Beach
Sea dip
Images credit: Bothan Jura Wild Sauna
At a glance
About this sauna
Bothan Jura Wild Sauna, Isle of Jura is a wood-fired sauna in a converted horsebox that travels to different locations on the island. At Corran Sands, four miles north of Craighouse, it parks on the white sand next to the island’s airstrip, with the Paps of Jura behind it. Other times it’s down in the village or up at the north end of the island.
It has cedar benches and a Narvi wood-burning stove inside. Bothan Jura Retreat runs the sauna and is a five-minute walk up the road from Corran Sands. The bay is a handy stop for anyone sailing too. The retreat says it’s one of the safest anchorages on Jura, and yachts can anchor off and come ashore by tender.
What to expect
- Wood-fired sauna in a converted horsebox
- Social sessions for up to 5 people
- Cedar benches and a Narvi wood-burning stove
- Optional sea dips from the white sand beach at Corran Sands
- Ice barrel in place of the sea when the sauna is at the retreat
- Views of the Paps of Jura from Corran Sands
- Pitch moves around the island and the cold water option changes with it, so check the current location when booking
Additional experiences and sessions
- Private hire available for up to 8 people
- Sessions by appointment outside the regular times
- Memberships available for residents of Jura and Islay
Plan your visit
Booking
Getting there
By car: Corran Sands is about 12 miles from Feolin on the island’s single-track road, four miles north of Craighouse
Public transport: CalMac ferry to Port Askaig on Islay, then the short Jura ferry across to Feolin. Corran Sands is an hour’s walk from Craighouse, so let the sauna know if you don’t have a car
Finding the sauna: On the beach at Corran Sands, next to the airstrip. The sauna moves around the island, so check the current location when you book
Facilities
What to bring
- Swimwear
- Two towels (one for sitting on, one for drying off)
- Flip flops or sandals
- Warm layers for afterwards
- Water bottle
- Changing robe or loose layers for getting changed outdoors
Location
What’s nearby
Craighouse, four miles south, is where the island’s food and drink is, including the Jura Hotel, a bakehouse café and the community shop. Opening hours are shorter in winter, so check ahead. Jura Distillery is also in the village. The Corran Sands and river circuit is a 4km loop along both stretches of the beach and the Corran River.
Before you go
If you’re new to wild saunas, these quick answers might help
No — you can enjoy the sauna on its own.
Yes — you can move between the sauna, the water and breaks outside at your own pace.
