There are many reasons for coming to Canna.
Whether you are seeking solitude or looking for the best Eagle watching in the UK Canna will deliver in spades!!!
Here's some of the reasons we think you might want to visit Canna - there are plenty more!!!
Tranquillity
Canna may only be 5 miles by 1 mile, but you won't meet many people while you are exploring Canna.
Click to open the Canna Primary School website which has a detailed map
Canna gets relatively few visitors because there is very little overnight accommodation and day-tripping is not realistic. There are only 14 permanent residents on Canna including the 7 children.
There's no mobile phone coverage, no shops, no roads, and only a handful of 4x4s used by the residents. The ferry arriving is a social highlight where residents gather to swap news.
Breathtaking Scenery
Canna is a gem of an island. The island is small enough that everywhere is accessible from Tighard on foot. It's big enough to offer real diversity in the landscape and big enough to provide 'proper' days out for experienced walkers. The land has been sympathetically managed for generations, it's a harsh environment but certainly not barren!
Outstanding Views
Wherever you are on Canna the views are good, but one of the best places is near Tighard. Compass Hill forms the Eastern end of Canna and is made of Tuff which is so magnetic that ships compasses get swung by up to 90 degrees, hence the name. It's well worth the short climb as the views across to the Cuillins of Skye and Rhum are amongst the best in the Small Isles.
Columnar Basalt
If you've seen pictures of Giants Causeway or Staffa then you will already know how spectacular columnar basalt is. What is less well known is that Canna also has some spectacular outcrops near Tarbert, about 2.5 miles from Tighard. It's easy to spend a whole day exploring the coves and caves and watch the waves pound into this surreal landscape.
Sandy Beaches
Canna is blessed with three really good sandy beaches. The nearest is a short walk from Tighard at Coroghon, it's sand is full of abstract black and white patterns and is ringed by black granite. Near the bridge to Sanday is one of the most idyllic dune backed white sand beaches you will find away from Morar; in sunlight the water turns turquoise. Three miles from Tighard is Tarbert beach which is pure white sand with columnar basalt along one edge, the waves are a beautiful jade green.
Towering cliffs
The North edge of Canna is flanked by 400ft granite cliffs. This provides a really spectacular walk with views across to Skye and beyond where the whole horizon is ringed by mountains in the Outer Hebrides. You are almost certain to see Eagles soaring amongst the cliffs and if you are lucky you may also see whales, basking sharks and porpoises in the sea below.
Flora and Fauna
Canna is best known for it's bird life, but flora and fauna are as rich and diverse as the best places in the highlands. The one thing you definitely won't see on Canna is Deer, there are none on the island; the venison has to be imported from Rhum!
Birds of Prey
Canna has breeding pairs of Sea Eagles, Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons and Buzzards. You are almost guaranteed to see them while out and about on Canna. A bit of patience may be rewarded by some world class encounters!
Puffins
There is a huge colony of Puffins on Sanday. They are not there all year, so double check with Tighard if it's one of your 'must see' things.
Orchids
In the early Summer Canna gets carpeted by purple and pink orchids. They cover the whole island and some of the patches are so dense it's impossible to walk without treading on them. Again, check with Tighard if this is something you really want to see!
History
During your visit to Canna there are a few places you may wish to visit not only because of their historical significance, but they are in spectacular locations and getting there is rewarding in it's own right.
The Castle
Only a short walk from Tighard the castle is reputed to have been last used in 1666 as a prison to lock up Mor Macleod by her husband. On one side is the beautiful sandy beach of Coroghon and on the other is a pebble beach nestled below the cliffs of Compass Hill and stunning views out to the Cuillins of Skye.
Sou-Terrains
These underground chambers pre-date Stonehenge. Their purpose is uncertain but they certainly weren't built for modern man. The two entrances look at first glance like holes in the ground and are best described as tight and very tight. It's entertaining for the spectators and they make a fine objective to include in a walk.
Viking Grave
There is a King of Norway buried on Canna in Viking times. It's marked by an oval of large stones that look about the size of a Viking ship. The view from the grave across to the Outer Hebrides makes this a special place to visit.
Dun Canna
At the western-most tip of Canna is an almost impregnable fort. Three sides of the sheer sided knoll are guarded by evil looking tidal reefs and entrance on the the landward side still has heavy fortification. If this weren't enough the knoll is also below towering granite cliffs that make approach from the rest of the island extremely difficult. There is a way down through the cliffs North of Dun Canna, but it's one of the longest toughest walks on Canna - definitely worth it though!
The Nunnery
There is little remaining of this convent apart from some low stone walls and a well. It's in an impressive location - even for Canna! It's perched on a plateau above huge angry breakers and backed by almost impenetrable cliffs. There is a way down, but it's not for the faint hearted - check with John at Tighard for advice before attempting!
An excellent history of Canna is available on the Canna Primary School website. You won't find better!