After all the rain the previous two days we were nervous how this day would turn out, would we be able to walk on Jura? But then the day couldn't start any better, when I woke up and opened the curtains it was a glorious sunny morning.

After a quick introduction we were ready to leave. The walk started with a climb up the hill, quickly giving us great views over the Sound of Jura to Knapdale and Kintyre. In the haze we could also make out the silhouette of Arran, although we would get an even better view of Arran later when we returned.

We continued over hills, through glens, past a number of lochs and lochans, sometimes catching a glimpse of the Paps of Jura towering over the hills. There were a few burns to cross, everyone managed to get over safely. After a few miles we first saw Loch Tarbert, our destination for the day.

Our descent to Loch Tarbert continued, just before we arrived Ian spotted an eagle soaring high in the sky. Unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to change my lens, so the picture on the right is as good as it gets.

We had lunch on a ridge overlooking Loch Tarbert, close to an impressive waterfall. From the ridge I climbed down to the beach to take a picture of the waterfall and get a better view of the "beach" (there wasn't a sandy beach, mainly large pebbles). After a good rest it was time to start heading back.

Being the gamekeeper of Tarbert Estate he also told us about the hunting they do at the estate. He explained some interesting rules and conventions hunters and gamekeepers live and work to as well as how they transport any deer they shot back to the lodge. The Tarbert Estate is the only estate still using horses when possible to carry out work.

Through a number of glens we continued our walk back to the east, again crossing a number of burns on the way. Water bottles were filled with fresh water, especially as the sun had come out quite strong by now and it was nice and warm.

After a few hours out in the hills we returned to the east coast of Jura. It had cleared up further and we had a great view over to Knapdale, Kintyre and even to Arran. I was impressed of the view over to Arran, as during my holidays in summer 2004 I had stood on Goatfell and looked over to Jura (among other places).

As we had some time left we stopped at the Jura Hotel for a well-earned pint in the hotel garden before catching the evening ferry back to Islay. Many thanks to Gordon for a great day and a very nice walk!