The Ironstone Mines and the Burma Road

Summary

This superb and very varied walk explores Raasay's heritage of ironstone mining. Peaceful Raasay may seem an unlikely spot for a walk visiting industrial mining heritage and a track called the 'Burma Road', but it was once the scene of bustling activity. A railway climbed a steep include from East Suisnish pier and then over the hills to the mine, which closed early in the twentieth century.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Clear paths, tracks and minor roads.

Public Transport

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

Start

Churchton Bay ferry terminal, Raasay. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10km / 6.25 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 193m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG545362

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk begins from the ferry terminal at Churchton Bay, where there is parking and public toilets. Bear right of the toilet building to follow the road along the bay. Take a tarmac lane off to the right, then when this forks almost immediately take the left branch signed as a dead end. Before the gate turn right onto a signed path, that soon swings left and climbs above a bungalow. Go through a kissing gate then bear right through the grassy field. The path keeps atop the bank that falls towards the coast, heading through two more kissing gates. When the modern Raasay Community Hall comes into view ahead bear right to reach a track, then turn left along this, passing the front of the hall and eventually rejoining the road. Bear right along the road towards Inverarish - the capital of Raasay.

Stage 2

When a T-junction is reached turn right 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 Dùn Caan.

Stage 3

The path follows the route of an old incline railway running to Raasay iron ore mine. These days it makes an excellent footpath across the high grassland, with great views back across to Glamaig and the Cuillin mountains on Skye. Continue along the old railway bed which runs dead straight towards the flat topped summit of Dùn Caan visible ahead. Just before a gate it is necessary to take the slope down into a cutting on the right to avoid a missing bridge. Go through the gate and continue ahead into the forest. Soon a signed footpath cuts across the route; again continue ahead (turning left is a shortcut to Inverarish). Shortly beyond the line crosses a deep valley where great pillars are all that remains of a viaduct.

Stage 4

It is necessary to follow the path down into the valley and up the other side, where the rail route can once again be joined. Further on the route emerges on a minor road. Turn left on the road and then immediately right into the site of the Raasay iron ore mine where German prisoners of war worked during WWI. 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 forestry workers in the 1950's and the "jungle" of trees they encountered. After about six hundred metres the track crosses another bridge, and shortly afterwards a footpath goes off to the right towards Dùn Caan, with a waterfall above. Continue on the main track which curves round to the left.

Stage 5

Another signed path goes off to the right further on - this one heads for Temptation Hill and links with the Raasay Woodland walk. Ignore it and continue on the track; when this ends, continue on the wide path ahead to reach a parking area by the minor road. Turn left here along the road, and then left again at the next junction (you could shortcut back towards the ferry by going right here instead). A short distance further on take the next right down towards the village.

Stage 6

The road now runs down through Inverarish, the attractive capital of Raasay. Continue past the shop, turning right at a junction by the cottages to follow the road back towards the ferry terminal passing the Community Hall and heading uphill.

Stage 7

Keep ahead when a road joins from the right. Soon the road passes Raasay's new distillery. Continue until a junction in front of an old steading; keep left here to follow the road which heads down towards the sea to return to the ferry.

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