Skye’s Hidden Gems: Your Essential Guide to Raasay
You’ve explored the familiar magic of the Isle of Skye’s most iconic locations – you’ve beheld the Cuillin mountains, hiked to the Old Man of Storr, had a dip in the Fairy Pools, and explored the Fairy Glen. Now, imagine a place with all the dramatic beauty of Skye, but without the crowds! A place where history is etched into the landscape, the pace of life slows to a gentle meander, and the sense of genuine discovery of hidden gems is palpable.
Welcome to Ròsaigh (Raasay) – The Isle of the Roe Deer!
For our adventurous campervan clients arriving in Glasgow, Raasay is the perfect escape. It’s an epic, spectacular drive from our depot, followed by a short, simple ferry crossing that transports you not just across water, but back in time.
This isn’t just another tourist destination; it’s an authentic Scottish experience off the beaten path, and your cosy campervan is the ideal base from which to unlock its secrets.
We hope this travel guide serves you (and your on-road abode) well!
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Getting There: The Journey to Raasay
The trip from our Glasgow base to the ferry terminal is part of the adventure, offering some of Scotland’s most beautiful views along the way!
The Drive from Glasgow
- Route: The most scenic route involves taking the A82 north along the stunning shores of Loch Lomond, through the atmospheric Glencoe, and onwards past Fort William and Loch Ness (via the A87).
- Duration: Plan for a full day of driving (approximately 5-6 hours of wheels-on-the-road time, plus stops) to reach Sconser, the ferry terminal on Skye. We highly recommend breaking this journey into multiple segments. Glencoe or Fort Augustus make excellent overnight stops, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the views and embrace the campervan life!
- Campervan Tip: The roads are well-maintained, but be mindful of their winding nature, especially north of Glencoe. Always pull over safely to allow faster traffic to pass and to take photos!
The Ferry Crossing
Raasay can be accessed by a regular, modern ferry service operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) from Sconser on the Isle of Skye.
- Ferry Terminal: Sconser is a small slipway on the east coast of Skye.
- Booking: Crucially, you must book your campervan onto the ferry in advance, especially during busier seasons, as vehicle spaces are limited! Check the CalMac website for the current timetable and fare details.
- Crossing Time: The crossing is wonderfully short – just about 25 minutes. It’s an excellent opportunity to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the view back towards the Cuillins and forward to Raasay’s distinctive profile!
Once you disembark at Inverarish, the main village, you are instantly on island time.
Raasay’s Hidden History
Raasay’s landscape is beautiful, but its history is tragic, resilient, and utterly fascinating. The island is only about 14 miles long and 3 miles wide, but it packs centuries of incredible stories.
The Clan MacLeod and the Clearances
For centuries, the island was the domain of the Clan MacLeod of Raasay. Their reign, however, was brutally curtailed.
- The Jacobite Connection: After the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the island’s MacLeod chief, Iain Garbh, suffered heavily for his support of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Government forces ravaged the island, burning the main settlement and destroying the island’s fishing fleet.
- The Highland Clearances: Like much of the Highlands and Islands, Raasay was devastated by the Clearances in the 19th century, when landowners evicted tenants to make way for large-scale sheep farming. The population plummeted from around 900 people in the early 1800s to barely 150 by the mid-20th century.
- The Resilience: Despite the hardship, the community survived. The history you’ll discover here – from ancient ruins to resilient settlements – tells a powerful story of survival against the odds.
A Modern Island
In the 20th century, the island was saved from private corporate ownership by a successful community buyout, securing its future and allowing the islanders to invest in their own infrastructure!
This spirit of independence and community self-determination defines Raasay today.
More from Skye!
Raasay: Things To See and Do
Raasay offers an intoxicating mix of gentle coastal exploration and challenging wilderness hikes. Your campervan lets you set your own pace each day, returning to warmth and comfort whenever the Scottish weather demands.
1. The Ascent of Dun Caan
- Objective: Reaching the island’s highest point (444m) offers unparalleled 360-degree views.
- The Hike: It’s a manageable 3-4 hour round trip from the road near Fearns. The path is often boggy, but the reward is worth every muddy step. The distinctive flat-topped summit of Dun Caan is a famous landmark, visible from much of Skye and the mainland.
- The View: On a clear day, panoramic views take in the Cuillins of Skye, the Applecross peninsula, the Torridon mountains, and the Inner Hebrides. It is one of the best viewpoints in all of Scotland!
- Campervan Prep: Pack your waterproofs, a hot thermos (essential!), and maybe a celebratory hip flask for the summit.
2. Calum’s Road (A Testament to Determination)
- Objective: Drive, cycle, or walk a piece of living Scottish history.
- The Story: In the 1960s, Calum MacLeod, an island resident and lighthouse keeper, petitioned the local council for a proper road to the north end of the island. When they refused, he spent a decade, often alone, building the 1.75-mile stretch of road using only a wheelbarrow, shovel, and pickaxe – the road was finally completed in 1974.
- The Experience: Driving this single-track road in your campervan – now tarmacked and named in his honour – is profoundly moving. It ends at the old lighthouse and offers spectacular coastal views – it is a powerful symbol of Scottish tenacity.
In Need of a Hebridean Steed?
3. Raasay House & Gardens
- The Vibe: A beautiful, historical manor house with a vibrant present.
- Activities: Raasay House, dating back to the 18th century, offers a range of outdoor activities like kayaking, climbing, and coasteering. Even if you’re not joining an activity, the house is a great starting point for walks!
- The Gardens: The nearby walled garden provides a lovely sheltered spot for a peaceful stroll, perfect for an afternoon when the winds pick up.
4. Raasay Distillery
- The Vibe: Modern luxury meets traditional spirit.
- Experience: The Isle of Raasay Distillery, which opened in 2017, is a fantastic example of the island’s economic revival. You can take a tour, learn about their process of combining historical distilling methods with modern innovation, and, of course, sample their award-winning single malt whisky.
- Campervan Bonus: No need to worry about driving back to a hotel! You can safely enjoy a dram (or two) and retire to your nearby, pre-booked motorhome bunk!
5. Coastal Exploration (Seals!)
- Activity: Take gentle walks along the shoreline from the ferry terminal towards the south of the island. The coastline here is rugged, alternating between small sandy beaches and rocky ledges.
- Wildlife: Raasay is famous for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for the island’s namesake – the roe deer – as well as otters, golden eagles, and common seals, which often bask on the rocks just offshore.
Campervan Life on Raasay
Staying on Raasay is wonderfully simple, but requires a little planning. The island is small, and wild camping is generally respected, but we highly recommend utilising the spot below.
Recommended Spot: Park-Up Near Pier
- Location: Close to the ferry terminal and the distillery, this site offers very basic but essential facilities, including 24/7 accessible toilets.
- Alternatively, look for local park-up spots as you roam (whilst adhering to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code) or return to Skye for an abundance of well-equipped campsites!
Local Life: What To Expect
- Provisions: While there is a small community shop, stock up on most of your food before leaving Skye.
- Pace: The island moves at a much slower pace. Embrace it. Talk to the locals, wave at passing cars (the standard single-track road etiquette!), and take the time to appreciate the local scenery and spectacular solitude!
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Raasay: Enjoy the Escape!
Raasay is a small island with a huge heart.
It demands a quiet, respectful approach, and in return, it offers an incomparable depth of experience. Swap the queues of Skye for the serenity of Raasay – the hidden gem that truly delivers the authentic, magical Scotland you’ve been searching for.
Whether you’re planning a quick winter escape or a sun-drenched detour next spring, let your campervan lead the way to Ròsaigh.
Happy travels!
Useful Links
- Isle of Skye – for local info!
- CalMac Ferries – book well in advance!
- Met Office – check the weather!
- Traffic Scotland – for route changes and updates.
- WalkHighlands – the best hiking trails and tips.
- Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) – be informed!
- Highlands2Hammocks (That’s us!) – for our online shop, other blogs, and brand-new campervan rental service.
