Skye Trail 2: Flodigarry to The Storr

Summary

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.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Tough hillwalking on remote ridge with a great deal of steep ascent and descent. This stage is extremely exposed to bad weather - in particular strong winds. In such conditions those attempting the Skye Trail will need to either wait out for a better day, or avoid this stage entirely using the bus service. There have been frequent rescues of those attempting the ridge in unsuitable conditions.

Getting there

Start

Flodigarry.

Public Transport

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.

Start Grid Ref

NG464719

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Services

There is a hotel at Flodigarry but no other facilities along this stage apart from a coffee shop at the end.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 27.7km / 17.25 miles
Time: 8.5 - 10 hours
Ascent: 1700m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Starting from the Flodigarry bus stop and turning on the A855, begin the stage by heading south along the A855 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.

Stage 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.

Stage 3

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. 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.

Stage 4

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. The ridge drops slightly to Bealach a' Mhoramhain; from here there is a possible emergency escape route by descending west into Glen Uig. Continuing the Skye Trail route, the ridge narrows a little and crosses Beinn Mheadhonach, Groba nan Each and Flasvein before reaching the Bealach na Leacaidh, from where another emergency escape route descends west into Glen Hinnisdal.

Stage 5

Cross Creag a' Lain; after a steeper descent the ridge climbs again to the projecting peak, Sgùrr 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 Sgùrr 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. From here continue to hug the edge of the escarpment and climb to the higher peak of Baca Ruadh.

Stage 6

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' Chùirn 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.

Stage 7

Climb ENE to meet the broad north side of the Storr; pass just right of a large rock outcrop. Nearby is a small cairn marking a path that descends an easy grassy slope, to meet a path that contours across the slopes of Coire Scamadal. Turn right along this easy path, traversing the grassy bowl of the corrie. 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 stile.

Stage 8

Cross this The view here to the Old Man and the nearer Needle rock, backed by the Storr Lochs, is a classic. To avoid ground recovering from erosion, aim to the right of the Cathedral Rock (which has a window through it) before descending between it and the Old Man where a much clearer path is picked up, evidence of the Storr's popularity in all weathers. Turn left to descend this path.

Stage 9

Once through a gate the broad path continues downhill; ignore smaller paths off right. The path reaches the car park (parking charge) 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 a hostel. The Trail can then be picked up by returning by bus to this point on the following morning.

Next stage: The Storr to Portree

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