Isle of Jura

Corryvreckan Whirlpool

A tidal whirlpool in the gulf between Jura and Scarba, reached by a seven-mile walk from the road end or by boat.

Welcome

Between the northern tip of Jura and the island of Scarba the tide squeezes through the Gulf of Corryvreckan.

Deep water meets an underwater pinnacle that rises to within about thirty metres of the surface, and the sea turns into one of the largest whirlpools in the world. It shows best around the turn of the tide, and most of all on a spring tide, when standing waves and sudden slicks of calm water spread across the gulf. Reaching it on foot is a long day. The walk runs seven miles from the road end beyond Lealt, past Barnhill and Kinuachdrachd, to a viewpoint above the strait. Boats also go out to it, from Craighouse among other places.

Round the cornerBarnhillThe remote farmhouse in the north of Jura where George Orwell wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four, seen from the track.1 min by roadSee it

Before you go

This is a full day on foot with no shelter, no shop and no phone signal to rely on, so carry food, water and waterproofs.

Jura Boat Tours runs trips to the gulf from Craighouse.

Getting there: By Islay and the ferry from Port Askaig to Feolin, or in summer the passenger ferry from Tayvallich to Craighouse.
Start: The road end, about half a mile beyond Lealt.
Walk: Seven miles each way on a rough track and path.
When: Around the turn of the tide, best on a spring tide.

Where it is

Between the north of Jura and Scarba.

Close byThe rest of Jura, near at hand.