Ferg and family go wild about Islay and Jura

Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions

08:00 AM - Departure from Edinburgh
We caught the early morning train from Edinburgh to Glasgow, then hopped on a bus to Kennacraig. The journey was great with ever-changing views along the way. The anticipation of returning to Islay started to build - nothing beats that feeling of a ferry crossing to a west coast island – the kids love it!

13:00 PM - Ferry to Islay
The ferry ride from Kennacraig to Port Askaig was not disappointing. Standing out on deck, seeing the Paps of Jura approach in the distance is not a sight we'll ever tire of - it brought back memories of our last trip to Islay. Out came the camera, but not sure my pictures did the scene justice. The kids love taking silly selfies out on deck. The holiday fun begins!

03:00 PM - Arrival at Port Askaig
Upon arrival, my wife felt her shoulders drop immediately. Island life seems to instantly relax us all. The island’s rugged beauty and tranquil atmosphere were exactly what her and I needed as a break from work and the ideal place to enjoy with the kids. We checked into a charming wee bed and breakfast, where the owner welcomed me with that endearing west-coast smile and warmth.

05:00 PM - Exploring nearby
We spent the afternoon wandering through the village and stretched our legs with a walk along to Caol Ila Distillery, taking in the views over to Jura (noting that a visit across there was a must). We chatted with some locals who shared fascinating stories about Islay’s past. The kids enjoyed playing along the shore, collecting shells and pebbles.

07:00 PM - Dinner
For dinner, we enjoyed a tasty meal of fresh seafood at a local pub. Scotland has some of the finest seafood in the world and I couldn't wait to tuck in! The kids had fish and chips, which they loved.

Day 2: Bird Sanctuary and Family Fun

10:00 AM – Visit to RSPB Loch Gruinart Reserve
Our day started with a visit to the RSPB Loch Gruinart Reserve, one of Islay’s best spots for birdwatching. We spotted a variety of birds, and the kids were thrilled to use their binoculars. The visitor centre had interactive exhibits that taught us about the local wildlife.

12:00 PM – Picnic Lunch
We enjoyed a picnic lunch at the sanctuary by nature. The kids played nearby while we soaked in the peaceful atmosphere.

02:30 PM – Family Walk and Beach Time
In the afternoon, we took a leisurely walk along Singing Sands. The sound of the waves and the distant call of seabirds were a soothing backdrop. The kids built sandcastles and we all dipped our toes in the water.

04:00 PM – Return to B&B
We returned to our bed and breakfast for a bit of relaxation. The kids enjoyed some downtime with their new books while we had a quiet cup of tea.

07:00 PM – Evening Together

In the evening, we joined a local ceilidh - it seemed like an impromptu wee session! The lively music and joyful atmosphere were the perfect end to our day. The kids had a blast trying out the traditional dances!

Day 3: Venturing over to Jura

10:00 AM - Ferry to Jura: We caught the morning ferry from Port Askaig to Jura, excited to explore another island – our first ever trip to Jura! The kids loved the short boat ride, watching the waves and keeping an eye out for seals.

11:00 AM - Arrival and Jura Distillery Visit: Our first stop was the Jura Distillery, known for its distinctive whiskies.  A browse in the visitor centre and chatting with the distillers was great as we learned about the whisky-making process during our tour. It was great the kids could join the tour too now that they are both over 8 years old. They were just as fascinated by the stills and smells as much as us!

12:30 PM - Lunch at the Jura Hotel: We checked in to the hotel and had a delicious lunch, where we enjoyed more local dishes. The kids loved the soup and sandwich, while we treated ourselves to the Catch of the Day!

02:00 PM - Visit to George Orwell’s Cottage: Next, we visited the remote cottage where George Orwell wrote "1984." The journey to the cottage was an adventure in itself, navigating some narrow paths and rugged terrain. Being outdoors is what we love most about our island trips. Standing in the place where one of the most influential novels was written was quite a humbling experience. More pics taken to add to the kids photo albums (all too soon, they’ll be positing on Instagram!)

04:00 PM - Family Hike: We spent the late afternoon hiking one of Jura’s scenic trails. The kids enjoyed spotting the wildlife – mostly deer on this walk. The views out over to the sea were just as distracting. The hike was a great way to experience Jura’s rugged beauty up close.

Day 4:  More exploring on Jura

09:00 AM – Guided Island Tour
We booked a guided tour so we could learn more about the wildlife on land and at sea. Adam is keen on spotting as many species as he can, Milly is just fascinated about spotting dolphins! Our guide was brilliant – we got to see more of Jura than we would’ve on our own. The local knowledge can’t be beaten.

01:00 PM - Picnic Lunch at Lussa River
We stopped for a picnic lunch by the Lussa River. The tranquil setting was perfect – being surrounded by the landscape is the best way to dine al fresco.

04:00 PM - Beach Time at Corran Sands
We headed to Corran Sands for some beach time. The weather has helped this trip, as the kids built sandcastles and splashed about in the water, while we relaxed and soaked in the stunning coastal views. It was the perfect spot for unwinding after our active day.

07:30 PM - Evening Ferry Back to Islay
We took the evening ferry back to Islay, feeling tired and fulfilled from another day of exploration on Jura. The kids chatted non-stop about their favourite moments, and we all agreed that Jura had been a highlight of our trip.

09:00 PM - Evening at the B&B
Back at our bed and breakfast, we spent the evening looking through the pictures we’d taken and filling out some postcards for the grandparents.

How would we sum up our trip? Our visit to Islay and Jura was amazing and a great choice for family fun. The kids are full of stories for their friends and Nana and Grandad – maybe they’ll go over soon too!

*This content is brought to you by some fictional characters, but based on real island trips by our visitors.