Dun Caan

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A superb circular hillwalking visiting the distinctive flat-topped summit of Dun Caan (Dun Cana), the highest hill on the Isle of Raasay and a wonderful viewpoint. The walk also includes a visit to the old ironstone railway line and the capital of Raasay, Inverarish.

Terrain

There is a path for the whole route though it is boggy and indistinct in places. Steep ground but no scrambling involved.

Public Transport

Ferry to Raasay from Sconser on Skye; Sconser is served by bus. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Churchton Bay ferry terminal, Raasay. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 18km / 11.25 miles
Time: 5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 540m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG545362

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from the ferry terminal at Churchton Bay. Bear right to follow the main road along the bay, then curving uphill away from the shore (ignoring a branch on the right). At a fork keep right to follow the main road towards Inverarish - the capital of Raasay. Keep right again at another fork to descend and reach a t-junction at the southern end of the main rows of cottages - originally built for workers in the ironstone mines. Turn right here to follow the road round the shore towards East Suisnish pier - for many years this was used by as the ferry terminal before the new one was built at Churchton Bay. Take a grassy footpath heading off uphill almost opposite East Suisnish Pier - it is signed as a footpath for Dun Caan.

Stage 2

The path follows the route of an old incline railway running to Raasay iron ore mine; the mine and railway closed early in the 20th century and the route is now a fine route up onto the moor, with great views back across to the Red Hills on Skye. Continue along the old railway bed which runs dead straight towards Dun Caan. As a forest plantation is reached, take the slope down into a cutting on the right to avoid a missing bridge. This gives access to a stile over a fence; continue into the forest on the same straight line as before. Soon a footpath cuts across the route; again continue ahead. Shortly beyond the line crosses a deep valley where great pillars are all that remains of a viaduct. Here follow the path down into the valley and up the far side where the rail route can once again be joined.

Stage 3

Further on the route leaves the forest and reaches a minor road. Turn left here then immediately right into the site of the Raasay iron ore mine. The mine was worked by German prisoners during the first world war; today it is a peaceful spot and there are picnic tables. Continue on the track from the mine, which passes over a bridge and into the forest. This track is known as the 'Burma Road' - a reference to its construction by the prisoners of war. After about 600m the track crosses another bridge. Shortly afterwards turn right up a footpath with views of a waterfall.

Stage 4

The footpath climbs steeply at first beside the Inverarish Burn and soon leaves the top of the forest at a stile. Beyond, the path continues heading up the moor, keeping fairly close to the stream. The path is boggy in places and a little indistinct in others; it keeps close by the burn except where it cuts a corner and there is a brief view to Dun Caan's craggy summit. After several kilometres Loch na Mna is reached. Ignore path uphill onto the escarpment, instead keeping to a lower path close to the loch shore. Beyond the loch, keep below the escarpment; another path comes in from the right, but ignore this and continue on until reaching a second loch, Loch na Meilich which is the island water supply.

Stage 5

Continue on the path which heads diagonally uphill to the right of the loch. Soon the path doubles back to the right, the first of a series of zig-zags up the steep slopes to Dun Caan. The upper slopes look very craggy, but the path up to it is excellent if closely followed and the flat, rock-strewn summit will soon be reached. The top is marked by a trig point, although only 443 metres high Dun Caan has superb views all round. The entire eastern coast of Skye can be seen, whilst in the opposite direction is a great sweep of the mainland from the Five Sisters of Kintail to Ruadh Reidh. Boswell climbed up to the top of Dun Caan during his tour of the Hebrides with Johnson (who remained down in Raasay House, visited later on this walk); he was so delighted with the view that he danced a jig on the summit.

Stage 6

Return down the zig-zag path to Loch na Meilich. Instead of heading back towards Loch na Mna from here, cross the shingly ground by the loch and follow the clear path up the escarpment opposite. At the top of the escarpment, don't follow the branch path which heads along it to the left but instead keep to the main path straight on. This path gives good going across the moor until emerging on a road after about two and a half kilometres. Turn left along the road, which has very little traffic - you'll be lucky to see a car! After an initial descent the road climbs up to a water works; another road heads off to the right after about another five hundred metres. Don't take this, instead keeping straight on for over a kilometre to where an unsurfaced track branches off right through a gate. Take this track.

Stage 7

The track ends at a wrought-iron kissing-gate. Go through this and follow the path beyond, which soon slopes down left to another road. There are wonderful views across to Skye from here. Turn left along the minor road, which soon enters a forest. Keep a look out for a Pictish symbol stone just off the road on the left. Soon you'll pass on the left the 13th century St Moluag's Chapel and on the right the extremely grand Raasay House. This was almost completely restored in 2009 and was planned for use as an outdoor centre and community facility before being gutted by a devastating fire; it re-opened in 2013 after another 4 complete restoration. Take a right turn to head back to the ferry terminal.

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