Dùn Carloway Broch and moors

Summary

After exploring the stunning remains of Dùn Carloway broch, follow the remains of an ancient path past two peaceful moorland lochs. The route then descends via peat cuttings to reach the Dunan Hotel from where the return is on the road.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Minor roads, marked path, then pathless moorland section requiring navigation skills, boggy ground.

Getting there

Start

Dun Carloway Broch car park, near Carlabhagh.

Public Transport

Bus to Dun Charlabhaigh.

Start Grid Ref

NB191411

Open in Google Maps

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.25km / 3.25 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 98m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
Explorer 460 - North Lewis

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

Want to sponsor this route?

Walk Description

User reports (0)

Stage 1

There is limited parking at the Dun Carloway Broch visitor centre, alternatively you can continue along the road and park at the road end, taking care not to block any gates, or there is parking near the Doune Braes Hotel where you can start the walk instead. The broch is well worth a visit, follow the path past the excellent underground visitor centre (toilets) to explore the broch which was built as a defensive house at least 2000 years ago. The double-walled structure provided strength and storage and passageways, and there would have been wooden floors to provide a number of storeys in the building. The remains stand up to 9m high but would have been much higher originally.

Stage 2

After exploring the broch return to the parking area and turn right along the road heading west through the crofting settlement of Dun Charlabhaigh eventually heading downhill to the foot of Loch an Duin where the road ends. Continue straight ahead in the same direction as the road and go through the farm gate ahead, ignoring the gate on the left. Follow the vague path across the sometimes boggy ground; it diverges from but keeps parallel to the fence over to your left. There are stepping stones in places to hopefully keep your feet dry. The Dunan Hotel was once the local school and it is likely that this path formed a route to school many years ago.

Stage 3

Keep following the fait path as approaches Loch Thonagro. It passes around the right (west) side of the loch, climbing along the higher ground above it. Do not go through the gate but stay on the left side of a fence and cross the undulating ground above the loch. Descend to a gate and go through it and then climb to the high point before aiming down towards the head of the loch. From here the route is pathless and requires map reading. Cross the burn and then walk along the east side of it as it heads southeast up a wide glen.

Stage 4

As the ground gets boggy and difficult to cross by the burn bear left (east) to the head along the left side of the glen floor, where the going is drier. There are sheep tracks to follow as you continue heading southeast. Once the slopes on your left ease the route meets the burn - now tiny; follow it where it heads ESE gently uphill past the remains of old peat cuttings, aimimg just to the right of two rocky outcrops on the horizon to climb up a grassy break in the heather. At the top Loch a Charnain Mhòr is reached.

Stage 5

Looking back there are fine views of the west coast of Lewis with Great Bernera and numerous smaller islands just offshore. Follow sheep paths around the right hand (south) side of the loch, aiming for the lowest point on the far side. From here follow a line of peat cuttings - the driest ground is alongside them to the left - to descend directly east. After passing a line of telegraph poles a track is reached just beyond.

Stage 6

Turn left on the track (part of the Bonnet Laird route) to pass more modern peat cuttings. This route leads to Tolastadh Chaolais in the other direction and was used by schoolchildren on route to the school which is now the Doune Braes Hotel. Pass Loch an Dunain which is a good place for birdwatching and soon go through the gate to reach the hotel. Turn left onto the A858 - although a main road it is relatively quiet and has verges to walk on in most places. Pass through the small settlement of Buailebhal Mòr before taking the next turn on the left to return to the Dun Carloway visitor centre.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Outer Hebrides Hotels

Outer Hebrides B&B

Isle of Lewis cottages

Outer Hebrides hostels

Glamping and Camping

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?