After exploring the stunning remains of Dùn Carloway broch, follow the remains of an ancient path past two peaceful moorland lochs and peat cuttings to reach the Doune Braes Hotel from where the return is on the road.
Minor roads, un-waymarked path, then pathless moorland section requiring navigation skills, boggy ground.
Bus to Dun Charlabhaigh.
Dun Carloway Broch car park, near Carlabhagh.
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 9 metres high but would have been much higher originally.
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, there are stepping stones in places to hopefully keep your feet dry. The Doune Braes Hotel was once the local school and it is likely that this path formed a route to school many years ago.
Stay on the right hand side of the fence as the route approaches Loch Thonagro. Head around the right (west) side of the loch and climb the higher ground. Do not go through the gate but stay on the left side of the fence and cross the undulating ground above the loch. Descend to a gate and go through it and then climb to the high ground before aiming down to the head of the loch. From here the route is pathless and requires map reading. Cross the burn and follow the east side of it as it heads southeast up a wide glen.
As the ground gets boggy and difficult to cross bear left (east) to the side of the glen where there is drier ground and sheep tracks to follow as you continue heading southeast. Once an open area to the east is reached the burn is very small, but follow it where it heads ESE gently uphill past the remains of old peat cuttings, aim 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.
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, staying on the drier ground, to descend directly east to pick up a track which can be seen ahead near a line of telegraph poles.
Turn left on the track 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.
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