Hiking The Quiraing and Meall Na Suiramach Trig Point
This 4.6 mile Quiraing walk takes you away from the beaten track up to a trig point on the northern coast of Skye, at the spectacular summit of Meall na Suiramach in the Trotternish Ridge, then you hike back through the incredible landscape of The Quiraing, a landslide on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach.
The Quiraing is world famous for being one of the must see things on the Isle of Skye but how do you escape the crowds?
The Quiraing is part of the stunning Trotternish Ridge, a result of the UK’s largest known landslide (putting Alport Castles definitely in its place!). The landslides were caused by heavy lava flows over weaker sedimentary rock formed during the Jurassic period, many moons ago. As glaciers and icefields melted, the exposed cliffs collapsed under the weight of the heavy volcanic rock above, causing huge landslides. Further glacial activity remodelled the older landslides, creating the spectacular rock formations left behind today, such as The Needle and The Prison in the Quiraing.
This Quiraing walk starts from the main Quiraing car park on the Uig to Staffin Road (IV51 9LB). You can pay by cash or card or use the Ring & Go App to pay. There is further parking down the hillside next to the graveyard but please don’t park in any of the passing places – they’re very necessary on the single track roads of Skye!
You can get amazing views of the Quiraing by walking 200m or so along the trail (basically follow the tourists!) if you don’t want to do the whole hike around the Quiraing. This walk however climbs up the steep hillside, high on the cliffs above the Quiraing itself. There are stunning views along the rest of the Trotternish Ridge from the climb up to the summit of the most northerly peak on the Isle of Skye. It can be slippery underfoot, so take care.
Views over the Trotternish Ridge, including to Beinn Edra, as well as over Loch Leum na Luirginn and Loch Cleat
Follow the edge of the ridge, then head inland towards the trig point at Meall na Suiramach. This is the most northerly trig point on Skye and has incredible views across to the Isle of Harris and Lewis on a clear day. From the trig point, enjoy the view then head east to pick up the path again along the ridge of the Quiraing. You’ll notice the amount of other walkers slowly start to increase as you head down the hill!
Meall na Suiramach trig point with views out to sea
Head over the stile and turn back on yourself, heading down the path and following the well worn paths through the Quiraing itself. You’ll pass by The Table, The Needle, The Prison, the super famous parts of The Quiraing, but there are lots of other parts to explore too. Climbing up The Prison gives you a brilliant view over to The Needle but it’s a steep climb and a long way down!
The Needle – if you climb up behind it, you can get amazing photos of it!
The Prison, on the right hand side of the image. You can just see The Needle poking up to the left.
We were really lucky with the weather on the Isle of Skye, but as it’s Scotland and quite an exposed part of the world it does rain. A lot. Be sure to be prepared!
The Quiraing is definitely something to have in your Isle of Skye Itinerary, but by hiking up to the Meall na Suiramach trig point you get amazing views of the Trotternish Ridge without the crowds!
The Quiraing Walk Route Information
Parking: There is a large car park near the Quiraing which is pay and display (use postcode IV51 9LB, on the Uig to Staffin Road). You can pay cash, card or using the Pay and Go App.
Facilities: None, although there was a tea and coffee van in the car park when we visited.
Walk Time: 2-3 hours but allow more time for exploring
Difficulty: ▲▲ (steep climb, rocky in places)
Distance: 4.6 miles (7.4km)
Trig Points Bagged: Meall na Suiramach
Quiraing Walk Route:
Hiking the Quiraing FAQ
Quiraing Car Park
There is a large car park near the Quiraing, (Staffin, Portree IV51 9LB), just off the main Uig to Staffin Road, or you can park further down the hill near to the small graveyard. Don’t park in any of the passing places.
How Long Does it Take to Walk Up The Quiraing?
Ah, that depends! You can see the Quiraing from a small lay-by near the car park, so a super short walk. You can also walk approximately 200m along the main trail and see those spectacular views. There is a Quiraing Loop Walk of 4.2 miles (6.8km) which takes approximately 2 hours, but our walk goes slightly further afield and takes 2-3 hours depending on your speed and fitness. Hiking the Quiraing is an amazing experience, so I would recommend you try our walk.
Can You See The Quiraing From The Road?
Yes, you can! If you don’t fancy a hike through the Quiraing, you can get amazing photos from a small lay-by near the car park.
Weather on the Isle of Skye
A note about the weather on the Isle of Skye – it rains, a lot. Be prepared for wet weather and if it’s dry, it’s a bonus. We visited in early April and were really lucky during our stay as we only had one really wet day, but this is unusual! Take plenty of waterproof clothes, layers and a change of clothes!
You might also like:
Holiday Cottage Near the Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye
We had a week staying at the lovely Sealladh Beinn Edra, which is on the same road as the Fairy Glen. We had a great time – the cottage was in a great location to explore all the amazing sights of Skye and was really comfortable. I’d definitely recommend if it you’re looking for a holiday cottage on Skye.
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