Inverarish
Inspire your senses at Inverarish
This little forest punches well above its weight. Inverarish is only a mile (1.6 km) wide yet is packed with inviting trails, fascinating history and unbelievable views. You can visit the ruins of an Iron Age broch, follow in the footsteps of German prisoners of war, and see the impressive remains of Raasay's iron ore industry.
Forest, moor and coastal wildlife is everywhere – look out for mountain hares and soaring sea eagles. Explore Raasay's many interesting features and scenic trails for yourself. Our Isle of Raasay leaflet will tell you more about this fascinating island.
Plan your visit
You'll enjoy Raasay best if you have boots, clothes for all weathers and an OS map. If you're visiting for the day bring food too as you may not be near somewhere to eat when you need it. There are public toilets at the ferry terminal as you arrive.
There's no bus on the island, so to explore the north end you'll need a bike or a car. There's no petrol station either, so make sure you have enough fuel.
Walking trails
Emigrants' Walk
Learn about the travels of pioneering Ratharsairich (Raasay people) on this short wander up Inverarish Burn.
Mostly firm but uneven gravel surface. Short grassy section and potentially muddy area. Two short steep slopes. Includes short flights of steps and a narrow opening.
½ miles / 0.7 km Allow ¼ hour
Temptation Hill
Climb up onto Temptation Hill for fine views across the Sound of Raasay towards Skye, and discover Dun Borodale and Loch na Muilneadh on the way.
Mostly firm gravel and tarmac surface. Uneven earthy and grassy section, with narrow and muddy parts. One long steep slope. Includes some steps and a long section along the road.
2 miles / 3.4 km Allow 1½ hours
Burma Road and the Miners' Trail
Discover Raasay’s iron mining history and follow the line of its dismantled railway across the hillside above Inverarish.
Sections of rough grass and earth paths with narrow parts. One long steep slope and long sets of rough rocky steps. Two gates, several muddy sections and a road section.
2 ½ miles / 3.9 km Allow 1½ hours
Orchard Wood
Follow Raasay’s rugged coastal shore round the headland and look for seals and otters in North Bay, before returning through Orchard Wood.
Rough, narrow grass and earth paths. Some rocky and muddy sections. One long steep slope and some rock steps. Includes some gates and sections along the road.
2 ¾ miles / 4.5 km Allow 2 hours
How to get here
The ferry for Raasay leaves from Sconser on the east coast of Skye and arrives on Raasay about a mile (1.6 km) from the village of Inverarish.
To reach the main car park at No 1 Mine, leave the ferry terminal and turn right at the junction towards Inverarish village. Follow the road past the village for 1½ miles (2.4 km) until you see the car park sign at grid reference NG 564 365.
If you want a quick, short walk with a good view, you could start at the small cemetery car park run by the council. Follow the road from the ferry terminal and turn right at the junction. Almost immediately turn left up the hill beside the hotel and follow the road to the cemetery. Grid reference NG 550 369.
Using SatNav?
IV40 8NT is the nearest postcode for the main car park at No 1 Mine and IV40 8PB is the nearest for the cemetery car park.
Public transport
There is no public transport on Raasay.
Nearby places
If you've time and a way of getting there, Brochel forest in the north of the island is a fascinating place to explore. Brochel Castle, Calum's Road and the clearance village of Screapadal are all close to Brochel.
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