Highlands Hiking – Quiraing, Isle of Skye

Previous: Highlands Hiking – Coulags

Highlands Hiking – Quiraing, Isle of Skye

July 5

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we shuttled to nearby Trotternish, a peninsula on the northeast end of the Isle of Skye. The dramatic ridgeline here, formed by a massive landslide, extends for nearly 20 miles and is marked by plunging cliffs, green plateaus and rocky pinnacles. Again, the weather prevented us from seeing much of this, but still amazing.

We set out on a trail through steep green hillsides and past craggy peaks on the peninsula’s eastern face before climbing up along the pinnacles and cliffs of the Quiraing Isle of Skye. The group needed to traverse a dangerous nook in the craggy and wet cliffside, requiring people to assist one another to be sure nobody fell into the abyss below. A couple of the hikers in the group opted to turn around at this point instead of trying to pass.

The reward for almost dying was very well worth it. The scenery just got more and more amazing as we proceeded. After about another mile just four of us, plus a guide, made it to the dramatic remote high Highland endpoint in wind and rain where we all nearly got blown away by the intense wind. We hiked about 6 miles, and man did we get wet!

Portree

Upon returning, we joined the rest of the group who were already at a nearby restaurant for lunch.  Then we headed back to Portree and the terrific Cullin Hills Hotel.

That early evening we were treated to a private whiskey tasting at the hotel.  Here we were supposed to learn the differences between whiskeys, and the proper way to taste whiskey.  Emilie and I failed at both.  Afterward, we walked to downtown Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye, about 5 minutes away for dinner on our own. We hung out with or pals John, Ann, and Charlie.

Next:  Highlands Hiking – Point of Sleat, Skye