Avid hikers might want to consider the Quiraing loop, part of the Trotternish ridge.
The 6.8km route starts at the car park and takes around 2-3 hours, including stops so pack lots of snacks and water.
I made a mistake and made the trail as an out and back, and it took me 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Hiking boots are required as there is a lot of incline, gravel, and a path through water; it can also get boggy at bits.
Note: This car park gets busy and is not as large as the Old Man of Storr’s; I got the last space at 09:30 in mid-May.
Getting There & Parking
The Quiraing lies at the northern end of the Trotternish ridge, reached by the single-track road that climbs steeply from Staffin toward Uig. There is a car park at the top of the pass, right at the start of the walk, and it fills early in summer.
Even if you do not walk, the roadside views from the pass are extraordinary, so it rewards a short stop as well as a full hike.
What to See
The Quiraing is a still-moving landslip that has created a maze of towering cliffs, needle-like pinnacles and hidden green plateaus, with names like the Needle, the Prison and the Table. It looks more like a film set than anywhere real, which is why it appears in so many.
The classic circuit contours below the cliffs and loops back over the top. It is exposed, with steep drops and a couple of tricky sections, so it demands respect and decent conditions.
Best Time & Tips
- The full loop is about 6.8km and takes 2 to 3 hours – allow time
- Steep drops and narrow paths mean it is not for the nervous or for young children
- Go early for parking and for the ridge before cloud builds
- Proper boots and waterproofs are essential; the path is often muddy
- In poor visibility, the roadside viewpoint alone is still worth it
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Quiraing walk?
The classic loop is about 6.8km and takes most walkers 2 to 3 hours. It contours below the cliffs and returns over the top.
Is the Quiraing walk dangerous?
It is exposed, with steep drops and a couple of tricky sections, so it is not for the nervous or for young children. Good boots and clear conditions make a big difference.
Can you see the Quiraing without walking?
Yes. The roadside viewpoint at the top of the pass from Staffin gives extraordinary views, so it is worth a stop even if you do not do the full loop.
