These big, beautiful lumps are the Paps of Jura, on (unsurprisingly) the Isle of Jura in the Inner Hebrides.
Jura's conical hills are closely associated with the Cailleach, Scotland's Winter Goddess and right now much of the country is stuck in her icy grip.
#YS2022 #Scotland
Jura's conical hills are closely associated with the Cailleach, Scotland's Winter Goddess and right now much of the country is stuck in her icy grip.
#YS2022 #Scotland
The Cailleach is an ancient, giant, blue hag with one big eye and dark, red teeth.
She rides out each year from her home atop Ben Nevis with eight companions to spread winter around Scotland with a frosty hammer.
Jura is said to be one of the first stops on her annual journey.
She rides out each year from her home atop Ben Nevis with eight companions to spread winter around Scotland with a frosty hammer.
Jura is said to be one of the first stops on her annual journey.
She journeys to the north end of the island and washes her great plaid in the Corryvreckan Whirlpool.
It's one of the largest natural whirlpools in the world and the roar can be heard up to 20 miles away.
George Orwell once got too close and was almost dragged to his death!
It's one of the largest natural whirlpools in the world and the roar can be heard up to 20 miles away.
George Orwell once got too close and was almost dragged to his death!
Once the plaid has been cleaned to a bright shine, she throws it across the mountains covering them in a sheet of white.
Right now, after the Winter Solstice, the Cailleach is growing weaker so we can expect more violent storms as she tries to prove that she's still in control.
Right now, after the Winter Solstice, the Cailleach is growing weaker so we can expect more violent storms as she tries to prove that she's still in control.
Jura has another connection to this goddess though, she isn't all death and destruction.
A popular theory for the name Jura is Deer Island after the vast herds living there.
The Cailleach is said to care for these majestic animals, no wonder this island is so special to her!
A popular theory for the name Jura is Deer Island after the vast herds living there.
The Cailleach is said to care for these majestic animals, no wonder this island is so special to her!
Besides all of that, it's just a beautiful view from this point on Islay.
Next year I'm taking the short ferry across this gap for a few days hiking.
There's only one road skirting the east of the island so to really see Jura, I'll need my boots, tent and four legged guide!
Next year I'm taking the short ferry across this gap for a few days hiking.
There's only one road skirting the east of the island so to really see Jura, I'll need my boots, tent and four legged guide!
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