry service. In order to reach the island visitors must either use the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry service from Kennacraig to the nearby Isle of Islay, fly into Islay, or use one of the small independent "water taxis", such as:

Jura Passenger Ferry
A new Passenger ferry service was launched in 2008. Sailing directly from Tayvallich into Craighouse, the journey takes just under 1 hour from pier to pier.

By Road and Car Ferry
Caledonian McBrayne operate regular sailings from Kennacraig to Islay and from Islay to Jura.

By Bus
- There is a Citylink service to Kennacraig from Buchanan Street Bus Station in Glasgow.

By Air
Flybe operates daily flights from Glasgow to Islay.

The Jura Bus
The Jura bus travels between Feolin Ferry to Craighouse. Tel: 01496 820314

If you arrive on the Isle of Islay you must still use the Jura ferry which is named the "Eilean Dhiura" (Isle of Jura). The vessel operates roughly every hour and sometimes more frequently. Consequently, Jura does have one of the best and most frequent services for any island in Scotland. Telephone contact details for the Jura ferry service are:01496 840681.

Getting to Lutra House from the Jura ferry
On leaving the ferry terminal at Feolin, follow the main road for approximately 7 miles until you come to a wooden sign (saying 'Crackaig') on the right hand side of the road. Turn right through the gate and follow the track through another gate at the top of the hill and onward (passing a farmhouse) until you get to the sea. Lutra House is the first house on your left and cars can be parked opposite the house in the parking spaces provided.

NB It is essential to book for the Calmac vehicle crossing from Kennacraig. Telephone 0870 565 0000 or Port Ellen (Islay main office) 01496 302209 or Kennacraig 01880 730253. or http://www.calmac.co.uk

The Jura Bus Service
Upon arriving at Feolin on the Isle of Jura, if you are a foot passenger, the next essential link is the Jura Bus Service, operated by Alex Dunnachie (Tel. 01496 820314). The bus travels from Feolin Ferry to Craighouse along Jura's lone single track road (known as the "Long Road") then north along the island's eastern side until reaching Ardlussa and Inverlussa near the top of the island.

By Road (Then Car Ferry)
From the Erskine Bridge, whether crossing over from the M8, or passing by on the A82, the journey to the Ferry Terminal at Kennacraig, should take between two to three hours depending on traffic conditions.

Once on the A82 follow it along the edge of Loch Lomond to Tarbet , then take the A83 through Arrochar, over the 'Rest and Be Thankful' on to Inveraray and down Loch Fyne, passing Lochgilphead and Tarbert. Five miles further south is the Ferry Terminal at Kennacraig.