The very arduous and challenging second stage of the Skye Trail climbs from Flodigarry beneath the amazing rock formations of The Quiraing before continuing south on the Trotternish Ridge towards the Storr before a final descent to the road and bus stop. The rewards are tremendous - this must be one of the most dramatic ridge traverses in Britain. The stage is very long, and apart from a summer snack van after the Quiraing, there are no services on this section and no accommodation at the end; start early. If not wild camping it will be necessary to either get a taxi - or a bus if you are lucky - either onto Portree or back to Staffin for the night.
Summary
Tough hillwalking on pathless ridge with much steep ascent and descent.
Terrain
NG464719
Grid ref
28.5km/17.75 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Users'
rating
Bus number 57 from Portree. Ask to get off at foot of Loch Langaig footpath - 0.5km
north from the roadside picnic area by the loch at Dunans.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. If starting from Flodigarry hostel walk up the driveway and turn south (left) along the road until you reach the signed footpath heading through a gate on the right after a layby, for Loch Langaig. Start here if alighting from the bus or return here from accommodation in Staffin. Pass this Loch and then Loch Hasco, with great views out over Flodigarry island towards the mountains of Torridon on the mainland. Continue uphill and when below the crags of the Quiraing turn left on a footpath which contours beneath the dramatic crags, crossing a stile over a fence and passing beneath an overhang at one point.
2. The path then climbs slightly to arrive at the heart of the Quiraing. On the left is the dramatic triple summit of the Prison - which can be traversed by brave and competent scramblers, whilst above to the right is the main area of landslips, with the detached 'Needle' prominent. This has been ascended by rock-climbers but is desperately loose. From here descend a brief loose section of path before continuing on a narrow but clear path which contours the steep slopes. There is one slightly tricky rocky gully to cross before the path reaches a parking area at the summit of the Staffin - Uig hill road - there is sometimes a snack bar here in the summer.
3. Cross the road and continue on the opposite side, passing a false summit on a grassy platform before a short descent and final climb reaches the summit of Bioda Buidhe. In clear weather there are good views over Staffin Bay and the Quiraing. In poorer weather be careful not to lose the edge of the escarpment. A steep descent takes you to Bealach Uige from where the long, steady climb ahead up the flank of Beinn Edra can be seen. The summit at 611m is not seen until the last minute but has great views when it is reached.
4. From here the ridge narrows a little and crosses four more gently undulating summits before descending to a wide bealach after Creag a' Lain. Beyond, the ridge climbs again to the projecting peak, Sgurr a'Mhadaidh Ruaidh, the peak of the Red Fox, the summit of which is reached by a detour across a narrow grassy neck. From the summit of Sgurr a Mhadaidh Ruaidh, you can look down on Loch Cuithir and make out the lines of the old diatomite railway. On a clear day you should get a good view of the islands of Rona and Raasay with the mainland peaks in the far distance.
5. From here continue to hug the edge of the escarpment and climb to the higher peak of Baca Ruadh. The ridge then undulates until it steeply drops down a broken rocky slope to Bealach Hartaval. The summit of Hartaval at 669 m is reached after a short but steep climb - on a fine day there are good views west over Loch Snizort. The ridge descends to Bealach a' Chuirn with some rocky outcrops which are easily skirted round. From the bealach the route finding for the path down the Storr can be very challenging. Climb ENE to meet the ridge that, if followed to the right, leads up to the summit of the Storr. The descent path actually runs across the steep slope ahead below the ridge crest, so head left along the ridge until it is possible to descend a grassy section of the slope on the right to meet the path. Once gained, follow the path to the right, traversing the grassy bowl of the corrie.
6. Further round the path descends a small rocky scramble, take care here, especially in wet weather. Beyond the path becomes clearer and leads right to a fence with a broken stile. Cross this and continue on the path. The view here to the Old Man and the nearer Needle rock, backed by the Storr Lochs, is a classic. Aim to the left of the Old Man where a much clearer path is picked up, evidence of the Storr's popularity in all weathers. Once through a gate and along a clear path that zig zags down through the forestry. If wild camping it may be best to find a spot before the trees are reached. The path reaches the car park at a gate and information board. The bus stop is a short way south along the A855 in the direction of Portree. The nearest B&B's are in Portree and Staffin, and there are hotels in Portree and the Glenview Hotel at Culnacnoc to the north. The Trail can then be picked up by returning by bus to this point on the following morning.
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