A Wild and Untouched Hidden Gem in Scotland: Isle of Raasay
Picture this: a little piece of heaven tucked away in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, characterized by stunning views, wild nature, and incredible beaches. Our trip to Raasay was an experience out of this world.
Let’s begin by saying that we wanted to get to the Isle of Harris and Lewis, but once we got to Skye we were told that all lthe ferries were full and there were no tickets left. A local suggested us to visit the nearby Isle of Raasay and, although sceptical at the beginning, I will never thank him enough.
We are so glad we spent our holiday on this beautiful Isle!
If you too are seeking a unique escape, you’ll love this piece of paradise.
Keep reading to find out why!
1. How To Get There
Our adventure commenced with a scenic ferry ride from Sconser on the Isle of Skye to the shores of Raasay.
As the ferry glided through the crystalline waters, the majestic Cuillin Mountains of Skye provided a breathtaking backdrop. The anticipation of exploring this lesser-known island added a sense of excitement to the journey.
The trip lasted for about 20 minutes, and let me tell you, the views and the landscape colours were out of this world!
The ferry tickets can be bought on board – you can check the timetables here.
2. Tranquillity Amidst Nature
Upon setting foot on Raasay, we were immediately greeted by the island’s peaceful ambiance. With a relatively small population (161 people!), Raasay exudes tranquility and seclusion.
The unspoiled landscapes boast rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and enchanting woodlands that invite you to immerse yourself in nature’s embrace.
It was like stepping into a tranquil oasis. You could practically feel the stress melt away as you breathed in the fresh island air. Just what we needed!
3. Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
Calling all nature lovers – Raasay is a playground of outdoor adventures! We discovered hiking trails for every level of hiker. Whether you’re up for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging climb, this island has got you covered. We had lots of walks into the forest – it was so magical!
But hiking is not all. If you visit with a campervan as we did, you’ll find that you can literally camp in front of majestic views. As I said, there are only 161 people living there, and the Northern part of the Isle is completely uninhabited (of course, be respectful of the place and leave no trace!).
We stayed for two nights parked right in front of the castle, and waking up with such a majestic view (picture above), surrounded by (many) wild sheep, was an incredible experience.
4. A Captivating History
Now, let me tell you a little secret about Raasay – it’s a treasure trove of history! Legends and tales of ancient clans and feuds add a fascinating layer to this already enchanting place. Exploring the ruins of Brochel Castle, linked to the mysterious Flora MacDonald, had us feeling like adventurers in our own historical drama.
And wait, there is more! When on Raasay, make sure to admire (and walk) Calum’s Road – a famous and remarkable single-track road located on the Isle. It holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors for its fascinating history and the tenacity of one man who built it. I honestly wasn’t aware of the story, and when I read it, I was so moved by it.
The road was constructed by Calum MacLeod, a crofter and resident of Raasay, in the mid-20th century. Prior to the road’s construction, the island’s inhabitants had no direct road access to the south of Raasay. Despite the local council’s refusal to construct a road connecting the north and south of the island, Calum took matters into his own hands. With sheer determination and his own two hands, he began the monumental task of building the road himself. Using basic hand tools and manual labor, Calum started carving out a path through the rocky and challenging terrain. Many thought his endeavor was impossible, but he persevered, working on the road during his spare time over the course of several years, while he kept working full time at his own job at the same time.
Finally, after decades of hard work, Calum completed the road in the 1970s. His road-building efforts spanned nearly 1.5 miles and connected the isolated north to the more populous south of Raasay. The road not only improved transportation but also had a significant impact on the community’s well-being and accessibility.
Calum MacLeod’s story and the road he built have become legendary on Raasay. Today, Calum’s Road is not only a functional route but also a symbol of determination, community spirit, and the human capacity to overcome obstacles.
5. Raasay’s Liquid Gold: Whisky at the Distillery
We couldn’t leave Raasay without checking out their new whisky distillery. Yes, you heard me right – whisky!
The Isle of Raasay Distillery is relatively new on the scene, but their single malt is a must-try. We savored every sip, savoring the unique flavors that come from the island’s local resources. It was like tasting the essence of Raasay in a glass. The whisky was so tasteful that we couldn’t leave without buying a bottle to take home with us!
The distillery is also known to have one of the most beautiful views of all the other Scottish distilleries. The tour was very interesting, and after the visit you can also meet their pale Scottish Coo, Beanie!
For more info, and to book tickets online, here is the website.
Conclusion
I can’t end this article without saying that the people of Raasay are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet. Despite being a remote island, they welcomed us with open arms, sharing their stories and making us feel right at home.
So, if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, make your way to the Isle of Raasay. This little piece of Scottish paradise has it all – nature, history, whisky, and the friendliest folks you’ll ever meet. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with enchanting landscapes and a touch of that incomparable Scottish magic!
Best Places to Stay in Raasay
Kikka
EDITOR IN CHIEF