Brothers Point, or Rubha nam Brathairean in Gaelic, is the most easterly point of Skye’s Trotternish peninsula. There are signs of an ancient settlement, Dun Hasan, on the point in the background.
A long spine of rocks hugs the coastline between here and the north of Staffin. In days gone by, the area saw plenty of shipwrecks.
The area has a long history, however it is unclear why this place is called Brothers Point.
While the trail may not be as well known as The Old Man of Storr, it still delivers in terms of beautiful views for a relatively short walk.
The hike to Brothers Point isn’t listed in the top ten best walks on Skye, so for now, this makes a quieter spot to include on your road trip around Isle of Skye Scotland.
In this guide we cover details about completing the Brothers Point Hike and a map to help you find your way to one of the best things to do on the Isle of Skye.
BROTHERS POINT ISLE OF SKYE HIKE DETAILS
- Start/End: A lay-by at Culnacnoc, along the A855
- Distance: 3.5km / 2.10 miles
- Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes round trip, if you walk out to the end of the point
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Ascent: 238m
- Terrain: Can be boggy in places. Dogs must be kept on a lead as sheep are grazing here
OVERVIEW OF BROTHERS POINT TRAIL
The Brothers Point trail begins and ends along the A855, at a small parking layby. The out-and-back walk is along a steady path down towards the shore and a pebbly beach. There are some steep, narrow sections to reach Brothers Point.
The path is well defined and straightforward, although there are some rocky spots and the ground can be muddy and slippy after heavy rain.
The last section leading to the end of the point, involves a narrow steep path above sheer drops.
BROTHERS POINT MAP
How to use this map | Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
BROTHERS POINT CAR PARK
The car park for Brothers Point is located in a small layby along the A855, at Culnacnoc, a 30-minute drive from Portree.
A small pull-in on the left, just after The Glenview B&B serves as a free parking space. Please park sensibly, considerately and leave access to local driveways unobstructed. (Which wasn’t the case during our visit!)
If you are travelling by public transport, take Bus number 57 from Portree and get off the bus at The Glenview B&B, Culnacnoc.
The trail begins about 50 metres from the car park, on the opposite side of the road, where a wooden sign reads “Rubha nam Braithrean”.
BROTHERS POINT TRAIL INSTRUCTIONS
STAGE 1
From the car parking area, cross the road and walk for about 50 metres to the start of the trail, indicated on your left by a wooden trail sign “Rubha nam Braithrean”.
The gravel and dirt track passes a couple of houses and through a gate, where there is an information board, detailing the route.
Turn right and then left, onto a grassy path which branches downhill. Follow this well worn track as it descends down the hill alongside a wired fence, passing sheep that graze in the fields.
The views open up quickly and the stunning coastline is revealed. Continue following the path past some old ruined crofts, where the path veers off to the right down to the shore and a rocky beach strewn with seaweed.
Turn right crossing the stream over the large pebbles and passing old ruined buildings.
On your left is the remains of a salmon netting station, and ahead of you in the distance, is a grassy area overlooking the water.
BE AWARE:
Under Skye Nature Conservation Order 2019, it is an offence to attempt to excavate or remove vertebrate fossils found on the beach and cliffs.
STAGE 2
When you reach the white sign warning of the steepness of the cliffs ahead of you, the route ascends the hill, across a grassy, boggy field. There is no marked trail as such, but it is clear which way other walkers have trodden.
To your left, the dramatic headland of Brothers Point comes into view ahead of you. Continue across the grassy path, ascending across a ledge above the sea cliffs, before reaching an expansive grassy area.
This is a great spot to stop and take in the stunning views across the headland.
STAGE 3
The last section of the hike takes you along a dramatic cliff leading to the peninsula, and Brothers Point. If you don’t like heights or walking along edges, this section is not for you.
Part way along the peninsula, is Dun Hasan, which was probably a fortress in Medieval Times, and now looks like a strange lump.
The trail follows a narrow and steep slope, which can be very slippy if it’s been raining, which was the case during our climb. I used my hands for support and balance, but walking sticks would definitely be handy.
Once you have reached the steep slope of Dun Hasan, you have to descend the far slope which is just as steep. The last part of the trail involves a bit of a scramble. The reward for your efforts? An expansive undulating grassy plateau, and stunning views of Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls in the distance.
Return by the same route, back to your car.
TIPS FOR VISITING BROTHERS POINT
With the discovery of dinosaur footprints in the area, this walk is now becoming more popular. Here are some tips for having this magical place to yourself.
- Plan to arrive as early as possible in the morning, or early evening.
- Choose a clear day as it’s no fun in the pouring rain and howling wind.
- There is a moderate bog factor along the trail, so wear sturdy walking shoes/boots.
- If you are not good with heights, or don’t wish to hike to the headland, simply enjoy the beach and stunning views.
- There are no facilities so take water and sun protection with you.
BROTHERS POINT DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS
In 2016, a group of Palaeontology students uncovered a set of dinosaur footprints on the beach at Brothers Point.
These dinosaur tracks date back 170 million years, and at least 50 footprints have been discovered. These indicate the presence of several types of dinosaur, including two-legged and four-legged species.
To have a chance of spotting these footprints, you have to visit the beach at low tide.
THINGS TO DO NEAR BROTHERS POINT
There are so many wonderful things to do in the Isle of Skye. Many of these attractions are nearby on the Trotternish Peninsula, and can be easily reached from Brothers Point on a day trip, along the Trotternish Loop.
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls – A dramatic cliff face of basalt columns, and 55-metre falls plunging over the cliffs.
Fairy Glen – Incredible cone-shaped hills with a fairy-like settings. Again, one of the attractions on the main tourist path.
Old Man of Storr – Magnificent views of the magnificent basalt pinnacle which stands at 160 feet. Probably the most popular hike on Skye, but The Old Man of Storr can be seen from the A855, and from a small lay-by alongside Loch Fada.
Staffin – Home to An Corran Beach, where dinosaur footprints can be seen on a bed of sandstone at low tide. Learn all about dinosaurs on Skye, at Skye Ecomuseum.
Quiraing – Other-worldly scenery of ridges, cliffs and pinnacles, formed by giant landslips which is still moving. The Quiraing Walk is extremely popular and busy. Sublime views can be seen from the road, and also 10 minutes along the trail.
If you have any questions about how to visit Brother’s Point in the Isle of Skye, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below.
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