Complete Guide To the Quiraing Walk on the Isle of Skye
One of my favourite landscapes on the Isle of Skye, this is a complete guide on the Quiraing Walk: the trail, parking, and how to avoid the crowds.
Written by: Lesley Stewart | June 2025
There’s something otherworldly about the Quiraing walk. Even after many visits, it never fails to leave me speechless. A quintessential Skye destination, the landscape feels ancient and dramatic, as though a giant’s hand once gripped the land and crumpled it like paper.
After several trips, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to the Quiraing, Skye, to help you plan your trip.
Towers of rock, secret glens, and ridgelines that seem to go on forever make this one of the most rewarding hikes on the Isle of Skye. But it can be a little daunting if you’ve never done it before.
As a travel planner specialising in Skye, I often get asked how to tackle the Quiraing - what to expect, where to park, whether it’s difficult, and when to go.
ULTIMATE ISLE OF SKYE ITINERARY:
Before you dive in, discover our carefully curated, five-star rated Skye road trip itinerary, a day-by-day guide and carefully curated list of places to visit, see, and experience, as well as hotels, eateries, shops, and other hidden gems on Scotland’s most magical island. Download it here.
I’ve walked this trail in all seasons: in June sun, thick October mist, and once during a howling February storm that nearly carried my camera off a cliff (readers, I do not recommend this). So this post is for those of you at the start of your Skye adventure and wondering if the Quiraing should be on your list (spoiler: it absolutely should).
Below, I’ll break everything down in detail, so you know how to prepare, what to expect on the Quiraing trail, and why timing is everything. Whether you're here for the drama of the scenery or the joy of discovering Skye’s wilder side on foot, I hope this guide helps you make the most of it.
Quiraing Walk Summary
Here’s a quick guide to walking the Quiraing on Skye (full details on everything below!):
Distance: 6.5 km (4 miles) loop.
Time: 2 to 3 hours, depending on pace and stops.
Difficulty: Moderate, with some rocky and narrow sections.
Best time: Sunrise or early morning before the crowds arrive.
Car park: £3 for 3 hours, £5 for all day (card/contactless available).
Highlights: The Needle, The Table, and panoramic views over Staffin Bay.
Toilets: None at the trailhead; use facilities in Staffin or Portree.
Wear: Waterproof boots or sturdy shoes (the trail can be muddy and rocky) and waterproofs (for the unpredictable Scottish weather).
Travel tip: The best way to explore Scotland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Scotland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Driving in Scotland is easy, but first-time visitors should read my tips on how to drive Scottish single-track roads before starting your journey to Skye.
What is the Quiraing?
The Quiraing is a vast, surreal landscape of jagged cliffs, crumpled hills, and dramatic rock pinnacles—unlike anywhere else on the Isle of Skye. It’s part of the Trotternish Ridge, a long line of ancient landslips that define the peninsula's spine and shape much of its otherworldly scenery.
Formed by one of the largest landslides in the UK, the Quiraing looks and feels more like the backdrop to a fantasy film than a natural landscape.
Walking here is like stepping into another world, with Jurassic age fossils, giant steps made of lava, eerie rock formations and strange pinnacles, and shifting light that makes the whole scene feel alive.
How to Drive the Quiraing Road
Reaching the Quiraing requires driving one of Skye’s most iconic (and occasionally nerve-wracking) roads—a steep, winding single-track switchback that climbs dramatically from the village of Staffin.
The views as you ascend are breathtaking, but this road is not for the faint-hearted.
It’s narrow, with sharp bends, limited visibility, and very few passing places. I’ve driven this route more times than I can count, and I’ve seen plenty of tricky situations: cars stalled on the slope, long queues caused by hesitant drivers, and visitors unsure of how to use the passing places or when they should reverse.
If you're not used to single-track roads, take it slow, be patient, and stay alert. Always give way to uphill traffic where you can, and pull into passing places promptly to avoid creating blockages. Arriving early in the day helps avoid the worst of the congestion.
And trust me, the view from the top is worth every careful corner.
Insider tip: if you’re feeling unsure about tackling the steep switchback road, there’s a good alternative: park at the layby near the bottom of the hill (you’ll spot it across from a small cemetery) and follow the lower trail described below. Afterwards, you can easily rejoin the main road through Staffin and continue your journey to Portree or Uig.
And if you do drive to the top of the Quiraing, you don’t necessarily have to come back down the same way - simply continue over the ridge and follow the road down towards Uig, avoiding the trickiest part of the road.
Parking at the Quiraing
The Quiraing trail starts from a designated car park at the top of the single-track road connecting Staffin and Uig, just over a 10-minute drive from either village. The car park is relatively small and fills up quickly, especially from late morning onwards.
Cost: £3 for up to 3 hours or £5 for the day (I recommend the 3-hour option, it should be plenty of time)
Payment: Contactless or cash
Location: Search "Quiraing Car Park" or use coordinates 57.6240, -6.2862
The car park sits at the edge of the cliffs, offering jaw-dropping views before you start the walk. And yes, it’s exposed - so if it’s windy, be prepared to feel it!
If you arrive for sunrise or early in the morning (before 9 a.m.), you’ll get a spot with no trouble and will share the trail only with other early risers and photographers.
💡 All the key details—including exact car parks, recommended food stops, and how to link places like the Quiraing with nearby highlights—are included in my detailed Skye itinerary. It’s a downloadable guide designed to make your trip planning effortless, with tried-and-tested routes based on my time exploring the island.
The Quiraing Walk
There are three route options at the Quiraing. Each is a moderate hike with narrow, uneven paths, rocky sections, and short scrambles.
Full Quiraing loop: The whole loop is a circular route, and at about 6.5 km (4 miles), it takes around 2 to 3 hours. The first half follows a narrow path under the cliffs, while the return leg climbs to the ridge for more sweeping views. The trail can become muddy and slippery, particularly after rain, so take care and allow extra time.
This is a pretty challenging hike, requiring stamina, sturdy footwear, and care, especially after rain.
Out & back: Most visitors stick to the out-and-back route, which takes you as far as the Needle and back along the same path. This shorter version is about 3.5 km return, reasonably flat, and offers excellent views without committing to the full circuit. The terrain is still rocky, and I recommend you wear sturdy footwear; trust me, this isn’t a place for sandals or city shoes!
Bottom trail: Alternatively, you can park at the bottom of the hill (this avoids the infamous switchback road) and join the trail around midway; the views from beneath are lesser-seen and spectacular, but there is a steeper, hilly section to contend with.
Top tip: Take it slow, especially along narrow ledges and rocky sections. And if visibility drops (which it can, fast), don’t hesitate to turn back - it’s not worth risking a broken ankle or worse.
Main Quiraing Viewpoints
The Quiraing hike is filled with “wow” moments. One spring morning, I sat with a flask of island coffee just beyond the Needle and watched a sea of cloud fill the glen below, while golden light touched the tops of the rock formations. It’s still one of my favourite Skye memories.
Even if you don’t complete the whole loop, the out-and-back section includes most of the highlights, and you’ll find a map and information point in the upper car park:
The Needle: A jagged, vertical rock spire that dominates the skyline. Best viewed from the lower part of the path, especially when morning light hits it.
The Table: A flat, grassy plateau surrounded by cliffs. You’ll need to detour up a steep path to reach it, but the view back across the ridge is worth the climb.
The Prison: A rock formation that resembles a medieval fortress. It’s especially photogenic when shrouded in low cloud.
Ridge views: On a clear day, you’ll see across to the Torridon hills and down over Staffin Bay. Honestly, it’s breathtaking.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Quiraing?
Without question, sunrise on the Quiraing is the magic hour. Not only will you avoid the bus tours and mid-morning crowds, but the light at that time adds a golden glow to the rock formations and creates incredible photo opportunities.
However, I recommend hiking the Old Man of Storr first if you haven’t already (as early as you’re willing to rise) and heading straight to the Quiraing afterwards. Doing this means you’ll beat the mid-morning crowds, enjoy both walks in relative quiet, and catch the Quiraing’s otherworldly contours in the most beautiful light of the day.
It’s one of my favourite combinations on Skye!
Top tip: The trail is open year-round, but winter brings snow, ice, and limited daylight. I’ve walked it in January with crampons and a headtorch, but that’s definitely not for inexperienced walkers.
Your Post-Quiraing Brunch
After your hike, it’s time for a well-earned brunch.
Make your way down to The Hungry Gull in Staffin. This small, laid-back café is a local favourite and one I return to again and again - not just for the food (which is delicious) but also for the friendly welcome.
Their venison hash, black pudding eggs benedict, and home-baked cakes are all standout dishes. And the coffee, roasted locally by Caora Dhubh, is hands-down the best you’ll find this side of Portree.
For me, there’s no better way to refuel after a Quiraing hike than sitting outside in my mud-splashed boots, flat white in hand, watching a well-earned brunch plate make its way to the table. The Hungry Gull has become one of my absolute favourite cafés on the island; a little gem with big flavour.
If you’d rather not head back downhill (or you’re planning to continue over the ridge towards Uig), the Quiraing Food Truck offers a quick, convenient alternative for a casual lunch. Parked right at the summit, choose from burgers, bacon rolls, hot dogs and hot drinks, all served with a side of spectacular views.
It’s a popular spot that usually opens around 10 a.m. and runs until about 3pm., though hours can vary slightly with weather and season.
What to do Nearby
The Quiraing sits on the Trotternish Peninsula, a breathtaking northern stretch of Skye where many of the island’s most iconic landscapes are clustered within easy reach of one another. This dramatic ridge-and-coastline region is home to standout stops like Staffin Beach, Brothers Point, and the unmissable Old Man of Storr.
After exploring the Quiraing, you’ve got two excellent options: continue north along the Trotternish Loop towards Rubha Hunish, the island’s most northerly headland with sweeping sea views and a chance of spotting whales and sea eagles.
Or, if you’re ready to relax, retrace your route back to Portree and spend the afternoon wandering the harbourfront, popping into shops, or enjoying a well-earned bite to eat.
Wrap Up: Why the Quiraing Walk Is Worth It
If you only do one hike on the Isle of Skye, let it be the Quiraing (though I’ll always argue the Storr is equally epic). It's not the highest or hardest trail, but it's the one that most captures the wild, mythic soul of the island. No photo ever quite does it justice, and no matter how many times I go, I always find something new - a different angle of light, a hidden path, a moment of stillness amid the elements.
So bring your boots, a waterproof layer, and some patience with the weather. The reward is one of Scotland's most unforgettable landscapes.
