Route
Hiking
The Quiraing Circuit
261 m
6.856 km
253 m
514 m
Profile
Descrizione
Traccia e descrizione da www.alltrails.com
This challenging trail takes in one of the iconic craggy landscapes on Skye, the Quiraing. Not to be underestimated, this trail will require very careful footing, a head for heights, and navigational experience over difficult and loose terrain beside sudden and steep cliff drops. These striking cliffs were formed by an ancient landslip with their narrow passages and steep drops used by locals to hide their cattle from raiding vikings. According to legend, the Quiraing was a meeting place for fairies, and a home to dragons who protected the land from invaders.
There is evidence that dinosaurs roamed this area, as the nearby An Corran beach at Staffin Bay has rocks that bear the impression of megalasaur footprints from 165 million years ago.
The trail starts relatively well-defined along a popular path. This is rocky and narrow in places and includes a scramble across a gully so take great care here. It then continues to a loose section at the Prison, an interesting rock formation, where care with footing is needed. Do not attempt to climb the Prison as this is dangerous. The narrow path winds below cliffs with a steep slope on the side so take your time and enjoy the beautiful views and geology. The trail soon climbs steeply along the escarpment and at the edge of the cliffs. Please keep well back from these sudden edges. The views will start to open up over the surrounding area as you continue climbing.
Once at the highest point, you can take a break and enjoy the views over Staffin Bay and Torridon. From here the trail starts to descend over grassy and boggy terrain. The final section is very eroded and will require great care with footing, especially when wet. Take your time here. You will then reach the outward path that leads back to the start. Please note, this trail may take longer than anticipated to complete with a rocky scramble and some sections which can be very slippery in wet weather. Allow plenty of time to safely navigate this trail and be aware of your abilities on difficult terrain. The path is not always distinct and pathless navigation will be necessary at times. Navigational experience, a printed map, and a compass are therefore required. This trail should only be attempted in calm, clear, and dry conditions with perfect visibility . Snow, ice, high winds, and rain will make this trail dangerous. Appropriate footwear, warm and waterproof layers, and sun protection are required.
This is a very popular location and can get busy in summer so it is recommend you start early.
There is a fee to park at the trailhead.
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