The Ironstone Mines and the Burma Road
ISLE OF RAASAY
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1. Peaceful Raasay may seem an unlikely spot for a walk visiting industrial mining heritage and a track called the 'Burma Road', but it was once the scene of bustling activity. A railway climbed a steep include from East Suisnish pier and then over the hills to the mine, which closed early in the twentieth century. Starting from the pier, turn left at the road before immediately turning right onto a grassy footpath heading uphill - it is signed for Dun Caan and the Iron Mine.
2. The path follows the route of an old incline railway running to Raasay iron ore mine. These days it makes an excellent footpath across the high grassland, with great views back across to Glamaig and the Cuillins on Skye. Continue along the old railway bed which runs dead straight towards the flat topped summit of Dun Caan visible ahead. When you reach the forestry, take the slope down into a cutting on the right to avoid the missing bridge. Cross the stile over the fence and continue ahead into the forest. Soon a footpath cuts across the route; again continue right ahead. Shortly beyond the line crosses a deep valley where great pillars are all that remains of a viaduct.
3. It is necessary to follow the path down into the valley and up the other side, where the rail route can once again be joined. Further on the route leaves the forest and emerges on a minor road. Turn left on the road and then immediately right into the site of the Raasay iron ore mine.Today it is a peaceful spot and there are picnic tables. Continue on the track from the mine, which passes over a bridge and into the forest. This track is known as the 'Burma Road' - a reference to its construction by the prisoners of war. After about six hundred metres the track crosses another bridge, and shortly afterwards a footpath goes off to the right towards Dun Caan, with a waterfall above. Continue on the main track which curves round to the left.
4. Another signed path goes off to the right further on – this one heads for Temptation Hill and links with the Raasay Woodland walk. Ignore it and continue on the track; when this ends, continue on the wide path ahead to reach a parking area by the minor road. Turn left here along the road, and then left again at the next junction.
5. The road now runs down through Inverarish, the attractive village that is the capital of Raasay. Continue past the shop, and go straight ahead at the road junction, ignoring the branch to the right. The road, which is very quiet except immediately before and after the ferry comes in, continues round the coast with more great views across to the Cuillins.
6. At length the road leads back to the parking and the ferry terminal at East Suisnish. On a fine day time spent waiting for the boat in this beautiful spot could never be time wasted.
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