Where are Skye and Raasay?

Raasay has been revealed as the top secret location for the hit TV Series ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’. The show follows 25 contestants as they are put through a punishing physical and mental challenge attempting to complete SAS-style training here on the Isle of Raasay.

Airing over eight weeks on Channel 4, the recruits were in camp in October 2019 with gruelling challenges and interrogations from their ex-SAS instructors, including lead presenter Ant Middleton. Previous series have been filmed in different locations all over the world, with contestants on the last series put through their paces in the Andes Mountains.

This year, the show is set in the beautiful old Raasay Home Farm Steading right next to the distillery, prompting many people to ask: where exactly is the Isle of Raasay?

Isle of Raasay Old Farm SAS: Who Dares Wins

The Isle of Raasay was named one of the best islands to visit in 2020 by Condé Nast Traveler. Placed perfectly between the Isle of Skye and the west coast of mainland Scotland, Raasay is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rugged, exaggerated landscape.

Our island is part of the Inner Hebrides, an archipelago of almost 80 islands that stretch from the Isle of Raasay and Skye to as far south as the Isle of Islay. By land and sea, the Isle of Raasay is just 14 miles from Talisker Distillery on the Isle of Skye. Although the islands of the Inner Hebrides share much culture and history, each has its own distinctive traditions, identity, and if you’re lucky, whisky.

The Isle of Skye can be reached via the Skye bridge, or by ferry, either from Mallaig to Armadale, or from Glenelg to Kylerhea in the south of Skye.

Getting to Raasay

Isle of Raasay

You can get to the Isle of Skye via the Skye bridge, by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale or Glenelg to Kylerhea in the south of Skye.

If you are driving from Edinburgh or Glasgow, there are two routes to the Raasay. The Road to the Isles route takes you up through Loch Lomond, onto Scotland’s most famous glen, Glen Coe, past Ben Nevis and finally, over the sea to Skye. You could also travel up Scotland’s Great North Road, the A9, before taking the road west at Dalwhinnie to Spean Bridge, then onto the Isle of Skye. There are public transport options that will take you on these routes.

Once you reach Sconser, near Sligachan on the Isle of Skye, you can hop on CalMac’s short (25 minute) and picturesque trip over the Sound of Raasay for just £4 return!

Getting to Raasay

The Isle of Skye is famous for its countless vistas and sights, including the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse and the famous Dunvegan Castle. However, no trip to Skye is complete without a visit to the Isle of Raasay – a more secluded island bursting with activities, history, shops and more.

Raasay can be explored by car or foot, with the Isle of Raasay Distillery, Raasay House and a number of galleries and shops all close by.

The island is teeming with wildlife. Red deer can be found in the hills, sea eagles and otters on the coast, and dolphins often sighted in the clear waters around the island. Exploring the north, you’ll come across hidden beaches such as Inver, the remains of castles such as Brochel, and even more recent history at the amazing Calum’s Road and former Iron Mines.

Things to Do Visit the Distillery

Isle of Raasay Old Mines SAS: Who Dares Wins

With such variety, it’s easy to see why the SAS:Who Dares Wins team chose Raasay as its setting, but it doesn’t take a special forces soldier to get the most out of Raasay. With accessible paths and walks, beautiful views and our own luxury accommodation, there is something on Raasay for everyone.

Visit our accommodation page for more information on visiting and staying with us here on Raasay.

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