Raasay Coast and Woodland.

Start. Raasay Ferry Terminal.

Route. Raasay Ferry Terminal - Aird Ghiuthais - North Bay - Oskaig Plantation - Orchard Wood - Loch a' Mhuilinn - Dun Borrofich (Broch) - Manse - Kirk - Mill Road - Inverarish - Community Hall - Raasay Ferry Terminal.

Notes. Just off the eastern coast of Skye, reached in 25 minutes by ferry from Sconser lies the stunning island of Raasay (Isle of the Roe Deer). This was an alluring exploration around the islands tiny capital Inverarish, beautiful coastline, a hidden cove and wonderful views.

This walk started at the Raasay Ferry Terminal, overlooked by the impressive pile of Rassay House, we walked north, the shoreline and odd marker post our guide, after traversing a grassy headland, we descended through rhododendrons to emerge at the stunning North Bay. Who could resist not us we descended to the beach before continuing along the coast, through woodland we wandered with appealing views to Ben Tianavaig and the Trotternish coastline. When the path reached a ruin we turned inland, ascended to a single ribbon of tarmac, then turned left.

With tarmac to guide us we wandered north, when the lane swung sharp left we continued straight a stoney track now guided us. The track climbed before swinging south cutting along the edge of a high valley, an impenetrable row of cliffs guarded the east side whilst woodland rose to the west. We continued walking until reaching a walled garden, this was the impressive wall of an orchard, the land is occupied by a private house the apple trees long gone.

The wall guided us to a tarmac lane, we passed Loch a’ Mhuilinn turning left at it’s outflow, a good path then guided us to a short detour, a path lead up hill to an Iron Age Broch, Dun Borrofiach, built on a low hill, little remained but staggering views. Back on the main trod we passed Manse a fine house with tennis courts followed by an old kirk before reaching a tarmac lane, it was signs for the local shop that directed us from here.

We strolled down the lane into Inverarish the islands tiny capital, the shop was a community affair, very well stocked, we bought lunch, sat outside in the sun and watched island life drift by at its very own friendly island pace. Lunch over, a ferry to catch back we wandered towards the Community Hall, the path passed the front of the building allowing access to cow pastures, this trod in turn guided us back along the coast to our starting point where the 14.30 ferry waited.

view route map.

home.

The day starts here the ferry terminal at Sconser, on the far horizon Raasay.

Approaching Raasay, the flat top of Dun Caan dominating the horizon.

Looking over Churchton Bay and the Narrows of Raasay, across the skyline Ben Lee.

Rising from the Sound of Raasay, Ben Tianavaig.

Soaking in views over the Narrows of Raasay, soaring above Loch Sligachan, Glamaig.

Stunning conditions over the Sound of Raasay, in the distance the cliffs of The Storr and the Trotternish ridge.

Taking in the view over North Bay.

Magical views from North Bay.

Strolling along the tide line wavelets kissing our boots, looking to Glamaig part of the Red Cuillin backed by Sgurr nan Gillean and the Black Cuillin.

Echoes of the past, tucked away in a hollow a ruined croft.

Across the Sound of Raasay, Ben Tianavaig.

Viewing Oskaig Point backed by the impressive cliffs of Trotternish.

Adventures through a spectacular landscape, from wonderful coastal walking to green pastures backed by spectacular cliff.

Loch Mhuilinn's surface reflecting the land and capturing the spirit of the sky.

Dun Borrofich or Dun Borodale depending on which map you're using.

White washed kirk passed near Manse.

Seen from pastures above Churchton Bay some of the many mountains of skye rise into a watery sky.

Wandering along the tide line of Churchton Bay viewing the vast bulk of Glamaig.

Grey on the far horizon Beinn na Caillich.

Nestled under the slopes of Cnoc an Ratha the fine pile of Raasay House.

back to top

back to list