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Dunan an Aisilidh

Stone Fort / Dun

Fieldnotes

Visited: September 1, 2014

Somewhat more remote than most duns, Dunan an Aisilidh is nevertheless easy of access. Situated right at the northern tip of the Braes peninsula, a few kilometres south of Portree on Skye, you can make your way there by a pleasant walk of about 2 kilometres from the community of The Braes, following the coastline round Balmeanach Bay, then walking above cliffs northwards (past a natural arch and a sea stack) as you make your way up the eastern coast of the peninsula.

As you near your goal, the cliffs decrease almost to sea level before one final rise to the 15 metre high crag bearing Dunan an Aisilidh. Carnmore lists this galleried dun as a possible semibroch, but there is little more to see now than some foundation walling and a pile of fallen masonry on its western flank.

Nevertheless, with Ben Tianavaig to its North and the Black Cuillin to the south, it is a great outlook point on some magnificent scenery.

This map indicates the general direction of your route.

LesHamilton Posted by LesHamilton
26th October 2014ce
Edited 11th March 2023ce

Comments (2)

This looks a great short walk Les. Interesting site and from the look of your photos, lovely view from it. thelonious Posted by thelonious
26th October 2014ce
Indeed, once past the shingle beach, there's a real wonderland of cliff and islet scenery. And there are several places where you can easily descend to the shore too. You can vary your return via the west of the peninsula, but it is much less exciting - mainly grassy slopes. It's the ideal excursion for a morning or afternoon. LesHamilton Posted by LesHamilton
26th October 2014ce
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