Brothers' Point - Rubha nam Brathairean, near Staffin

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A short walk out to Rubha nam Brathairean (Brothers' Point) - a dramatic headland marking the easternmost point of Trotternish.

Terrain

Short walk on a good path down to the shore; walking out to the end of the point is on a steep path above vertical drops.

Public Transport

Bus number 57, four times a day from Portree. Get off at The Glenview, Culnacnoc. .

Start

Lay-by on A855 at Culnacnoc - 40m north of The Glenview hotel. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.5km / 2.25 miles
Time: 1 - 2 hours
Ascent: 238m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG516625

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Walk Description

Stage 1

When heading from Portree towards Staffin on the A855, park in the lay-by at Culnacnoc on the left just after the turning for The Glenview/Skye Pie Cafe but before the houses. The path starts on the opposite side of the road, where a wooden footpath sign reads 'Rubh' nam Braithrean'. Like many Gaelic place names the local spelling differs from that on the OS map. After passing a couple of buildings on the right side and a gate, turn right on a signed track and then fork left onto a path which branches downhill. Follow this old, well graded, grassy path down the hill. (Photo shows Brothers' Point viewed from further north on the A855)

Stage 2

When some old ruined crofts are visible ahead, the path bends off to the right beside the fence, before ending just short of the shore. Go down onto the pebbly shore and turn right, crossing the stream, which usually runs beneath the pebbles on the beach here. Continue round the shore, passing old ruined buildings on either side. After the left hand ruin, which used to be a salmon netting station, the route ascends the grassy, boggy field ahead, where there is no path. Brother's Point is the headland now visible on the left. To reach it, a path crosses a ledge above the sea cliffs but below the cliffs of the land above, to reach a beautifully grassy area like a lawn, with Brother's Point straight ahead.

Stage 3

The path to the point cuts across the steep grass slightly to the left side of the ridge, before steeply climbing up Dun Hasan, the curious lump part way along the peninsula. Dun Hasan has a long history, from its origins as an ancient settlement to more recently being the site of a medieval fortress, but there are few visible remains today. The path descends the far slope of Dun Hasan, which is just as steep as the way up.

Stage 4

Beyond is a surprisingly spacious undulating grassy plateau, with great views all around. Kilt Rock and its waterfall are well seen to the north. The name Brother's Point is thought to originate with a monastic community who lived in single cells. The return is by the same route.

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