Rubha nam Brathairean

TROTTERNISH, PORTREE AND THE BRAES


Summary :	A short walk out to Rubha nam Brathairean (Brothers Point) - a dramatic headland marking the easternmost point of Trotternish.
Terrain :	Short walk on a good path down to the shore; walking out to the end of the point is on a steep path above vertical drops.
Grade :		Distance :	3.5km/2 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	1 - 2 hours
Start :	Lay-by on A855 at Culnacnoc - between Glenview hotel and Three Herons Gallery	Grid ref :	NG516625
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 408 – Trotternish online	Ascent :	238m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more Open all walks in Google Earth Tell me more
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	Bus number 57, four times a day from Portree. Get off at Glenview Hotel, Culnacnoc. [Click for timetables - choose Area 4]

1. When heading from Portree towards Staffin on the A855, park in the lay-by on the left after the Glenview Hotel but before the Three Herons Gallery. The path starts on the opposite side of the road, where a wooden footpath sign reads 'Rubha nam Brathairean' and 'Path to Shore'. After passing a couple of buildings on the right side, a path branches downhill to the right from the track, with a stone marked 'Shore path'. Follow the old, well graded grassy path down the hill. (Photo shows Brother's Point viewed from further north on the A855)

2. When some old ruined crofts are visible ahead, the path bends off to the right beside the fence, before ending just short of the shore. Go down onto the pebbly shore and turn right, crossing the stream, which usually runs beneath the pebbles on the beach here. Continue round the shore, passing old ruined buildings on either side. After the left hand ruin, which used to be a salmon netting station, the route ascends the grassy, boggy field ahead, where there is no path. Brother's Point is the headland now visible on the left. To reach it, a path crosses a ledge above the sea cliffs but below the cliffs of the land above, to reach a beautifully grassy area like a lawn, with Brother's Point straight ahead.

3. The path to the point cuts across the steep grass slightly to the left side of the ridge, before steeply climbing up Dun Hasan, the curious lump part way along the peninsula. Dun Hasan has a long history, from its origins as an ancient settlement to more recently being the site of a medieval fortress, but there are few visible remains today. The path descends the far slope of Dun Hasan, which is just as steep as the way up.

4. Beyond is a surprisingly spacious undulating grassy plateau, with great views all around. Kilt Rock and its waterfall are well seen to the north. The name Brother's Point is thought to originate with a monastic community who lived in single cells. The return is by the same route.

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