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Sconser & Raasay: A Local's Guide

Distance from Sligachan: Approx. 10 minutes to Sconser

Just a short drive east of Glen Sligachan, Sconser sits on the shores of Loch Sligachan with views across the water towards the Isle of Raasay. It’s a quieter corner of Central Skye, best known as the departure point for the ferry, but it’s also home to a scenic golf course, a lovely local café and some beautiful coastal views.

From here, the short ferry crossing opens up an entirely different island experience. Raasay feels quieter and more remote than Skye, with excellent walking, a historic island house and its own whisky distillery.

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Things to Do in Sconser

Get a ferry to Raasay

The ferry from Sconser crosses the Sound of Raasay to the island’s main village in around 15–25 minutes. It’s an easy day trip from Glen Sligachan, with beautiful views back towards Skye and the Cuillin throughout the crossing.

The route operates year-round, although it’s always worth checking the latest CalMac timetable before travelling.

Isle of Skye Golf Club

Set beside the water at Sconser, the Isle of Skye Golf Club has a nine-hole course with 18 tees and spectacular views across to Raasay and back towards the Cuillin. Visitors are welcome, and equipment hire is available for those travelling without clubs.

The Noost

Located close to the Sconser ferry terminal, The Noost is a small, family-run takeaway serving coffee, toasties and fresh home baking. It’s an ideal stop while waiting for the ferry or passing through between Broadford and Portree.

Exploring the Isle of Raasay

Isle of Raasay Distillery

Perched on the shoreline overlooking the Sound of Raasay, the Isle of Raasay Distillery is the island's first legal whisky distillery. Producing both whisky and gin, it's a wonderful place to discover the island's growing food and drink scene, with guided tours, tastings and spectacular views back towards the Cuillin.

Raasay House

A historic island house set close to the ferry terminal, Raasay House now operates as a hotel, restaurant as well as running various outdoor activities such as kayaking and bike hire. It’s a lovely place to stop for coffee, lunch or dinner, with open views back towards Skye.

Dinner can be busy during the summer, so it’s worth booking in advance.

Walking on Raasay

Raasay has an excellent network of walks, from short woodland and coastal routes to the longer climb up Dùn Caan. The island is generally quieter than Skye, making it a great choice for anyone looking to spend a day walking away from the busier trails.

Dùn Caan is the island’s best-known summit, while routes around Inverarish, Hallaig and the old ironstone mines offer plenty of shorter alternatives.

Calum’s Road

At the north of the island, Calum’s Road tells one of Raasay’s most remarkable stories. Crofter Calum MacLeod spent years building the road largely by hand to connect the remote settlement of Arnish with the rest of the island.

Today, the road leads through some of Raasay’s quietest and most remote scenery.

Why Visit Sconser & Raasay?

Sconser and Raasay offer a gentler alternative to Skye’s busiest attractions. You can enjoy coffee beside the ferry terminal, play a round of golf overlooking the water and then cross to another island for whisky, walking and local history.

For guests staying at Glen Sligachan, it’s also one of the easiest day trips on the island, with the Sconser ferry terminal only a short drive away.

 

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Glen Sligachan

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