Islay and Jura : 24-27th April

Seven of us made the long journey to Kennacraig pierhead in Argyll to be greeted with the sight of a shiny new CalMac ferry, The Isle of Islay. A very well appointed and finished boat that looked splendid against the sunny blue skies.

Boarding at Kennacraig

Port Charlotte hostel was quiet; we had two rooms and there was plenty of space in the common areas to relax comfortably. We awoke to another great day and all of us headed off to catch the ferry to Jura, a small boat that plied across the Sound. We were all headed for the Paps with Bill, Sandra and Alison taking the more traditional route from the east to attempt a full circuit while Alan, Steve, Ruth and Sandy cycled directly from the ferry to start from the south to tackle Beinn a’Chaolais only.

Sunrise on Islay

On the Jura ferry - The Paps are waiting

Alison, Sandra and Bill made great progress on their circuit of the three Paps. The hills were dry but with big drop-offs and re-climbs often on rocky and steep scree slopes these hills are tough. On reaching the middle Pap and the highest point of the day, Beinn an Oir, Bill decided to save his legs for another day while Sandra and Alison determined to carry on and complete the circuit.

Sunshine on the Summit

The road to the top

Alan, Ruth, Steve and Sandy cycled four miles to the foot of Chaolais and climbed the hill by the south west ridge. Alan decided to go birding rather than summit while the others continued to the top and enjoyed great views out to Mull and Colonsay. We all returned to Islay and enjoyed refreshments in the hotel garden before returning to the hostel to prepare and enjoy our home cooked evening meal.

The three Paps (and two DHCers)

Over a plentiful dinner we recounted what we had seen, very few people, lots of birds including a peregrine and both parties saw an adder. Plans for the second day included birding for Alan, Bill was heading for his third ‘Pap’ with the remaining five heading for Evans track on Jura – a rough coast to coast track to Loch Tarbert.

Another fine day ensued with everyone enjoying what they had set out to do.

Onto the moor

Lunch by Loch Tarbert

Wind and rough Jura

We were all back in time for dinner at the Port Charlotte hotel followed by an interesting cheese course served in the hostel by Alan.

The glorious sunny days made the long journey worthwhile and full marks to CalMac for transporting us in comfort and on schedule.

Attendees : Alison, Sandra, Ruth, Steve, Alan, Bill and Sandy.