Raasay may be one of the smaller islands in the Hebrides – it’s only 14 miles long by 3 miles wide with a resident population of around 195 – but there is loads to see and do, whether you are visiting for the day, staying for a night or two or for longer. And it only takes 25 minutes on the ferry from Skye.

If you enjoy walking, cycling, kayaking, wildlife and plants, fabulous views of Skye to the west and the Scottish mainland to the east, history and culture, whisky and gin, genealogy or a bit of everything, come and enjoy all that Raasay has to offer.

You may come to Raasay with lots of plans and ideas about what you want to see and do, but the pace of life on Raasay is definitely slower and much more relaxed than its bigger and busier neighbour, Skye.

One visit to Raasay is never enough!

With its many different habitats – from the coast and beaches to acid moors, limestone cliffs to bog and freshwater lochs – Raasay supports a wide variety of animal and plant life.

There are lots of different ferns from small adder’s tongue to bracken, great horsetail and royal fern. Many different orchids grow on the island and, in some cases, hybridise. Bluebells and flowering gorse in the spring provide fantastic swathes of colour and scent. And Raasay is a forager’s paradise as long as you know what you’re looking for and where to find it!

Raasay is fantastic for all types of birds: white-tailed sea eagles and golden eagles, buzzards, hawks, oystercatchers, heron, and curlews, among many others.

In addition to crofters’ sheep and cattle (including Highlanders and Dexters), the wildlife on both land and sea is varied. You may spot one or more red deer and, if you’re lucky, otters, seals, porpoises and dolphins.

Put on your walking boots to explore Raasay’s diverse landscape – forest and coastal walks, abandoned townships, secret beaches, historical sites – and enjoy walks for all abilities.

Climb to Raasay’s highest point, Dun Can (Dun Cana ) for 360-degree views from its distinctive flat top, walk to an Iron Age broch, follow in the footsteps of German prisoners of war and see the impressive remains of the island’s iron ore industry . The famous Calum’s Road  is at the island’s north end or discover the abandoned township of Hallaig , immortalised in Sorley MacLean’s poem, in the south east. Endless choices and never-ending views!

Raasay House  and the Isle of Raasay Distillery  are only a few minutes’ walk from the ferry with Inverarish only another 15 minutes and where you’ll find the shop and post office , the Raasay Gallery  and Taigh nan Cearcan .

Walk Highlands has good route information, while Nick Fairweather’s Exploring Raasay book details 20 different walks (available from both the island shop and good booksellers).