One step beyond: walks on the Isle of Raasay Dun Caan

We’re often asked about nice places to walk on Skye and, as you’d expect, there are plenty of options from coastal strolls to full-on mountain adventures. But it’s one of Skye’s best kept secrets that some of the most peaceful and evocative walks are on the neighbouring island of Raasay. 

It’s a small place, about fourteen miles long and three miles wide at the most, and a short ferry hop from the east coast of Skye. It’s so close that most of the children that live on the island will commute across the water every day to the high school at Portree. There can be up to ten ferry sailings from Skye each day, running all year, which makes it an ideal day trip from our B&B. Not only that, but a large proportion of the island can be explored on foot, so you don’t necessarily need to take a car over.

I have to be honest and say that it’s a long-running family joke that I have a thing about Raasay. The moment it gets quiet and we have a spare day (usually around October), I’ll be suggesting that we pop across for a visit. The last time this happened they all thought that I must have surely run out of places to explore; but I still keep coming back with suggestions for new excursions. For some folk, the island just gets under their skin.

When you arrive on Raasay and step off the ferry, you’re greeted by two lovely stone mermaids that guard the Georgian-era gun battery at the harbour. Behind them stands Raasay House, which offers all kinds of outdoor adventures for visitors to the island. It also has a cafe and restaurant (it’s best to check the website for opening times). Another draw for visitors who like a dram is Raasay Distillery, which started making whisky in 2017. Like Raasay house, it’s conveniently close to the ferry terminal. It’s worth remembering that the island has less than 200 permanent residents, so places to eat and drink are limited. There’s a very nice village shop, though, which is open every day except Sunday. Unlike Skye, Raasay still stays pretty quiet on the Sabbath. 

If you’re looking for a satisfying, decent length walk on Raasay with amazing views, it’s hard to beat Dun Caan. It’s a funny wee mountain.

Dun Caan (as a loop from the ferry terminal)

Stroll down the ramp of the ferry, pick up a handy walks leaflet (you can find them at the ferry terminal car park) and head along the road up towards the village.

Pass Raasay House, which is worth dropping into for tea and cakes, or something stronger, if you have time.

Head up towards the distillery. You’ll find Raasay has plenty of handy signs around the island to help you find your way

Follow your map (and the signs!) and head up the road just before the distillery. You’ll find a path further up that takes you past a loch and through a forest. Eventually you’ll get to the end of the ‘Burma Road’ and you’ll head up onto the moor. Things get a bit rougher and more boggy.

Persevere across the moor, and eventually you’ll see your goal, Dun Caan. It’ll be worth the effort! Follow the path along the lochside, then up a bit further to catch a bigger path – you’ll be using this to get up and down the hill.  

Enjoy the superlative views from the summit; on a good day you can pick out many of the mountains on the mainland, as well as the Skye landmarks. After enjoying the view from the trig point, head back down the main path from the summit

Pass Loch na Meilich and watch out for kelpies. These are creatures common in Scottish legends: they appear to be horses,  but are actually monsters that will lure travellers into nearby lochs!

Follow the well made path back to the road.