A walk to Dùn Caan

A walk to Dùn Caan 1 The path to Dùn Caan starts from the roadside at NG 5611 4056, near Balmeanach about halfway along the north-south length of the island. The path is beautifully graded and rises steadily in a south-easterly direction for 2 km before levelling off near Càrn Sgrabach. This is a view looking back down the path with the Sound of Raasay and Storr in the distance.

A walk to Dùn Caan 2 The path to Dùn Caan starts from the roadside at NG 5611 4056, near Balmeanach about halfway along the north-south length of the island. The path is beautifully graded and rises steadily in a south-easterly direction for 2 km before levelling off near Càrn Sgrabach. Another view looking back down the path with the Sound of Raasay and Storr in the distance.

A walk to Dùn Caan 3 Near Càrn Sgrabach the path levels off and the summit of Dùn Caan comes into view, well seen across a little jewel of a lochan (nameless) at NG 575 393. A great spot for a short rest. There is little hint of the steep descent shortly to come as the path plunges over the edge of Bealach Ruadh!

A walk to Dùn Caan 4 Another view of the summit of Dùn Caan from the nameless lochan at NG 575 393.

A walk to Dùn Caan 5 Looking back to the west towards Skye from the the nameless lochan at NG 575 393. Across the Sound of Raaay is the summit of Ben Tianavaig, with the bay leading to Portree to the right.

A walk to Dùn Caan 6 After leaving the nameless lochan, the path descends steeply over the edge of the fault-line scarp of Bealach Ruadh. A short stony gully (see note) quickly leads to a well-graded path which descends obliquely to the shore of Loch na Meilich at NG 5756 3943.

A walk to Dùn Caan 7 Next to the path at Loch na Meilich is this warning sign. However, the dragons must have been away, as I didn't see any, even though I looked for them. A pity. Added 2021: The dragons are actually formed by the patterns of the scree slopes which run down into the loch!

A walk to Dùn Caan 8 I liked how the scree slope fans of Bealach Ruadh were reflected in Loch na Meilich. They look like dinosaurs or dragons:

A walk to Dùn Caan 9 After leaving Loch na Meilich the last part of the ascent begins. It is much easier than it looks from below. A well-planned and delightful path zig-zags its way up the steep, west-facing grassy slope, with the views becoming increasingly spectacular as height is gained. Although the top of Dùn Caan is guarded by a rim of crags all round, the path leads through a notch with easy access to the summit plateau.