Wednesday 28 May 2025 - Beinn na h-Iolaire

Whilst others headed for the Black Cuillin, where Sue knocked off her final Skye Munro summit (Am Basteir) on a solo trip, I joined Julie, Hilary and Karen on a visit to Raasay.

A flotilla of Belgians was embarking on a week long canoe trip around Raasay. We took the 25 minute ferry.

Once on Raasay, we drove to the end of the road to the north of the island and took the footpath beyond the small car park.

There were good views towards The Storr.

A little further towards the northern summit, a gateway post enabled the camera to be set up in self-timer mode.

The terrain is rugged.

The summit trig point of Beinn na h-Iolaire marked Julie's final Marilyn summit on Skye. Well done Julie! That's quite an achievement. 

We continued along the well constructed path (who by, why, when?) through some interesting geological features. 

Yesterday we saw Sea Eagles. Today, a noisy Cuckoo.

We returned along the path and took a right turn to Fladday, an island that we could have visited as the tide was out.

Soon we were on the lower path to Torran. There's a good signed network of paths on Raasay.

Back at the car, an elderly lady with a laden bike (we'd passed her on the footpath), set off before us - she was almost the only person we saw on this walk.

Here's our route - 10 km, 500 metres ascent, taking 4.5 hours.

On the way back, we passed a ruined castle...

We were in plenty of time for the 5pm ferry.

Home Sweet Home.

That's all for now. It's nearly 10pm and some of our group have yet to return from their Cuillin adventures. (Sue was back from hers at about 4:30.) Stories will be told.

Later: They got back soon after 10pm, with Simon nursing a damaged ankle. Luckily not quite serious enough to involve Mountain Rescue.