The founder was George Broderick who, after recognising the potential for a tough fell race on the island during a visit there in 1970, returned the following year to carry out further investigation. The inaugural race took place in 1973, when it was called the Bens of Jura Fell Race. However, the action of changing shoes during the race has sometimes led to cramp.

ĭue to the striking contrast between the rough terrain of the majority of the course and the final section on the road, runners have in some cases changed from fell running shoes to road running shoes for the latter part in an attempt to run more efficiently on the tarmac. īritish fell running champions Ian Holmes and Angela Mudge have both identified Jura as one of their favourite races. A report of the 1997 race noted that three-quarters of the runners who started the race were running for English clubs. Many runners stay on the island for several days around the time of the event, attending the cèilidh held in conjunction with the race and experiencing other attractions of Jura. The journey to the start of the race typically involves a ferry journey from the Scottish mainland to Islay, followed by another ferry to Jura and then several miles by bicycle, by bus or on foot to Craighouse. As well as being known for the very difficult rocky and boggy terrain involved, the race is notable for its remoteness. The route is approximately 17 miles (27 km) in length, with around 2,350 metres (7,710 ft) of ascent. After the last climb to Corra Bheinn, a boggy descent takes the runners down to the tarmac coastal road which is followed for the final three miles to the finish. The course loops west and north over several hills including the Paps of Jura. The Isle of Jura Fell Race is an annual fell race held in May, starting and finishing at Craighouse on the Scottish island of Jura. We also went up Beinn Bheigier on Islay which had amazing views of the Paps and Barnhill.A wet start to the 2005 Isle of Jura Fell Race Distillery tours not running due to Covid. There’s a public toilet by the pier at Craighouse. Only place to get any provisions is the single community run shop in Craighouse. Side note : we took the car ferry over in a campervan and was told no overnight stays were allowed due to COVID so had to run back to get the last ferry at 6pm. Jura is a special place and it was a privilege to get close to the Paps. Tourism so quiet currently - we only saw only a few other walkers.

Views are stunning if the weather clears. The path seemed to disappear as we ascended to the saddle between Beinn an Oir and Benn Shiantaidh, then appeared again and the ascent from there was mostly scree. Loch an t-Siob is on the journey and is very beautiful. First part of the walk has a path and is relentless bog - would have been almost impassable for us average walkers in worse weather. Indeed we saw huge number of deer whilst walking who watched us curiously from a distance (no stalkers thankfully). There’s signs out informing you that up til Oct is deer stalking season with a number to call. We parked just over the old stone bridge on the Corran River. There are good descriptions of this walk elsewhere on the internet by more experienced people which was helpful for us. We attempted Beinn an Oir on a sunny day.Goes without saying - check weather, bring map etc. The Paps are completely the focal point of any scenery on Jura.

Jura isle of jura