The
Trotternish Peninsula is an area of land some 20 miles long and 8
miles wide, which is famous for its spectacular geological
features. The Trotternish Ridge is a 20-mile-long inland cliff
winding down the centre of the peninsula. Its whole length is
studded with fascinating rock formations, pinnacles and pillars,
the most famous of which are the Quiraing complex, between
Staffin and Uig, and the Old Man of Storr, which is nearer the
southern end.
As you tour the peninsula clockwise,
between Portree and Uig you see nothing but rolling moorland,
apart from the occasional intriguing glimpse of broken peaks in
the distance. But once you are north of Uig, things start to
become more dramatic. By driving round clockwise from Uig to
Portree, via Duntulm and Staffin, you are able to see the
unfolding of the Trotternish Ridge in its entirety.
There is also a road that goes direct from
Uig to Staffin right over the top of the ridge. Park at the
summit of this road for stunning views of the Quiraing close at
hand, Staffin Bay and the Sound of Raasay spread out beneath you,
and a panorama of the Wester Ross mountains in the distance. The
picture on the right shows this road winding its way towards
Staffin after its steep descent from the top of the ridge.
There are many other beautiful places to
visit along the minor roads in the area. Particularly recommended
are the Fairy Glen in Uig (shown above), the bay at Bornaskitaig,
and the road to Staffin Slipway. On the main road just south of
Staffin is a parking area where you can view the Kilt Rock (left)
and the waterfall where the river Mealt plunges 200 feet into the
sea.
Though there is enough in Trotternish to keep you occupied for a lifetime, we are not suggesting that you neglect the remainder of the Isle of Skye during your visit. The whole island is world-famous for its scenery, especially the Cuillin Mountains, Talisker Bay, MacLeod's Tables, the gardens and woods at Armadale, the castle grounds at Dunvegan, the sandy beach at Glenbrittle, and much much more.
Here are some pictures of scenery from other parts of the Isle of Skye
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For further pictures of the Trotternish Ridge, see the Trotternish Ridge Picture Album
Walking in Trotternish
Birds of Trotternish
Skye Scene Highland Ceilidh
The Early Church in Skye
A Short History of Crofting in Skye
Trotternish Ridge Picture Album
Skye Museum of Island Life
Bed and Breakfast Accommodation
Self-Catering Accommodation
Pictures strictly copyright © Sue Watkins (1,2,4,5), Patrick Butler (3), and Bill McGonagle (6-8)
All material on this site strictly
copyright © 1998-2000
Web design contact c.farmer@hunish.co.uk
