A Complete Guide to the Quiraing Walk on the Isle of Skye – Hiking Isle of Skye
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.