Trotternish Loop Isle of Skye - Image 1
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Trotternish Loop Isle of Skye

5
·40 reviews·East Kilbride, United Kingdom

Explore the dramatic Trotternish Loop on Skye, a land of ancient landslips, iconic rock formations, and breathtaking coastal views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Longer days, better light

CrowdMedium
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Trotternish Loop Isle of Skye - Image 1

Trotternish Loop Isle of Skye

Best Time

Summer mornings

Longer days, better light

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the dramatic Trotternish Loop on Skye, a land of ancient landslips, iconic rock formations, and breathtaking coastal views.

5
(40 reviews)

"Absolutely breathtaking scenery, plenty of routes to choose from depending on how difficult a hike you want to take."

Vertical photo
TIP

Sturdy Boots Essential

Trails can be steep and slippery. Good hiking boots are crucial for safety and comfort on the Trotternish Loop. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for All Weathers

Rain, wind, and sun can all appear in one day. Waterproofs and layers are non-negotiable for the Trotternish Loop. :umbrella:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Old Man of Storr

Old Man of Storr

Trotternish Ridge

An iconic pinnacle rock formation offering dramatic views after a rewarding hike.

The Quiraing

The Quiraing

Trotternish Peninsula

A breathtaking landscape of landslips, cliffs, and unique rock formations. A must-see loop hike.

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

Trotternish Peninsula

Dramatic sea cliffs resembling a kilt, with a stunning waterfall plunging into the ocean.

Fairy Glen

Fairy Glen

Near Uig

A whimsical, miniature landscape of conical hills and winding paths, perfect for magical photos.

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Planning Your Visit

Weather-Ready Adventures

Skye's weather is famously unpredictable. Pack waterproofs, layers, and sturdy hiking boots, even in summer. Conditions can change rapidly, impacting visibility and trail safety. Check forecasts daily before setting out on the Trotternish Loop.

Timing is Everything

The Trotternish Loop is popular, especially in peak season. Consider visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds at key spots like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Longer days, better light
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring/Autumn afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, softer light
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Isle of Skye 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The locations in order as they appear - 1. Old Man of Storr is a 160-foot pinnacle rock formation situated atop Trotternish Ridge—a peninsula in the northeastern region of the Isle of Skye, created as the result of a colossal landslip. The Storr, which refers to the group of looming outcrops that include and surround the Old Man, is a title derived from the Norse word for ...
@castlesofscotland
30.7K likes • 276.4K views

Sturdy Boots Essential

Trails can be steep and slippery. Good hiking boots are crucial for safety and comfort on the Trotternish Loop. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for All Weathers

Rain, wind, and sun can all appear in one day. Waterproofs and layers are non-negotiable for the Trotternish Loop. :umbrella:

THE QUIRAING 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 👇 📍 Northern Trotternish peninsula, Isle of Skye This 6.8km loop is located north of Portree and takes an average of 2-4 hours to complete, though if you don't fancy hiking you can see some of the amazing views from the Quiraing Viewpoint near the car park. It's a pretty straightforward hike along an existing trail (for the most part), however, it can be very muddy and bogg...
adventureswithrebecca
0 likes • 12.3K views
Travelling in the magical loop of the trotternishpeninsulaisleofskye on the Isle of Skye, Scotland 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🥃🥃🥃🥃♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🐑♥️🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿♥️🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #trotternishpeninsula #trotternish #isleofskye #isleofskyescotland #scotland #relaxation
londonmums
17 likes • 142 views

Car is Key

A car is essential for exploring the Trotternish Loop at your own pace. Book rentals well in advance. :car:

Hike or Viewpoint?

You can enjoy stunning views from viewpoints or embark on longer hikes like the Quiraing loop. Choose based on your time and fitness. :hiking_boot:

Isle Of Skye Adventure 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 📍Trotternish Loop First up we do a 2/3hour hike up to the Old Man Of Stor, followed by a visit to Kilt Rock and then we finish at staffin beach looking foor dinosaur foot prints 🦖 This is only half of the loop! Stay tuned for our next part of the loop coming this summer♥️ #summer #summer2022 #scotland #scotlandhighlands #scotlandscenery #scotlandsummer #seescot...
haraxeni
9 likes • 321 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Sturdy Boots Essential

Trails can be steep and slippery. Good hiking boots are crucial for safety and comfort on the Trotternish Loop. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for All Weathers

Rain, wind, and sun can all appear in one day. Waterproofs and layers are non-negotiable for the Trotternish Loop. :umbrella:

Car is Key

A car is essential for exploring the Trotternish Loop at your own pace. Book rentals well in advance. :car:

Hike or Viewpoint?

You can enjoy stunning views from viewpoints or embark on longer hikes like the Quiraing loop. Choose based on your time and fitness. :hiking_boot:

Dinosaur Footprints

Visit Staffin Beach at low tide to search for dinosaur footprints – a unique find! :dinosaur:

What Travellers Say

5
(40 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Trotternish Loop for its absolutely breathtaking and magnificent scenery, describing it as quintessential Skye. The dramatic landscapes and unique geological formations are a major draw, offering incredible hiking opportunities. While some find the trails challenging, the views are widely considered worth every step. The area can get busy, but venturing further on trails leads to tranquil experiences.

"This was a challenging walk regarding the skye trail, but the view was worth every step."

Richard Kegel

"The Trotternish Ridge is one amazing hike, with many, many hills to climb, in either direction.
I did this during my 2023 Skye Trail and. The weather was truly awful! I had to wild camp on the ridge which was looking to be a very sketchy affair. I was told about the ‘waterfall’ as a good camp site, and so it turned out, fantastic level site next to the waterfall, absolutely saved my week!
So many hills need to be climbed, steep and slippery so have good boots, wet weather clothes and the latest maps.
Have fun!"

Paul Tooze (No Journey Too Small)

"Incredibly gorgeous, secluded and magnificent terrain, several access points to choose from, quintessential Skye scenery. Bring weatherproof gear and keep your fingers crossed that you won’t need it."

Chris Case

What People Like

Breathtaking scenery
Dramatic landscapes
Rewarding hikes

What People Dislike

Challenging trails
Crowded viewpoints

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Trotternish Loop is best accessed by car. You can rent a vehicle in major towns like Inverness or directly on the Isle of Skye. The loop itself is a scenic road trip, with various points of interest accessible from the main road. Many visitors start their loop from Portree, the island's largest town. Instagram

Public transport options are limited for exploring the Trotternish Loop comprehensively. While buses connect some villages, they don't offer the flexibility needed to stop at all the viewpoints and trailheads. A car is highly recommended for this area. Instagram

Yes, it's possible to drive the Trotternish Loop in one day, especially if you focus on the main viewpoints. However, to fully enjoy the hikes like the Old Man of Storr or the Quiraing, it's recommended to allocate at least two days. Instagram

Many visitors begin the Trotternish Loop from Portree, heading north. Alternatively, you can start from Uig. The loop is circular, so the starting point is flexible, but Portree offers the most amenities. Instagram

Parking is available at major attractions like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing, though it can get busy during peak season. Some parking areas are paid. Arriving early is advisable. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there are no entrance tickets required for the natural attractions along the Trotternish Loop, such as the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, or Kilt Rock. However, parking at some popular sites may incur a fee. Instagram

The Trotternish Loop is an open natural landscape, so there are no set opening hours. You can visit at any time, but daylight hours are best for sightseeing and hiking. Be mindful of driving in the dark on rural roads. Instagram

Yes, numerous guided tours operate on the Isle of Skye, including those that cover the Trotternish Loop. These can be a great option if you prefer not to drive or want local insights. TikTok

No, there is no admission fee to enter the Quiraing. It's a natural landscape accessible to all. Parking at the Quiraing car park may have a charge. Instagram

Parking at the Old Man of Storr is typically a paid service. The cost can vary, but it's usually a reasonable fee for the day, which helps maintain the facilities. Instagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The most popular hikes are the Old Man of Storr (moderate, 2-3 hours) and the Quiraing loop (moderate, 2-4 hours). Both offer incredible scenery. Staffin Beach is great for dinosaur footprints at low tide. Instagram+2

The Quiraing loop is approximately 6.8km and takes an average of 2-4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views. Instagram+1

Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. Layers of clothing are essential, including a waterproof and windproof outer shell. Bring a hat and gloves, even in summer. Reddit+1

Restroom facilities are limited and usually found at the main car parks for popular attractions like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. It's advisable to use facilities when you see them. Instagram

The main viewpoints are accessible with children, but longer hikes like the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr can be challenging for very young children due to steepness and uneven terrain. The Fairy Glen is more manageable for families. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options are scattered. Portree offers the most choices. Smaller villages may have cafes or pubs. It's wise to pack snacks and water, especially for longer hikes. Instagram

There are no restaurants directly at the Quiraing. The nearest significant dining options are in Uig or Portree. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenery. Instagram

You might find occasional food trucks or stalls at very popular spots during peak season, but they are not a reliable source of food. Planning your meals or bringing your own is recommended. Instagram

In Portree, options like The Granary and Sea Breezes are popular. For a unique experience, consider places like The Three Chimneys (requires booking far in advance) or Dulce & Brose for dinner. Instagram

Absolutely! Packing a picnic is a fantastic way to enjoy the stunning scenery. Find a scenic spot (responsibly, of course) and savor your meal with a view. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Iconic spots include the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, Kilt Rock with Mealt Falls, and the Fairy Glen. Each offers unique photographic opportunities. TikTokInstagram+1

Golden hours (sunrise and sunset) offer the most dramatic light. However, Skye's weather can be moody, so even overcast days can produce stunning, atmospheric shots. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the vast landscapes and dramatic scale of the Trotternish Peninsula. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details like the Old Man of Storr. Instagram

Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check current rules and guidelines from the Scottish government and local authorities before flying a drone. Respect private property and wildlife. Instagram

Venture off the main paths (safely and responsibly), capture the changing weather, and look for interesting foreground elements. The Fairy Glen offers quirky compositions. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Trotternish Loop offers a mix of accessible viewpoints and more challenging hikes. For families with younger children, the Fairy Glen is a fantastic, manageable option with its whimsical landscape. Instagram Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are easily viewed from a car park, making them great for all ages. Instagram

For the Old Man of Storr and Quiraing, consider the children's stamina and age. While the views are incredible, the hikes can be steep and long. Packing plenty of snacks, drinks, and ensuring everyone has appropriate footwear is key. Instagram+1 Staffin Beach offers the unique opportunity to look for dinosaur footprints at low tide, which can be a fun and educational activity. Instagram

🚗 Road Trippers

The Trotternish Loop is a quintessential road trip experience. Renting a car is essential, and booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. Instagram The loop itself is a scenic drive, with the A855 offering access to most major attractions. Be prepared for narrow, single-track roads and use passing places courteously. Instagram

Plan your stops to include iconic sights like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. Allow for flexibility in your itinerary, as Skye's weather can change rapidly, impacting driving conditions and photo opportunities. Consider dedicating at least two days to fully explore the loop without feeling rushed. Instagram+1

🥾 Hikers & Adventurers

For hikers, the Trotternish Peninsula is a paradise. The Quiraing loop is a must-do, offering a challenging yet rewarding trek through a unique geological landscape. Instagram+1 The hike to the Old Man of Storr is another iconic trail, known for its steep ascent and spectacular payoff. Instagram

Remember that conditions can be demanding. Always wear appropriate gear, including waterproofs and sturdy hiking boots. Reddit+1 Be aware of the terrain, which can be boggy and slippery. For more serious trekkers, the Trotternish Ridge itself offers multi-day hiking possibilities, but requires significant preparation and experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Hiking the Trotternish Ridge

The Trotternish Ridge offers some of the most spectacular hiking in Scotland. The Old Man of Storr is a popular, moderately challenging hike leading to a dramatic rock pinnacle. The trail can be steep and slippery, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is essential. TikTokInstagram+1

The Quiraing presents a more extensive loop walk, showcasing a landscape shaped by ancient landslips. This 6.8km circuit takes around 2-4 hours and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. While the main trail is well-defined, some sections can be uneven. Instagram+2

Important Note: Always check the weather forecast before embarking on any hike. Conditions on the ridge can change rapidly, and visibility can be severely reduced. Carrying a map and compass, or a GPS device, is advisable for longer treks. Reddit+1

Navigating the Trotternish Loop by Car

The Trotternish Loop is primarily a scenic drive, best experienced by car. The main road, the A855, winds its way through the peninsula, connecting key attractions. Renting a car provides the flexibility to stop at viewpoints, explore side roads, and adjust your itinerary based on weather and time. Instagram

Key Considerations for Driving: Roads can be narrow and winding, with single-track sections common. Be prepared to use passing places and be courteous to other drivers, including cyclists and local traffic. Parking is available at most major sites, but can be limited during peak tourist season. Arriving early or late can help secure a spot. Instagram+1

Planning Your Route: Many visitors choose to drive the loop clockwise or counter-clockwise from Portree. Popular stops include the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Mealt Falls, Staffin Beach, and the Quiraing. Allow ample time for stops, photos, and short walks to truly appreciate the dramatic scenery. Instagram

The Magic of Skye's Landscapes

The Trotternish Peninsula is a geological wonderland, sculpted by volcanic activity and dramatic landslips. This has created a landscape of otherworldly beauty, characterized by towering rock formations, rugged cliffs, and sweeping glens. The Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing are prime examples of this unique topography, drawing visitors from around the globe. TikTokInstagram

Beyond the famous landmarks, the peninsula offers a sense of wild, untamed beauty. The Fairy Glen, with its miniature, almost surreal hills, adds a touch of enchantment to the region. Instagram Even the coastline is dramatic, with features like Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls offering spectacular views of the sea. Instagram

This dramatic scenery is not just visually stunning; it evokes a sense of awe and wonder. The ever-changing light and weather conditions on Skye further enhance the atmosphere, making each visit a unique experience. It’s a place where nature’s power is on full display, leaving a lasting impression on all who explore it. Reddit