I woke up on Day 2 of our Skye adventure to rain streaking down the windows. I wasn’t surprised, as the forecast hadn’t been promising. But after a leisurely coffee and a long time-lapse to capture the rain moving over the water outside our cottage, we bundled up and set out on our final big adventure of the weekend: Quiraing (pronounced quih-rain-g and try to make the uih breathy, and roll the r).
The Quiraing has featured in several movies over the years because it seems to be the culmination of Scotland’s mysterious beauty. Sweeping vistas, richly covered hillsides dotted with sheep, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and so much more. So despite the rain I knew we were in for a treat.
On the way to Quiraing, we stopped at a few key locations as our appetizer. The Old Man of Storr is a very famous spot, known for huge rock “spikes” dominating the skyline. Kilt Rock viewpoint is a stunning view of the sea cliffs with a huge waterfall that pours down to the rocks bellow.
But we were eager to see the main show, so we continued north along the A855.
Quiraing doesn’t disappoint, even in foul weather. In fact, the mystery was enhanced by walls of rain moving in from the coast, and the colors seemed even more vibrant compared to the grey skies.
I hope you enjoy these images. I recommend putting on some atmospheric music (the lord of the rings soundtrack perhaps?) while scrolling.
After a twisted, steep road you’ll find a well maintained (and rather large) carpark. Cross the road to begin your hike. The Quiraing trail is technically a loop, but as I’ll explain, we decided not to ascend the steep cliffs about halfway through, and rather retrace our steps to return the way we came. It was far too gusty to climb or be exposed on top of the Quiraing.
In regards to colors, we were there in late November, and as you can see the land was shifting from greens to rusty browns, oranges and reds. Vivid and beautiful colors nonetheless!
As you begin the hike, within seconds you are confronted by stunning views. One could find a million pictures along this trail.
We stopped frequently to catch our breath and take photos. There were several clusters of sheep near the trail (sometimes on the trail). Don’t bother them, just let them find their way.
As you continue along the trail, it rises higher and higher, and at times you are crossing waterfalls, streams, icy boulders, and scrambling up loose rocks. Not for the faint of heart! Soon you catch glimpses ahead of the pinnacles of rock that will make you feel absolutely tiny.
As the trail rises, attempt to keep your balance and avoid whiplash as you look to the right (constantly) to see the stunning views. It’s one of those trails that keeps getting better and better...
The trail continues to hug the cliffside, taking you further “in” and away from the valleys. For a while you get stunning and endless views of the coast.
Now protected from the howling winds by the cliffs around you, the trail evens out for a while and you soon discover a hidden pond. A perfect spot for a picnic and longer break.
But soon after the pond, the trail begins to ascend again, and you need to make a choice. Climb some precarious cliffs to the top of the Quiraing plateau and continue the loop back to the carpark, or retrace your steps.
As it was extremely slippery and windy, we wanted to avoid the top so we turned back. It was a great decision, because the rain and wind came at us head-on the whole way back.
But perhaps the motherland felt a bit guilty, so we were blessed with pockets of sun here and there, which made for a spectacular atmosphere. Returning this way allowed us to take in the sweeping views much easier.
We watched wall after wall of rain head towards us, giving me a photography boner and annoying my friends.
Depending on how frequently you stop to admire the views, the entire hike can take a few hours. It was particularly rainy, gusty and slippery this day, so we were walking for about 3 hours. We were absolutely soaked in the end, but it was worth every drop of rain in the eye.
And thus ended one of the most epic hikes I’ve ever experienced. If you can add this to your itinerary, do it. You won’t regret it.