A Bikerafting Adventure around Islay and Jura
Last year, Aaron Rolph explored the Outer Hebrides by bike and packraft, a niche adventure known as bikerafting. The inflatable raft fits onto the handlebars while riding, and when water is encountered, the bike sits on the raft. After tackling significant sea crossings on that trip, he was eager to explore more Scottish islands this way, this year he headed back to Scotland to explore the islands of Islay and Jura.
Fuelled by fresh sea air and stunning views, Aaron’s route from the ferry soon took to Bruichladdich. There, a chat with a local shop owner over a can of the national drink (Irn-Bru) lead to some top local insights and a nudge in the direction of the Machir Bay for its vast sandy beaches, an ideal spot for wild camping.
Waking to blustery weather, typical of these wild isles and checking the weather via a scrap of 4G reception it was clear that it was time to get moving, skipping Islay's distilleries with a promise to visit one on Jura later, in favour of making the most of the better paddling conditions.
Once he reached the Sound of Islay, a turbulent 1.5 km channel, he inflated the raft and pushed off, avoiding jellyfish and blown down the sound, he landed at a sheltered beach 4 km off course, safe and ready to explore Jura.
Jura, although so close to Islay has a different character. Dominated by the Paps, impressive peaks named from Old Norse, the island features rough seas and the world's third-largest whirlpool, the Corryvreckan. Navigating Jura is straightforward, with just one road serving the small population.
Originally planning to paddle to the mainland, strong easterly winds changed Aaron's plans to explore more of Jura. Riding north, the road deteriorates, prompting a hike to a bothy on the opposite coast. Unable to bike across the boggy hills, he packed essentials into a backpack and continued on foot.
After hours of wading, he reached a pristine bay with a bothy, lit a fire and enjoyed a well earned bottle of 18-year-old Jura single malt.
There was little time to rest however, waking to a message from friend and fellow adventure buddy Ed asking "How quickly can you get back?" The weather on Skye was perfect and a rear traverse of the Cuillin Ridge was possible. Aaron being Aaron checked forecasts and decided the winds might ease enough for the 10km packraft crossing back to the mainland to catch the ferry.
