Loch na Mna

Loch na Mna is a small freshwater loch on the Isle of Raasay, the island that sits between Skye and the Scottish mainland, in the Highland council area. The Gaelic name translates as "Woman's Loch", a meaning recorded in the Ordnance Survey name books of the 1870s. Scotland has several lochs with this name; this one lies south of the hill Dùn Caan, at roughly 57.37° N, 6.03° W.

Where is Loch na Mna?

The loch sits inland, between the Inverarish area, Raasay's main settlement, and Dùn Caan, the island's highest point at 444 m. There is no road to the water. You reach it on foot across moorland and boggy ground. Raasay itself is served by ferry from Sconser on Skye.

How do you get to Loch na Mna?

Most visitors come on the walking circuit from Inverarish. One local walk guide describes an anticlockwise route past Dun Borodale, then Loch na Mna and Loch na Meilich, before climbing Dùn Caan. It is graded tough: about 17 km, roughly 610 m of ascent, and 5.5 to 6.5 hours. The paths on the ascent are mostly clear, with some wet patches, so waterproof boots are a good idea.

What will you see there?

The loch itself is modest in size, open, and framed by low hills. Walk guides mention red-throated divers on the water, so bring binoculars and keep your distance from nesting birds. Loch na Meilich lies close by, and trip reports describe a small lochan perched on the edge of a steep drop into a gully, with Loch na Meilich at one end and Loch na Mna at the other.

Above the western shore, the Highland Historic Environment Record (MHG54766) lists an unexplained feature: a small ruined stone structure with two lines of stones running from it to form a V. Nobody has established what it was for.

When should you go?

The route crosses exposed ground, so pick a day with settled weather and good visibility. Allow a full day, carry an offline map or GPS, a warm layer and enough water, and leave a comfortable margin before your return ferry.

Frequently asked questions

What does Loch na Mna mean?

It is Gaelic for "Woman's Loch".

Can you drive to Loch na Mna?

No. You walk in, usually from Inverarish on Raasay.

How long does the walk take?

The full Inverarish circuit via Loch na Mna and Dùn Caan is about 17 km and takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours. Reaching the loch alone is shorter, but still means rough, boggy terrain.

What else is nearby?

Dùn Caan, the island's highest peak, neighbouring Loch na Meilich, and the V-shaped stone remains above the loch's western shore.