Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX follows the signed hill path from Raasay's No. 1 Mine to Dùn Caan and returns the same way. It covers 12.1 km with about 550 m of ascent, and usually takes 4 to 6 hours. The route avoids a long road approach from Inverarish, but still crosses remote, wet moorland where the path can be hard to follow.
From the mine area, use the forest road and signed path to leave the old workings behind. The route crosses open ground dotted with lochans and gradually works north towards Loch na Mna and Loch na Meilich. Boardwalk and pitched sections help in the wettest places, but deep bog remains alongside the path. Dùn Caan's distinctive flat-topped cone becomes clearer on the final approach. A steeper path climbs through rock and grass to the summit plateau and cairn at 443 m, with wide views across Raasay, Skye and the mainland in clear weather.
Return by the same moorland path to No. 1 Mine. Old mine structures are historically important and may be unstable, so view them from the path. Mist can remove Dùn Caan as a visual guide and make the lochan country confusing; carry a map and compass as well as the GPX. Check the return ferry time if visiting Raasay for the day, and allow extra time for the island road.
The path to Dùn Caan crosses a quiet spread of moor and lochans before the final cone rises ahead.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Begin near the former iron-mine workings. Park only where permitted and do not obstruct the narrow public road or forestry access.
Follow the track away from the workings and look for the signed hill path. Keep clear of shafts, ruins and fenced structures.
Leave the forest road for the moorland route. The path is wet and may split around boggy patches.
Continue north among small lochans. In mist, use the GPX and compass because several shorelines and paths look alike.
Pass the larger stretch of water and stay on the built path where boardwalk protects the bog.
Reach the loch beneath Dùn Caan. The final summit cone rises ahead, but check the path junction for the return.
Climb the steeper rocky path to the broad top and cairn at 443 m. Stay back from edges when cloud or wind is strong.
Retrace Loch na Meilich, the moor path and forest road. Allow enough time to drive back for any booked ferry.
Essential Tips
Day visitors should work backwards from their return sailing. Raasay's narrow roads make the drive to and from the start slower than mileage suggests.
The former iron mine is a scheduled historic site with uneven and potentially unstable ground. Stay on the path and obey barriers.
Boardwalk covers only part of the moor. Waterproof boots and gaiters are useful even after a dry spell.
Dùn Caan disappears quickly in cloud. Use a compass at path junctions rather than following the most worn wet line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk up Dùn Caan?
The round trip from No. 1 Mine car park usually takes 4 to 6 hours. The route covers 12.1 km with about 550 m of ascent, so factor in wet moorland conditions which can slow you down.
Can I explore the old mine workings on Raasay?
No, stay on the path and keep clear of the structures. The former iron mine is a scheduled historic site with unstable ground, uneven surfaces, and potentially dangerous shafts and ruins.
Is the path to Dùn Caan well marked?
It's signed and has some boardwalk sections, but the path can be hard to follow across the wet moorland, especially among the lochans. In mist, Dùn Caan disappears as a landmark, so carry a map and compass as well as the GPX.