“The island has magic in every glen, hill and crofting community.”

Jura Guided is a walking tour business started by Grant Rozga, a Jura native who has spent most of his life exploring the hills, glens and wild spaces of the island. Whether you want to go on a challenging climb up Jura’s mountains (The Paps) or for a casual stroll and a cup of tea, Grant crafts bespoke routes to suit all tastes and abilities – ensuring everyone gets a chance to see the natural beauty of the island.

Like most Jura natives, Grant has done several jobs around the island, including working in the distillery for nearly a decade. However, in 2022, after chatting it over with friends and family, Grant fulfilled a lifelong dream of turning his love of exploring the island into a business – and he hasn’t looked back since.

But it’s not just the stunning scenery Grant exposes you to, it is also the culture, history and way of life of this island community. As Grant himself says:

“My desire has been to combine the natural landscape of Jura and the culture of the Island and people to provide the most authentic experience for guests.”

We chatted to Grant a little more about Jura Guided.

Getting to know

Grant Rozga, Founder of Jura Guided

I am extremely proud to come from Jura and being part of this community inspires me on a daily basis. We are resilient, adaptable people that value warmth and hospitality – and a good dose of humour.

Our culture is incredibly rich, and the sense of community is so strong right throughout the island. I feel privileged to be part of it and love sharing Jura with guests. Our community is everything on the island.
Jura is perfect for walking as it’s just about as natural, wild and untamed as you can get. The island has magic in every glen, hill and crofting community. The history, culture and character are woven through the footsteps you take. I feel a real sense of pride sharing the island with visitors.

Wildlife here is in abundance and in its most natural state, and there is something for everyone. Challenging walks in the Paps, wild walks in some of Jura's hidden lochs and glens or more cultural strolls through the crofting communities – we have it all.
Living here and being part of the community has influenced everything in Jura Guided as a business, it’s authentic, it’s natural, it combines the wonder of the landscape with the living culture of the island.
I get to see the island through guests’ eyes and remember what an amazing place this is, it’s very rewarding. I love walking it’s just about the most therapeutic thing a human can do, add some company and conversation then you have everything you need.
I was brought up walking the west coast of the island, and we’d watch the sunset while playing music for each other. It has given me a real appreciation of the beauty of the characters and landscape that make Jura so special.
First time to Jura, I would recommend trying to get around Knockrome, Ardfarnal and Ardmenish. These crofting townships give an insight into the past and present being linked – and you’ll meet lots of locals on the way. It is easy walking and has amazing sea views and inland views to the Paps.
For the more adventurous, getting to the west coast from Ruantallian anywhere to the most northern tip. That coastline is unique, with raised beaches, natural caves and arches, lochs, waterfalls and hills. It’s probably my favourite place on Jura and never fails to amaze in the ever-changing western winds.