The high point of the lovely Isle of Raasay may be a mere 444m above sea level, but it's a characterful little hill with a distinctive sawn-off summit that is recognisable from afar. What's more, on its eastern flank Dun Caan achieves its full height in just over 1km, a steep craggy slope that gives it a real mountain feel. With Torridon to the northeast and the Cuillin arrayed across the southern horizon, it's quite a viewpoint too. This quick, easy ascent gives you a massive bang for your buck.
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1
NG5612540548 Follow the well-trodden path southeast, on a long gentle ascent. After an easy 1.5km the path curves east to reach a tiny lochan on the the broad saddle of the Bealach Ruadh. The craggy tabletop summit of Dun Cann is now visible ahead.
2
NG5757239308 The path cuts north on a descending traverse down a steep little escarpment into a curious trench-like mini valley. Cross the shingly southern end of Loch na Meilich (good swimming). From here one option is a clear-looking path climbing steeply due east towards the summit; ignore this boggy decoy and instead stick with the better path as it zigs north up the slope overlooking the loch, before zagging back right towards Dun Can. The final ascent is pretty steep.
3
NG5790139506 Marked with an old cylindrical trig point, the flat rock-studded summit area is an amazing viewpoint. Across the Inner Sound, some of the deepest inshore water in the UK, is the Applecross peninsula, with the Torridon and Coulin peaks peeking up behind. Keep your eyes peeled for submarines on exercise. To the south, Skye's Red and Black Cuillin are arrayed across the horizon. Longer circular walks are possible, but the easiest option is to go back the way you came.
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Difficulty: EasyDistance: 3.45 miles (5.56 km)
Total ascent: 319m
Time: 2 hours (Walking)
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Additional Information
Start/Finish:Small car park beside the minor road that runs south-north along the island. The start of the walk is signposted, NG560405
Nearest town:
Portree
Terrain:
A clear, well-drained path that makes light work of the otherwise rough and boggy terrain of Raasay's interior. The final summit ascent is quite steep.
Public transport:
Calmac ferry from Sconser on Skye to the new terminal at Churchtown Bay on Raasay
Maps:
OS Explorer 409 (1:25,000), OS Explorer 410 (1:25,000), OS Landranger 24 (1:50,000), OS Landranger 32 (1:50,000)
Accommodation:
Hostel style rooms in Raasay House Hotel https://www.raasay-house.co.uk/hostel-accommodation-near-skye
Find more Listings near this route
Weather and Hill Conditions:
mwis: Northwest Highlands – Met Office: West Highlands
Tourist info:
Portree (0845 22 55 121); Broadford (0845 22 55 121); Kyle of Lochalsh (0845 22 55 121)
Further Routes
by Dan Bailey UKH