NG5739 : Dun Caan

Dun Caan

444m Elevation
444m Prominence
Scotland Country

Good walks are even better shared.

NG5739 : Dun Caan

John Allan Photo source

Explore routes near Dun Caan

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Dun Caan Circular Route

A scenic loop around the base of Dun Caan, with moderate elevation gain and stunning views.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill SIB

Elevation

444m

1,457 ft

Prominence

444m

Coordinates

57.3813, -6.0293

NG579394

OS Map

24 32

Explorer: 409

At the Summit

The summit features a large circular cairn, which provides an excellent vantage point for panoramic views of the surrounding islands.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged and rocky with grassland patches making for a lively walk underfoot.

Dun Caan is composed primarily of volcanic rock from a past geological period, providing a fascinating glimpse into the area's geological history.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the distant islands of Skye, Raasay, and the stunning landscape of the Outer Hebrides.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Dun Caan' likely derives from the Gaelic 'Dùn Càin', meaning 'the fort of Caain', tying it to the area's rich history of settlement.

Historical Significance

Historically, Dun Caan has been a noteworthy landmark for locals and was used as a navigational point for fishermen.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area at the trailhead, west of the village of Kilmuir.

Public Transport

Bus services run from Portree to Kilmuir, but schedule may vary; check local listings.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities in Kilmuir, but the nearest cafes and restrooms can be found in Portree.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Check for slippery rocks in wet weather and be mindful of sudden changes in visibility due to fog.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Dun Caan?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Dun Caan through the maps

Are there other walkers around Dun Caan?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Dun Caan search or of course create your own walk for Dun Caan

Can I organise a walk to Dun Caan?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Dun Caan.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Dun Caan?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Dun Caan here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NG579394

View on OpenStreetMap

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