Northern Tip of Trotternish - Top of the Island and other Isle of Skye, United Kingdom Things to Do Tips

Hard to get to, on a slow, winding and bumpy road, in places still single file (with 'passing places - watch out for locals driving like rally experts), the top end of Skye, north of the community of Staffin (north of Portree) is beyond words.
Time slows, the light melts your heart, and you fall in love with Skye. You will not want to leave. You will try to capture the scene, the 'feel' in photographs but you will fail, like we all have, because this part of the world is very, very special.
When I die, bury me here, wrapped in the liquid light of endless skies. This is "home", even if you pass through one day.

Leave a Comment

Address: Rubha Hunish, Trotternish, Staffin, Skye, Scotland
Directions: Most northerly tip of the Island.

Only really understood when you are on top of the grassy cliffs, in a bizarre landscape of odly shaped rocks.
Though a quick stroll from the car may seem good enough, as it is already incredibly beautiful, you must walk for an hour or more into the cliffs to REALLY visit the Quiraing.
Take the path north from the car park (on road running west of Staffin, towards Uig) and yes, its fairly busy, but the further you go, the quieter it becomes. Soon you are surrounded my muffled and eary noises (best to go on cloudy days, with the mist swirling in amongst the rocky shapes - like dry ice in a science fiction film-set, but very real), the tumbling of stones and the clatter of hidden sheep hooves (you hope its sheep).
Take food and warm clothing - its a lot further than than first seems - and you want to stay, when everyone else has turned back!!!

Leave a Comment

Address: near Staffin, North Trotternish, Skye, Scotland
Directions: This photograph isn't a good one, but until I have one better to post, I hope this at least gives you some idea - though no picture captures the mood of Trotternish.

Comparable with the Quiraing (further north)in beauty, moon-like rocks and stunning scenery ... really stunning, the Storr is a natural wonder.

Of course, the Old Man is the rock column (just visible) below the cliffs, but the climb up to the grassy summit of Storr (719m) to look down over sea, rocks and air - is worth risking life and limb for!!!

The best way up, is to follow the popular path (steep enough) through woods up to the old man then continue RIGHT, below the cliffs until the fade into a steep grassy slope which can just be scaled. Don't try rock climbing - its seriously dangerous. You can then walk back along a narrowish ridge that slopes up to the summit. Need a head for heights. Fun though.

Decend by continuing along the summit and skirt the cliffs, gradually decending grassy fields (on top of the world) until a tiny stream cuts down a gap in a minor cliff.

Ummm, well it is worth it - I assure you. Get a map!!!

This picture shows not only the approach to Storr (taken from just outside Portree) but also the narrow road, which undulates like a roller coaster, scratching the undersides of most cars.

Leave a Comment

Address: Isle of Skye - Scotland
Directions: North of Portree.

NOTE: Also see the Mainland of Scotland close to Skye, such as Applecross, Torridon and Glen Elg areas - in many ways more beautiful, varied, accessible and rich in history. More info to follow.

Leave a Comment

The most impressive mountain range in Britain - A Saw-tooth ridge of gabro sharp rock, daunting for ordinary walkers, a mecca for mountaineers.

It rises 3000ft, from sea level, dominates the Skyline, has a weather system all of its own ...

... And its privately owned (?). The local knob thinks he can sell this majestic mountain to pay for a new roof for his castle, making up for centuries of neglect, posh dinners, holidays and general mis-management of funds. These Lairds must be more inbred than I thought.

Walk the Cuillins, with a Guide if you are not certain, or if no head for hights, explore the lower levels from Sligachan Hotel.

Leave a Comment

Address: Isle of Skye - Scotland
Directions: West Coast - South West corner of island.

The red slopes you'll pass when driving north towards Sligachan and Portree / Uig etc.

Leave a Comment

Tip to follow :-)

Leave a Comment

The best viewpoint on Skye and much of the west coast, with a liquid light that melts your heart, distant islands shimmering in the evening sunset, the black, jagged ridge of the Cuillins draped in a cloud shawl, the hidden waters of Loch Coruisk and sandy beaches, a tiny community, and rock fashioned by wave and wind.

Tea shop and boat to Loch Coruisk, seal and whale watching, hidden caves and a sense of time travel.

Romance - A great place to propose!!!

Leave a Comment

You decide - is this beautiful civil engineering, blending with the landscape, or an abomnimation and a concrete scythe, cutting the scenery in two?

Worth a few beers and a heated discussion down the pub in Kyleakin ;-)

Bridge Toll Cancelled!
Note - the bridge toll has been removed, after years of protest by locals.
The ferry is still the most magical way to arrive on Skye. save the bridge for the quick exit!

Leave a Comment