Isle of Skye
The Quiraing
The Quiraing is a landslip on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish Ridge on the Isle of Skye. The whole of the Trotternish Ridge escarpment was formed by a great series of landslips; the Quiraing is the only part of the slip still moving, the road at its base near Flodigarry requires repairs each year.
Parts of the distinctive landscape have earned particular names. The Needle is a jagged 120-foot high landmark pinnacle, a remnant of landslipping. Northwest of it is The Table, a flat grassy area slipped down from the summit plateau, with vistas of the Torridon Hills and the mountains of Wester Ross. Southwest is the Prison, a pyramidal rocky peak which can look like a medieval keep when viewed from the right angle - the ascent of this is an airy scramble.
Quiraing (in Gaelic, Cuith-Raing) comes from Old Norse Kvi Rand, which means Round Fold. Within the fold is The Table, an elevated plateau hidden amongst the pillars. It is said that the fold was used to conceal cattle from Viking raiders. |
| Distance |
Time |
Elevation in meters |
Km |
Elapsed
Hrs-Mins |
Moving
Hrs-Mins |
Gain |
Loss |
Min |
Max |
| 7.23 |
3H50 |
2H10 |
448 |
448 |
253 |
535 |
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The hairpin road leading to the car park at the top
Cuith-Raing (The Quiraing)
At the car park, ready for off
Jim, Sue & Lesley... the intrepid hikers!
Looking south in the direction of the Old Man of Storr
The trail follows the contours across the slope
The Needle on the left, and The Prison on the right
The Prison
The Needle
The Needle
The Table
Looking back along the path
The path climbs up onto the ridge
Heading up towards Meall na Suiramach
Looking out to sea
The route back down from Meall na Suiramach to the car park
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