The Isle of Skye is a place of incredible natural beauty, with rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and dramatic landscapes. One of the best ways to experience this stunning scenery is by taking a hike, and the Quiraing Walk is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a memorable hiking experience.
Located on the Trotternish Ridge, the Quiraing offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the famous Old Man of Storr. The area is characterized by a series of rocky pinnacles, steep cliffs, and rolling hills, which were formed by a series of landslips. This unique geological history has created a landscape that is unlike any other, making the Quiraing a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the Isle of Skye.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Quiraing, including its pronunciation, location, and why you should visit. We’ll also compare the Quiraing to the Old Man of Storr, another famous landmark on the Isle of Skye, and provide tips on how to get to the Quiraing, when to visit, and what to expect on the hike.
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A Complete Guide to the Quiraing Walk on the Isle of Skye – Hiking Isle of Skye
- Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
- Planning your trip to the Isle of Skye
- What is the Quiraing?
- Quiraing vs the Old Man of Storr
- Where is the Quiraing?
- How to get to the Quiraing
- Quiraing Needle
- When to visit the Quiraing
- Why you should visit the Quiraing?
- Before you leave for the Isle of Skye
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Where to Stay in on the Isle of Skye
These recommendations may vary depending on what activities you are wanting to do whilst on the island. We have based these accommodations close to the centre of the island and near Portree. In the summer Portree is extremely busy and we would recommend that you look to stay elsewhere if you want to avoid the crowds and traffic.
In the winter months, however, Portree is a pleasant and central location from which it is easy to get to many of the sights around the island.
Luxury – If you are looking for a comfortable apartment stay to come home to after a day exploring, Quayside Apartment is the perfect place for you. With spectacular views and a good central location, this accommodation is comfort plus for your next trip to Skye.
Book your stay at the Quayside Apartments right here.
Mid-range – The Portree Hotel is a great central location for your stay in Skye. This hotel overlooks the main square in Portree and during the winter months, there are wood-burning stoves to keep you warm after a day of exploring.
Book your stay at the Portree Hotel right here.
Budget – If you are looking for a budget place to rest your head but still have a great view, The Pink House is the place to stay just for that. A continental breakfast is included in your stay and you can book a room with a great view out to sea.
Book your stay at the Pink House right here.
If hostels are more your scene, you can check out the hostels available in Isle of Skye here.
Planning your trip to the Isle of Skye
What is the Quiraing?
The Quiraing (Scottish Gaelic: A’ Chuith-Raing) is a landslip on the eastern side of the Trotternish Ridge on the Isle of Skye. The landscape is characterised by a series of rocky pinnacles, steep cliffs, and rolling hills. The area was formed by a series of landslips, which created the unique geological features that make the Quiraing so special.
The Quiraing is a place of incredible natural beauty, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The area is popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, who come to explore the unique landscape and take in the breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, the Quiraing has something to offer.
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Quiraing vs Old Man of Storr
While the Old Man of Storr is perhaps the most famous landmark on the Isle of Skye, the Quiraing offers a different kind of hiking experience. The Old Man of Storr is a single rock formation, while the Quiraing is a larger, more complex landscape. Both are worth visiting, but if you’re looking for a longer hike with more varied scenery, the Quiraing is a great choice.
The Old Man of Storr is a distinctive rock formation that stands out from the surrounding landscape. It’s a popular destination for hikers and photographers, who come to take in the stunning views and capture the unique landscape. The Quiraing, on the other hand, is a larger landscape with a variety of features, including rocky pinnacles, steep cliffs, and rolling hills. While the Old Man of Storr is a must-visit destination, the Quiraing offers a different kind of hiking experience that is equally rewarding.
Where is the Quiraing?
The Quiraing is located on the Trotternish Ridge on the Isle of Skye. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the town of Portree, the largest town on the island. The Quiraing is part of a larger area of natural beauty, which includes the Old Man of Storr and the Kilt Rock waterfall.
The location of the Quiraing makes it easy to access for visitors to the Isle of Skye. Whether you’re staying in Portree or elsewhere on the island, the Quiraing is a must-visit destination that is easy to reach.
How to get to the Quiraing
To get to the Quiraing, you’ll need to drive or take a bus. There’s a car park at the start of the walk, which is located on the A855 road. The car park can get busy, especially during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early if you want to avoid crowds. Parking charges apply between 08.00 and 20.00 – up to 3 hours is £3 and up to 5 hours is £6.
If you’re not driving, there are also bus tours available that include a stop at the Quiraing. These tours are a great way to see the highlights of the Isle of Skye, including the Quiraing, without having to worry about driving or parking.
Quiraing Needle
The Quiraing Needle is one of the most distinctive features of the landscape. It’s a tall, narrow pinnacle of rock that stands out from the surrounding hills. The needle is a popular spot for photos, but be careful if you’re hiking in the area – it’s a steep drop from the top of the needle.
When to visit the Quiraing
The Quiraing is a great place to visit year-round, but the best time to go depends on what you’re looking for. During the summer months, the area can get busy with tourists, but the weather is generally mild and dry. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons – spring and autumn. The weather can be more unpredictable, but the scenery is just as beautiful.
Why should you visit the Quiraing?
Visiting the Quiraing is an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye. It’s a chance to take in the stunning scenery and explore a unique landscape that is unlike any other. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a a good hike, the Quiraing is a must-visit spot on the Isle of Skye.
Before You Leave on Your Trip to the Isle of Skye
Before you leave on your trip to the Isle of Skye there are a few things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. These include how to get there and around the island, what to pack and where to stay, all of which are discussed below.
How to Get to the Isle of Skye
Drive
The Isle of Skye is connected to mainland Scotland by the Skye Bridge, a free road bridge, from Kyle of Lochalsh to the village of Kyleakin on the island. In high winds, the bridge will close to high vehicles and on days of particularly extreme weather, the bridge may close to all vehicles.
Ferry
Another option is to get the ferry over to Skye which typically takes around 30 minutes, leaving from Mallaig on the mainland to Armadale. You can check the timetables online as there is typically only a morning and afternoon ferry running.
Bus
If you are travelling to Skye without a vehicle, buses run from Scotland’s major cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh direct to Isle of Skye’s capital, Portree. Buses to the Isle of Skye run from other areas in Scotland and you can plan your bus journey to Skye here.
Once you are on the island, you can book onto a tour that departs from Portree and takes you around the best sights that there are to see on the island. Read more about this tour and book your place right here.
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
These recommendations may vary depending on what activities you are wanting to do whilst on the island. We have based these accommodations close to the centre of the island and near Portree. In the summer Portree is extremely busy and we would recommend that you look to stay elsewhere if you want to avoid the crowds and traffic.
In the winter months, however, Portree is a pleasant and central location from which it is easy to get to many of the sights around the island.
Luxury – If you are looking for a comfortable apartment stay to come home to after a day exploring, Quayside Apartment is the perfect place for you. With spectacular views and a good central location, this accommodation is comfort plus for your next trip to Skye.
Book your stay at the Quayside Apartments right here.
Mid-range – The Portree Hotel is a great central location for your stay in Skye. This hotel overlooks the main square in Portree and during the winter months, there are wood-burning stoves to keep you warm after a day of exploring.
Book your stay at the Portree Hotel right here.
Budget – If you are looking for a budget place to rest your head but still have a great view, The Pink House is the place to stay just for that. A continental breakfast is included in your stay and you can book a room with a great view out to sea.
Book your stay at the Pink House right here.
If hostels are more your scene, you can check out the hostels available in Isle of Skye here.
What to Pack for the Isle of Skye
When it comes to packing for a trip to Scotland there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your trip to the Isle of Skye in winter, you can expect rain at some point. Due to this, the number one item on your packing list is a good waterproof jacket.
Second to that, another item to not leave home without is a good pair of warm and, if possible, waterproof boots. A lot of the best sights on Skye require a bit of walking to reach them and the conditions underfoot can become very muddy. You do not want to ruin a good pair of white trainers so pack some sturdy boots.
You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the winter months as the wind chill can be bitter.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around the Isle of Skye, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Shure VP83 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 9 Black and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socket
What is the Best Travel Insurance for The Isle of Skye
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your guide to walking the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye. If you are visiting this incredible place and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was! Did you get a clear day to see the sights? Did you manage the trip without getting caught in the rain? Let us know in the comments below!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning walk.
If you are planning a Scotland trip soon then check out our other Scotland content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
Read Now:
- Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
- Isle of Skye – The Best Things to Do in Skye
- Isle of Skye Itinerary – One Day on the Isle of Skye
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