Sailing from Oban to Craighouse on the Isle of Jura is a beautiful ~ 35 nautical mile passage. The most common route takes you through the Sound of Luing, out into the Firth of Lorn, and down through the Sound of Jura to arrive at Small Isles Bay.
Key Passage Details
- Distance: ~ 35 NM
- Time: ~ 5 – 7 hours (depending on your vessel speed and tidal assist)
- Tidal Gate: The entire route requires careful timing. You must perfectly time your passage through the Sound of Luing to catch the favourable south-going stream. Failing to do so can result in strong foul tides at the narrows.
- Wind over tide in the Sound of Jura can raise a steep chop.
Anchor & Mooring in Craighouse
- Anchoring/Moorings: Small Isles Bay is quite well-sheltered in westerly or northerly winds, but can be uncomfortable in strong southerlies. The Jura Development Trust maintains community-owned visitor moorings right in the bay (fee is around £12 per night). You can also drop anchor if the moorings are taken, but tehre is a lot of kelp and holding is not always good.
- Facilities: There is a dinghy pontoon allowing you to land right in the village, which is home to the famous Isle of Jura Hotel and the Jura Distillery.
- Weather Resources: Before setting off, ensure you check local marine forecasts specifically for the Kintyre and Inner Hebridean waters. The tidal races at the southern tip of Jura and the infamous Gulf of Corryvreckan just to the north can become very hazardous in poor weather.
For more detailed information the excellent Kintyre to Ardnamurchan Clyde Cruising Club pilot book is indispensible. Help us keep this site updated by purchasing it here via our affiliate link.