Churchton Bay, Loch na Mna, Dun Caan and Eyre point Loop

This medium-difficulty loop on the Isle of Raasay packs a lot into roughly 23 km / 14.3 miles, with about 500 m / 1,640 ft of ascent. It links the ferry area at Churchton Bay / Raasay Ferry Terminal, Port na Cro, Isle of Raasay IV48 8TD with the island’s most distinctive inland summit and one of its wildest coastal viewpoints, creating a route that moves from shore to moor, past lochs, onto the flat-topped bulk of Dùn Caan, and then out toward Eyre Point before returning. The terrain is varied rather than relentlessly steep, which is why the route often feels manageable for strong regular walkers, but the length, exposed ground, and potentially boggy sections mean it still deserves respect. (calmac.co.uk)

The walk begins near the Raasay ferry terminal at Churchton Bay, the island’s main arrival point from Sconser on Skye. If travelling by car, the usual approach is to drive to Sconser, Isle of Skye IV48 8TD, then take the CalMac ferry across to Raasay; the crossing takes about 25 minutes. If using public transport, Stagecoach bus services connect with Sconser port on Skye, and from there you continue as a foot passenger on the ferry. CalMac currently lists the Sconser–Raasay route as a turn-up-and-go service, but checking the latest sailing status before setting out is important, especially if you are planning a same-day return. (calmac.co.uk)

From the start, expect a gentle settling-in phase rather than an immediate climb. The route leaves the ferry side of the island and heads inland on tracks and paths that gradually pull away from the coast. Early on, the views open back across the Sound of Raasay toward Skye, and this is a good point to notice how quickly the island’s character changes: the settled shoreline gives way to open moorland, rough grazing, and a more spacious, wind-shaped interior. Underfoot, conditions can vary from firm estate track to wetter, softer ground, so waterproof footwear is a sensible choice even in drier weather. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Climbing toward the lochs and Dùn Caan

The middle part of the loop is defined by the approach to Loch na Mna and the higher ground around Dùn Caan. After several kilometres, the route reaches the moorland basin where the lochs sit beneath the summit. This is one of the most atmospheric sections of the day: broad, open country, dark water, and a skyline dominated by the unusual table-like profile of Dùn Caan. Walkhighlands notes that the path reaches Loch na Mna before continuing toward Loch na Meilich, and the Raasay walking material also highlights these lochs as key features on the ascent. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Dùn Caan itself is the highest point on Raasay at about 443–444 m / 1,453–1,457 ft, and its flat-topped form is one of the island’s defining landmarks. The climb is not alpine in scale, but it is exposed and can feel serious in poor visibility or strong wind. The final pull to the summit is where the route’s total ascent is most noticeable, and this is the section where pacing matters most. In clear weather, the reward is a huge panorama: Skye’s Cuillin, Portree Bay, the Applecross hills, and the northern reaches of Raasay all come into view. Historical accounts even note that James Boswell celebrated reaching the top during his Highland tour with Samuel Johnson. (scottish-places.info)

Navigation needs care across this upland section, especially if cloud drops over the plateau or if the ground is wet enough to blur the line of the path. This is the point in the day where having the route loaded in HiiKER is especially useful. Even on a medium-rated walk, the combination of moorland, lochside path, and exposed summit terrain can make route-finding slower than the map distance suggests.

Eyre Point and the coastal character of the return

After the summit section, the loop turns attention from inland height to coastal exposure. The leg toward Eyre Point gives the walk a very different feel, trading the volcanic-looking summit mass of Dùn Caan for sea views, headland scenery