The Herbusta Handbook
The Trotternish Peninsula
Places to see & things to do on the Trotternish Peninsula
The Quiraing is a landslip on the eastern face of Meall Na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish ridge.
The whole of the ridge escarpment was formed by a great series of landslips - the Quiraing is the only part of the slip still moving & the road at its base, near Flodigarry, requires repairs each year.
Parts of this distinctive landscape have earned particular names. The Needle is a jagged 37m high pinnacle, a remnant of land slipping. Northwest of it is the Table, a flat grassy area that has slipped down from the summit plateau, with vistas of the Torridon Hills & the mountains of Wester Ross. Southwest is the Prison, a pyramidal rocky peak which can look like a medieval keep when viewed from the right angle - the ascent of this is an airy scramble.
39 lokalkjente anbefaler
The Quiraing
The Quiraing is a landslip on the eastern face of Meall Na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish ridge.
The whole of the ridge escarpment was formed by a great series of landslips - the Quiraing is the only part of the slip still moving & the road at its base, near Flodigarry, requires repairs each year.
Parts of this distinctive landscape have earned particular names. The Needle is a jagged 37m high pinnacle, a remnant of land slipping. Northwest of it is the Table, a flat grassy area that has slipped down from the summit plateau, with vistas of the Torridon Hills & the mountains of Wester Ross. Southwest is the Prison, a pyramidal rocky peak which can look like a medieval keep when viewed from the right angle - the ascent of this is an airy scramble.
The summit of the Storr is the highest point on the Trotternish Ridge at 719m. The walk from the car park up the well maintained path to the Old Man Of Storr is one of the most popular on Skye - & understandably so. There are stunning views across the Sound to Raasay, Rona & the Scottish mainland.
The Old Man Of Storr is the needle-like pinnacle some 50m high & the formations of various outcrops of rock around it, including the Cathedral, are collectively known as the Sanctuary. Both the Old Man Of Storr & the Quiraing have provided the backdrop to major films including Prometheus, King Arthur, Transformers, Stardust, Macbeth & the Big Friendly Giant.
127 lokalkjente anbefaler
The Storr
The summit of the Storr is the highest point on the Trotternish Ridge at 719m. The walk from the car park up the well maintained path to the Old Man Of Storr is one of the most popular on Skye - & understandably so. There are stunning views across the Sound to Raasay, Rona & the Scottish mainland.
The Old Man Of Storr is the needle-like pinnacle some 50m high & the formations of various outcrops of rock around it, including the Cathedral, are collectively known as the Sanctuary. Both the Old Man Of Storr & the Quiraing have provided the backdrop to major films including Prometheus, King Arthur, Transformers, Stardust, Macbeth & the Big Friendly Giant.
On the West side of Trotternish at Balnacnoc near Uig, is the Fairy Glen - a Quiraing-like landslip in miniature.
The road winds around small round-topped grassy hills with lochans (ponds) in between which gives the glen an otherworldly feel.
Skye has a long history involving the fairies, most of which is related to Dunvegan Castle & their ‘Fairy Flag’. The Fairy Glen (much like the Fairy Pools in Glenbrittle) has no real legends nor stories involving fairies that can be traced. The simple fact is that the location is unusual so it has been given the nickname Fairy Glen.
72 lokalkjente anbefaler
The Fairy Glen
On the West side of Trotternish at Balnacnoc near Uig, is the Fairy Glen - a Quiraing-like landslip in miniature.
The road winds around small round-topped grassy hills with lochans (ponds) in between which gives the glen an otherworldly feel.
Skye has a long history involving the fairies, most of which is related to Dunvegan Castle & their ‘Fairy Flag’. The Fairy Glen (much like the Fairy Pools in Glenbrittle) has no real legends nor stories involving fairies that can be traced. The simple fact is that the location is unusual so it has been given the nickname Fairy Glen.
A remote headland just south of Kilt Rock, Rubha nam Brathairean (Brother’s Point) is a hidden treasure. It is a short hike to some of the most stunning scenery on the island. Very few people visit this place, making it a better experience for those 'in the know'.
Rubha nam Brathairean
A remote headland just south of Kilt Rock, Rubha nam Brathairean (Brother’s Point) is a hidden treasure. It is a short hike to some of the most stunning scenery on the island. Very few people visit this place, making it a better experience for those 'in the know'.
The castle was built in the 14th & 15th centuries when the area was subject to feuds between the rival MacLeod & MacDonald clans, the latter eventually gaining the upper hand. Around 1732 the castle was abandoned, when Sir Alexander MacDonald built a new residence, Monkstadt House, 5 miles to the south, robbing much of the castle's stone as a building material.
IIn 2015, there was a major discovery of fossilised dinosaur footprints on the shore at Score Bay just south of Duntulm Castle. These prints, visible only at low tide, make up the biggest trackway in Scotland. They are prints of Sauropods, a group of huge, long-necked dinosaurs that includes the Brontosaurus & Brachiosaurus. Dating from about 170million years ago in the Jurassic Period they are among the very best tracks of their kind in the world.
Duntulm
The castle was built in the 14th & 15th centuries when the area was subject to feuds between the rival MacLeod & MacDonald clans, the latter eventually gaining the upper hand. Around 1732 the castle was abandoned, when Sir Alexander MacDonald built a new residence, Monkstadt House, 5 miles to the south, robbing much of the castle's stone as a building material.
IIn 2015, there was a major discovery of fossilised dinosaur footprints on the shore at Score Bay just south of Duntulm Castle. These prints, visible only at low tide, make up the biggest trackway in Scotland. They are prints of Sauropods, a group of huge, long-necked dinosaurs that includes the Brontosaurus & Brachiosaurus. Dating from about 170million years ago in the Jurassic Period they are among the very best tracks of their kind in the world.
On the road between Staffin & Portree are two spectacular sights visible from the same viewpoint.
One of these is the magnificent 90m Kilt Rock, which looks strikingly similar to a pleated kilt. Made up of basalt columns resting on a sandstone base, one might even say that the colours of the rock formation appear almost tartan.
The other point of interest is the Mealt Waterfall, which, fed from nearby Mealt Loch, plummets from the top of the cliffs to the rock-laden coast below.
45 lokalkjente anbefaler
Kilt Rock Viewpoint
52 A855On the road between Staffin & Portree are two spectacular sights visible from the same viewpoint.
One of these is the magnificent 90m Kilt Rock, which looks strikingly similar to a pleated kilt. Made up of basalt columns resting on a sandstone base, one might even say that the colours of the rock formation appear almost tartan.
The other point of interest is the Mealt Waterfall, which, fed from nearby Mealt Loch, plummets from the top of the cliffs to the rock-laden coast below.
The River Rha is formed from small burns on the Trotternish ridge near the Quiraing which combine & flow south-westward to Uig. Park at the Uig Community Hall & take the short walk to the A87/A855 junction. A 100m up the single track road on the right is the footpath & a 2 minute walk to the twin level waterfall.
6 lokalkjente anbefaler
Falls of Rha
7-8 Conon BridgeThe River Rha is formed from small burns on the Trotternish ridge near the Quiraing which combine & flow south-westward to Uig. Park at the Uig Community Hall & take the short walk to the A87/A855 junction. A 100m up the single track road on the right is the footpath & a 2 minute walk to the twin level waterfall.
Step back in time to an old Highland village. The museum offers visitors a unique experience & a true insight into island life 100 years ago. This award-winning attraction is a must for visitors to the beautiful Isle Of Skye.
55 lokalkjente anbefaler
Skye Museum of Island Life
Step back in time to an old Highland village. The museum offers visitors a unique experience & a true insight into island life 100 years ago. This award-winning attraction is a must for visitors to the beautiful Isle Of Skye.
In Kilmuir Cemetery is a tall memorial to Flora MacDonald, ‘Preserver of Prince Charles Edward Stuart’ (aka Bonnie Prince Charlie). Despite the romanticism of the Skye Boat song, she was a real & remarkable person. This is a place to come & spend a moment reflecting on her amazing courage.
Also in the burial ground is a memorial stone for the famous fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen, whose ashes were scattered here on Skye, the island of his father’s birth.
9 lokalkjente anbefaler
Grave of Flora MacDonald
3 PeingownIn Kilmuir Cemetery is a tall memorial to Flora MacDonald, ‘Preserver of Prince Charles Edward Stuart’ (aka Bonnie Prince Charlie). Despite the romanticism of the Skye Boat song, she was a real & remarkable person. This is a place to come & spend a moment reflecting on her amazing courage.
Also in the burial ground is a memorial stone for the famous fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen, whose ashes were scattered here on Skye, the island of his father’s birth.
The scattered crofting community of Bornisketaig, is located on the north-west coast of the Trotternish peninsula.
The remains of the church date from 1810. The building is shown as intact on the 1903 OS map, but was documented as ruinous in 1961, so its demise was somewhere between those years.
Bornisketaig
The scattered crofting community of Bornisketaig, is located on the north-west coast of the Trotternish peninsula.
The remains of the church date from 1810. The building is shown as intact on the 1903 OS map, but was documented as ruinous in 1961, so its demise was somewhere between those years.
Camus More
Unnamed RoadRubha Hunish
SkyeStaffin is home to a couple of beaches. There are some good spots on the main bay if you are prepared to seek them out, but there is easier access to a small area of sand just before you get to the end of the road at Staffin community slipway. As well as the sea & sand you can find more dinosaur footprints like those at Duntulm.
The footprints are covered by the sea at high tide & often by sand in the summer. They are best exposed at low tide after a winter storm. In Staffin itself, can be found the Staffin Dinosaur Museum.
15 lokalkjente anbefaler
Staffin Bay
Staffin is home to a couple of beaches. There are some good spots on the main bay if you are prepared to seek them out, but there is easier access to a small area of sand just before you get to the end of the road at Staffin community slipway. As well as the sea & sand you can find more dinosaur footprints like those at Duntulm.
The footprints are covered by the sea at high tide & often by sand in the summer. They are best exposed at low tide after a winter storm. In Staffin itself, can be found the Staffin Dinosaur Museum.
Lealt Fall View Point
The area between Portree & Staffin on the east coast of Skye is world-famous for fossils, & Bearreraig Bay is one of the most interesting places to look for them. It is also one of the sites in Scotland where dinosaur skeletons have been found.
The walk down to Bearreraig Bay is steep & to get onto the beach involves crossing a stream which on some days can be impassable. The stream makes a spectacular waterfall before flowing out into the sea.
Bearreraig Bay
The area between Portree & Staffin on the east coast of Skye is world-famous for fossils, & Bearreraig Bay is one of the most interesting places to look for them. It is also one of the sites in Scotland where dinosaur skeletons have been found.
The walk down to Bearreraig Bay is steep & to get onto the beach involves crossing a stream which on some days can be impassable. The stream makes a spectacular waterfall before flowing out into the sea.
Elsewhere On Skye
Below are some of the island's further away highlights
Neist Point is the most westerly headland on Skye. Located on the Duirinish Peninsula, it is an iconic destination, with stunning cliff scenery, a fine lighthouse & an outlook to the Outer Hebrides. In the summer months this is the best spot on Skye to watch for minke whales, basking sharks, porpoises & dolphins, As the sun sets the air is alive with the cries of roosting gannets, guillemots, razorbills & shags.
6 lokalkjente anbefaler
Neist Point
Neist Point is the most westerly headland on Skye. Located on the Duirinish Peninsula, it is an iconic destination, with stunning cliff scenery, a fine lighthouse & an outlook to the Outer Hebrides. In the summer months this is the best spot on Skye to watch for minke whales, basking sharks, porpoises & dolphins, As the sun sets the air is alive with the cries of roosting gannets, guillemots, razorbills & shags.
Close to Idrigill Point, at the southern tip of the Duirinish peninsula, stand three very impressive sea stacks in an appropriately dramatic setting. These are the famous MacLeod’s Maidens. The tallest stack - the mother - rises over 70m out of the sea. She is accompanied by her two daughters, standing just off the cliffs at Maidens’ Point (Rubha Na Maighdeanan).
Macleod’s Maidens
Close to Idrigill Point, at the southern tip of the Duirinish peninsula, stand three very impressive sea stacks in an appropriately dramatic setting. These are the famous MacLeod’s Maidens. The tallest stack - the mother - rises over 70m out of the sea. She is accompanied by her two daughters, standing just off the cliffs at Maidens’ Point (Rubha Na Maighdeanan).
MacLeod's Tables are two curious flat-topped hills prominent in views from many parts of Skye. Healabhal Beag (488m) & Healabhal Mor (469m), rise in gentle contrast to the jagged peaks of the Black Cuillin. Their ascent gives a straightforward but exhilarating rough moorland walk. The views from the summit of Healabhal Beag are breath-taking. Although not high, these hills are distinctive because of their steep sides, yet perfectly flat tops & represent the remains of lava flows from the tertiary volcanoes which once erupted to form much of Skye. Steeped in folklore, the hills were said to have been used by MacLeod of Dunvegan to serve a grand feast to visitors.
MacLeod's Table North
SkyeMacLeod's Tables are two curious flat-topped hills prominent in views from many parts of Skye. Healabhal Beag (488m) & Healabhal Mor (469m), rise in gentle contrast to the jagged peaks of the Black Cuillin. Their ascent gives a straightforward but exhilarating rough moorland walk. The views from the summit of Healabhal Beag are breath-taking. Although not high, these hills are distinctive because of their steep sides, yet perfectly flat tops & represent the remains of lava flows from the tertiary volcanoes which once erupted to form much of Skye. Steeped in folklore, the hills were said to have been used by MacLeod of Dunvegan to serve a grand feast to visitors.
From the end of the minor road beyond the entrance to Dunvegan Castle, an easy 1mile walk leads to the Coral Beaches - a pair of blindingly white beaches composed of the bleached exoskeletons of coralline algae known as maerl.
75 lokalkjente anbefaler
Coral Beach
From the end of the minor road beyond the entrance to Dunvegan Castle, an easy 1mile walk leads to the Coral Beaches - a pair of blindingly white beaches composed of the bleached exoskeletons of coralline algae known as maerl.
Sligachan sits between the Red & Black Cuillin at the junction of the A87 & A863 for Dunvegan. The backdrop forms a great panorama & refreshments can be had in Seamus' Bar at the Sligachan Hotel. Try one of the 400 malt whiskies!
15 lokalkjente anbefaler
Sligachan
Sligachan sits between the Red & Black Cuillin at the junction of the A87 & A863 for Dunvegan. The backdrop forms a great panorama & refreshments can be had in Seamus' Bar at the Sligachan Hotel. Try one of the 400 malt whiskies!
Fairy Pools are located along the single-track Carbost to Glenbrittle road. There is a large car park, but it can get busy. A cascade of waterfalls, crystal clear pools & the winding beauty of the rock formations created by falling water, set against the jagged outline of the towering Black Cuillin, give the basins a special magical connotation.
150 lokalkjente anbefaler
Feenesbassengene
Fairy Pools are located along the single-track Carbost to Glenbrittle road. There is a large car park, but it can get busy. A cascade of waterfalls, crystal clear pools & the winding beauty of the rock formations created by falling water, set against the jagged outline of the towering Black Cuillin, give the basins a special magical connotation.
The B8083 from Broadford to Elgol is a spectacular drive. The road passes Cill Chriosd, a 16th century church & graveyard that is worthy of mention.
From the church, there is a 10mile walk along the old 'Marble Line' railway, across the limestone pavement to the clearance villages of Boreraig & then Suisnish. On the way, you pass interesting outcrops of weathered limestone & several waterfalls. The ruins are widespread & obvious. All the way the views over Loch Slapin are superb.
7 lokalkjente anbefaler
Torrin
The B8083 from Broadford to Elgol is a spectacular drive. The road passes Cill Chriosd, a 16th century church & graveyard that is worthy of mention.
From the church, there is a 10mile walk along the old 'Marble Line' railway, across the limestone pavement to the clearance villages of Boreraig & then Suisnish. On the way, you pass interesting outcrops of weathered limestone & several waterfalls. The ruins are widespread & obvious. All the way the views over Loch Slapin are superb.
Elgol is a village on the shores of Loch Scavaig at the end of the Strathaird Peninsula.
Boat trips operate from Elgol pier offering sea-life tours, day trips & transportation to the Cuillin & Small Isles. A favourite is the half / full-day return trip on the 'Bella Jane' or 'Misty Isle' to Loch Coruisk, a glacial lake in the heart of the Cuillin.
34 lokalkjente anbefaler
Elgol
Elgol is a village on the shores of Loch Scavaig at the end of the Strathaird Peninsula.
Boat trips operate from Elgol pier offering sea-life tours, day trips & transportation to the Cuillin & Small Isles. A favourite is the half / full-day return trip on the 'Bella Jane' or 'Misty Isle' to Loch Coruisk, a glacial lake in the heart of the Cuillin.
Loch Coruisk can also be accessed via a long walk from Sligachan, & from Kilmarie or Elgol via the notorious 'bad step' - a scramble over sloping rock slabs & not for the inexperienced! This magnificent, desolate loch lies at the very heart of the Cuillin, & is often described as the wildest in Britain. Whilst you are very likely to get wet feet from the boggy terrain, this is a small price to pay for the superlative mountain scenery along the way. If walking only one side of the loch, the south side has easier going & the best views.
30 lokalkjente anbefaler
Loch Coruisk
Loch Coruisk can also be accessed via a long walk from Sligachan, & from Kilmarie or Elgol via the notorious 'bad step' - a scramble over sloping rock slabs & not for the inexperienced! This magnificent, desolate loch lies at the very heart of the Cuillin, & is often described as the wildest in Britain. Whilst you are very likely to get wet feet from the boggy terrain, this is a small price to pay for the superlative mountain scenery along the way. If walking only one side of the loch, the south side has easier going & the best views.
Cuillin Hills