The Quiraing

What it is and why it matters

The landscape formed when thick layers of flood basalt spread across the Trotternish peninsula and pressed down on weaker sedimentary rock beneath, causing a series of landslides. The result is a craterous hollow ringed by rock, with features that have their own names: the Needle, a jagged pinnacle about 37 m high; the Prison, a rock mass that looks like a medieval keep; and the Table, a flat plateau about the size of a football pitch hidden among the crags.

Visiting practicalities

Walks start from the car park at the summit of the single-track road between Staffin and Uig (grid reference NG440679). There is no public transport to the start; Walkhighlands notes the nearest bus stop is about 3 km away at Brogaig, Staffin. Many visitors walk only the first section, which follows a good path below the cliffs. The full circuit becomes rough and rocky, includes a minor scramble, and returns over the exposed hill top, which is open to bad weather, so go in good conditions with proper boots, waterproofs and a map. Allow half a day for the full circuit.

Nearby and combine with

The Quiraing is part of the Trotternish loop, a scenic drive around the peninsula. Staffin, at the foot of the road, is the nearest village for supplies, and Uig, on the far side of the ridge, has the ferry terminal for the Outer Hebrides. Portree, Skye's main town, is the usual base.

Highlights

• A vast landslip on the Trotternish ridge
• Named rock features: the Needle, the Prison and the Table
• Circular walk of about 7 km with sweeping views
• Start point at the top of the Staffin to Uig road

Good to know

• No public transport to the car park; nearest bus stop is about 3 km away at Brogaig.
• The full circuit is rough, with a minor scramble and an exposed return.
• The return over the hill top is exposed to bad weather.

Frequently asked questions