13. Quiraing

This path leads into one of the most remarkable landscapes on the island.

Formed by a series of landslips, the Quiraing is a collection of breathtaking geological formations running along the north end of the Trotternish ridge. Enormous slabs, spires, boulders, cliffs and slopes complete with hidden glens and lochs to give this area a unique 'otherworldly' atmosphere.

The predominant nature of the path is narrow and benched into a steep cross slope leaving no alternative but to keep to single file. The problems have arisen on sections where there is no significant cross slope, at the start and intermittently along its entire length, where large groups tend to spread out beyond the width of the original path creating many alternate lines.

In 1993 repair work was undertaken to the main route into the Quiraing from the Staffin to Uig hillroad. It soon became clear however that the long narrow sections, sometimes as little as 250mm wide would have difficulty in sustaining the wear and tear caused by visitors to what is the second busiest footpath in Skye.

It was decided therefore to develop a lesser-known route starting from Flodigarry to ease the pressure. A spectacular route in its own right, skirting round two lochans and following twisting bench lines until it eventually meets the main path, it also creates the opportunity of a circular route of the whole area for the serious walker.

Further work was carried out on the main route to the Quiraing in 2006 by Skye Conservation services as part of the EAGGF project.
The narrow path traverses a steep cross slope and due to the pressure of visitor numbers some sections on the lower edge needed to be reinforced with stone to prevent the path slipping.

Start 440 679