Explore Jura, Scotland: Track Orwell's Footsteps with Top Spots and Activities to Experience There
Get Ready, Literature Fans! Dive into the World of George Orwell on His Birthday
June 25 is just around the corner, and literary enthusiasts worldwide will celebrate the birthday of the renowned author, George Orwell! This English novelist, poet, essayist, journalist, and critic left a lasting impact on the literary world with his vehement opposition to totalitarianism.
Ready for a Wild, Literary Adventure?
You might be familiar with some of Orwell's best-known creations, such as his novels "Animal Farm" (1945) and "Nineteen Eighty-Four" (1949). In these books, he introduced us to groundbreaking terms like "Big Brother," "Thought Police," and "Room 101." However, did you know that Orwell penned "Nineteen Eighty-Four" during a difficult period in his life when he suffered from tuberculosis, a disease that eventually took his life at the age of 46?
Escape to the Scottish Isle of Jura
To recover from his illness, Orwell took his son, niece, and nephew to the picturesque, salubrious climate of Jura, a sparsely populated island in Scotland, located in the Inner Hebrides. There, they stayed at Barnhill, a secluded farmhouse at the island's northern tip. Today, this cottage is a magnet for Orwell's fans from all corners of the globe, eager to walk in the footsteps of this legendary author.
But why, you might ask, would Orwell choose such a remote and peculiar destination for his convalescence? Let's explore more about this unique Scottish island!
Sights to See in Jura
The Corryvreckan Whirlpool, one of the world's most dangerous stretches of water, can be found off the west coast of Scotland between Jura and Scarba islands. This natural wonder is generated due to strong Atlantic currents and underwater topography. Tour operators in the area offer thrilling boat trips to this remarkable whirlpool and its surrounding waters.
Barnhill, the farmhouse where Orwell stayed, offers a glimpse into his simpler lifestyle. Still owned by the family who rented it to Orwell, you can even stay in this rustic cottage, with electricity from a generator, a small gas-powered fridge, and heat from a coal-fired Rayburn.
The Paps of Jura are three impressive mountains on the western side of the island, boasting breathtaking views on a clear day. Climbing one of these steep-sided quartzite hills is a challenging but rewarding endeavor.
What to Do in Jura
Did you know that Scotland is home to nearly 150 whisky distilleries? Jura, with its rich tradition dating back to 1494, is no exception. Visitors can embark on whiskey tours to sample authentic single malts or taste rum and gin made by local distilleries.
Wild swimming lovers will find crystal-clear waters and dramatic coastal scenery ideal for their next dip. Jura's unspoiled beaches, like Small Isles Bay, Corran Sands, Glenbatrick Bay, and Glengarrisdale Bay, offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, picnics, sunbathing, and wildlife watching.
Don't miss a chance to spot Jura's abundant wildlife, such as red deer, golden and sea eagles, hen harriers, buzzards, heather adders, otters, seals, arctic terns, and gannets.
Where to Stay in Jura
Besides staying at Barnhill, you can also book accommodations at the Jura Hotel, Lorne Cottage, Skerrols House, and Bothan Jura Retreat in Craighouse. Another option is the Ardlussa House in Inverlussa, a traditional stalking lodge offering self-catering accommodations for up to 10 people.
Explore Jura from May to October
The best time to visit Jura is during the warmer months from May to October, when the weather is generally pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Getting to Jura from Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is easy: catch a flight to Islay Glenegadale (ILY) and then a five-minute ferry ride from Port Askaig on Islay to Port Feolin on Jura. Once there, you can explore the island on foot, by bike, or boat, or rent a car for more mobility.
Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of George Orwell and discover the stunning, remote landscapes of Jura—the perfect escape for literature lovers and adventurous souls alike! Cheers to George Orwell and happy birthday!
Travel to the Scottish Isle of Jura, a tranquil retreat where George Orwell sought solace during his convalescence, offers a unique opportunity to experience his simpler lifestyle. Delve deeper into this captivating location, with its picturesque landscapes and abundant wildlife, and embark on a literary adventure that celebrates the life and work of this esteemed author.
