The Quiraing – Under the Cliffs and Back Along the Top

The Quiraing is the great landslip at the north end of the Trotternish ridge, a jumble of cliffs, pinnacles and green hollows high above Staffin Bay.

The circuit from the top of the Staffin to Uig road runs under the cliffs past the Prison and the Needle and comes back along the clifftop, a little over four miles in three to four hours. It's rough and steep in places, close to big drops, so it suits sure-footed walkers on a clear, still day.

Time

Three to four hours for the loop, a little over four miles; half an hour for the view from the car park.

The path

A good path at first, then rough and rocky, with a short scramble across a gully and a bank of loose scree; the way back over the top is exposed and close to the cliff edge.

Where to start

Highland Council pay and display car park at the top of the single-track road from Staffin to Uig: £3 up to 3 hours, £6 up to 6, charged 8am to 8pm every day, so the loop needs the six-hour ticket. If it is full, the council's roadside bays further west towards Uig. Never on the verges, hairpins or passing places.

Set off

Early, or from mid-afternoon in summer, when the car park is quieter; from November to February on the path by 11am.

When to go

All year in daylight, on a clear, still day; three to four hours for the loop.

Dogs

On a lead: sheep graze the steep slopes beside the path. A dog has to be lifted over the stiles and steadied across the rocky gully. Little water on the path: carry some.

Children

Steep drops beside the path and an exposed cliff edge on the way back: for older children who are steady on their feet, held close.

Toilets

None at the car park; the nearest are at Staffin.

Before you set out

No toilets or food at the car park: the last are at Staffin. The path is not for strong wind or mist: the way back runs along the cliff edge. The council shuts the road over the pass in snow and ice; it is not gritted.