The spectacular Quiraing gives a classic hill-walk. This circuit heads out above the escarpment and returns along its base.
Summary
Mix of steep heather slopes and good paths
Terrain
NG440679
Grid ref
7km/4.25 miles
Distance
Grade
Summit of the minor road between Staffin and Uig
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No direct public transport. Nearest bus stop 3km at Brogaig, Staffin next to Pieces of Ate takeaway/deli (Bus 57).
Open Traveline Scotland
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Pronunciation
and meaning
1. Park at the summit of the minor road linking Staffin and Uig. It is a busy spot but there are usually plenty of spaces. The walk starts on the north side of the road, marked by a footpath sign to Flodigarry. After about 300 metres, head off left and climb steeply up the grassy hillside. The slope briefly relents by a grass-grown drystone dyke, but continue climbing ahead until reaching a path leading across the slope at a high level.
2. Follow this path to the right. It leads to a gate through a fence.Pass through the gate and take the branch path to the right. This soon leads to the edge of the cliffs above the Quiraing, with spectacular views looking down on the flat area known as the Table and bizarre formations below. You'll probably see tiny figures wandering around the Table who have climbed the steep slope from below – much better to look down on it from here! The outlook across the sea and Staffin Bay to the Torridon mountains, with Beinn Alligin and Slioch prominent, is equally magnificent.
3. The high point of the escarpment is just to the north. Continue close to the edge of the cliffs, rounding several gullies, until a clear path is met descending to the Fir Bheugach, the col between Meall na Suiramach and Sron Vourlinn. There are great views on the descent of Kilmaluag Bay straight ahead. If you want to extend the walk, it is possible to include a visit to the spectacular clifftop of Sron Vourlinn by continuing along the ridge from the col. Otherwise, descend a steep zigzagging path down to the east from the col. The passage of many feet has worn this into a deep trench. At the bottom of the descent, turn right on a clear path below the cliffs.
4. The return walk follows the cliff-bottom path all the way back to the start. It crosses a curious area of small pinnacles before crossing a drystone wall and cutting across steeper grass slopes. After rounding a corner beneath an overhanging rock, the path 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. The easiest start is on the path at the far (southwest) end. 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.
5. Visiting the table involves climbing and descending a steep, eroded scree slope and can be omitted. To include it, head up to the left of the needle, and then continue up the wide gully beyond. The route swings left of the buttress ahead, continuing a steep ascent, until reaching more amenable grassy slopes with amazing pinnacles and buttresses all around. The Table is on top of the flat buttress ahead, and can be ascended by passing it to the left and following a path up the back. After visiting the table, descent back down past the Needle by the route of ascent.
6. Continue on the cliff bottom path towards the start of the walk. The terrain is spectacular but the path is excellent, with only one slight difficulty where it crosses a rocky gully.
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