Dog-Friendly Jura

All four of our properties welcome dogs at Bothan Jura Retreat. The Rusty Hut has an enclosed private garden which is ideal if your dog is a runner. Mrs Leonard's Cottage also has a private enclosed garden. The Black Hut garden is open onto the site - fine for well-behaved dogs but not fully fenced. The Shepherd's Hut is within the site. We have dog posts if you want to let your dog outside on a long lead for a bit of fresh air without wandering around the whole site.

We provide dog bowls, towels for drying muddy paws, and dog waste bags. There's a hose outside for post-beach rinses - please don't use the showers inside to rinse your pets as it clogs our drains and septic tank and can cause flooding!

The lead rule: Keep your dog on a lead at all times when walking around Knockrome, unless you are on the beach or far away from livestock.

Knockrome is a crofting settlement — Knockrome has sheep, cattle, and working land. The animals here have right of way. Most of the surrounding land (if it's not fenced) is common grazings, which means cattle and sheep can roam as and where they please. So just because you think you aren't in a field doesn't mean there aren't animals around. Just use common sense: on a lead around the township and always back on a lead if you're out and come across livestock.

Lambing and calving season runs February to May and is particularly sensitive. It's really important to keep your dogs on a lead anywhere near animals at this time as "worrying" sheep and cows (stressing them out with a dog running around them) can cause the fetus to abort.

An off-lead dog chasing livestock is a serious matter on Jura — it can result in animals being injured or killed and dogs being shot by farmers or put down to protect their stock. We don't say this to alarm you — just to be clear about why it matters. The deer are everywhere and the stags have quite a few prongs on them and a bit of a kick, so know your animal well.

On the beaches and hills, you can let them off if there's no livestock visible and you're confident in recall. Corran Sands is generally fine, although the cows are quite partial to the grass down on the air strip!

Corran Sands — a short walk from the retreat. Big open beach, shallow water, the children and the dog down here most days. Good off-lead if no livestock.

The Corran River — flat, gentle, dogs love it. Keep on lead near the road but the river itself is dog paradise.

Ardfarnal Secret Beaches — lots of heather and birch trees to explore. Cattle do stray over the top here, even though it feels unlikely, so keep your eyes open.

Craighouse coastal walk — 4 miles along the road. On lead (road walking) but quiet and scenic. End at The Antlers — dogs welcome outside.

Lowlandman's Bay — bay around to the north of Bothan Jura Retreat. Good walking track. Seals on the rocks — keep your dog close and on lead here. The seals are easily disturbed. Also farmland and sheep at Ardmenish around the bay.

The Paps — dogs can come but it's steep, rocky quartzite. Not for all dogs. Consider their fitness and paws. On lead near deer and during stalking season (Aug-Feb).

Vet: The nearest vet is Beth Newman on Islay — a ferry ride away. Make sure your dog is up to date on everything before you come. Bring any medication they need. If there's an emergency, call the vet — they are very good.

Ticks: Jura has ticks, especially in long grass and bracken from spring through autumn. Check your dog (and yourself) daily. Tick removers are useful to bring.

Adders: Present on Jura, particularly in heather on warm days. Keep dogs on paths where possible and watch where they stick their noses. Bring dog-friendly antihistamines. They work very well.

Food: The Jura Community Shop stocks basic dog food. The Co-op on Islay and vets both have more. Bring enough for your stay — choice is limited.

The Jura Ferry: Dogs travel free on the wee ferry and on the Jura Passenger Ferry. CalMac allows dogs in designated areas on the car deck and on the outdoor deck.