Canna Coastal circuit

Click to Install our FREE APP
Download our route guides and use offline with free GPS mapping

This magnificent walk makes a complete coastal circuit of the Isle of Canna. It takes in the wild and rugged clifftops of the northern and western coastline, with magnificent views of sea and mountain throughout.

Terrain

Rough going, generally pathless heather on eastern half, grassier on western half. Sheep paths aid progress.

Public Transport

Canna is served by the Calmac ferry service from Mallaig.

Start

Canna pier. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Users' reports

Read about the experiences of our users on this route.
There are 2 reports from this walk - click to read them.

Write your own walk report on Walkhighlands to share your experience. £150 of gear to be won from Highlander for the best reports each month.

Currently 5.00/51

User Rating
Log in to vote

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Description

Stage 1

If starting from the ferry, walk northwest along the track, passing Saint Columba's Presbyterian Church which is seen up to the right - its distinctive tower giving it its nickname as the 'Rocket Church'; it houses an archaeological exhibition. Take the next right turn onto a walled track, and immediately before a barn, head through a gate into the field on the left. Bear right through the field to another gate in front of the telephone exchange building - complete with satellite dishes. The walk does not pass through, but it is worth diverting for a good view of Coroghan Castle - a 17th century ruin atop an extremely steep stack which was used as a prison.

Stage 2

Return to the landward side of the fence and follow it northwards uphill to reach a gate. Pass through this, then bear right, continuing uphill. As the craggy escarpment of Compass Hill is reached, pass round it to the left. The top of Compass Hill - so named as the magnetism of the rock is said to be strong enough to shift a ship's compass - can be reached by detouring to the right. Alternatively, continue northwards across a grassy hollow to reach the fence atop the northern cliffs.

Stage 3

Stunning views of the Cuillin of Skye are suddenly revealed. Turn left at the fence to follow the dramatic clifftops to the west. A tiny stack is visible far below. The going is rough with a mix of grass and heather, but sheep-paths help ease the walking. A couple of inlets - with fences - are passed on the landward side.

Stage 4

After the second inlet, a pathless detour across the moorland - strewn with orchids in the late spring - leads to the trig point marking the highest point on Canna - Càrn a'Ghaill. Though perhaps the least dramatic part of the walk, the summit commands grand views of sea and islands all around. Head northwest to rejoin the clifftops, following a fence over Beinn Tighe. There are two steep descents as the route continues over Buidhe Sgorr.

Stage 5

Canna's cliffs and moors are a breeding place of Great Skuas - 'Bonxies' - as well as both Golden and White-tailed eagles, so keep a look out. Eventually a third steep descent - leading down to the low-lying narrow neck at the centre of Canna - is reached. Follow the clifftop fence to a stile and then descent towards the gate in the stone wall visible below. Pass through this and then rejoin the coastline, crossing over a stone wall where it abuts a fence by the sea. Immediately over this, bear left steeply up grass to begin the clifftop walk around Canna's western half. There are stunning views looking back.

Stage 6

The walk around the western clifftops is grassy rather than heathery, and a little wet in places. An inlet forces a detour inland at one point until a stile is reached and the dip is easily crossed. Soon there are dramatic views down to a lonely but lovely sandy beach far below. Continue along the clifftops to reach the western end of the island. Here the cliffs turn southwards and the going becomes much easier on short-cropped turf, leading high above the shoreline fort of Dun Channa to reach the dramatically-situated trig point on Sròn Ruail.

Stage 7

Continue following the cliffs as they now turn eastwards. Though there are still sharp descents and inlets to negotiate, the conditions underfoot continue to be on good, dry grass for the most part. The cliffs themselves are almost vertical in places, giving some dramatic views down to the shore far below. A section of fence is followed alongside one inlet until a stile enables the continuation of the coastal walking. Look out for tumbledown ruins on the shore below Am Beannan - thought to be the remains of a medieval nunnery.

Stage 8

Improved pastures are eventually reached, and the route passes through a gate in a stone wall, and then aims for another gate a short distance to the right of the farm buildings at Tarbert. Continue through another field to reach a track, then follow this as it passes high around the beautiful Tarbert Bay - with views to Rum.

Stage 9

It bends left then right uphill (it is possible to detour from here to visit Canna's souterrain) before it descends and leads more easily eastwards near the grassy shore below the rocky escarpments of Ealaist. Pass through a gate by a cottage to join the main A'Chill track and turn left to follow this past the island's farm, post box and cafe as it leads back to the start.

Can you help support Walkhighlands?

Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands.

Canna Coastal circuit

Click to Install our FREE APP
Download our route guides and use offline with free GPS mapping

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Hillwalking in Winter

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Summits Climbed

Mapping and GPS

Does your firm want to sponsor this route?

Accommodation