Trotternish Peninsula Isle of Skye
Dramatic peninsula of Skye, famed for its otherworldly landscapes, iconic rock formations, and stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Longer days, better light
Trotternish Peninsula Isle of Skye
Best Time
Longer days, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic peninsula of Skye, famed for its otherworldly landscapes, iconic rock formations, and stunning coastal views.
"Absolutely gorgeous area with banging views, truly breathtaking."
🚗 Rent a Car Early
Essential for exploring! Book well in advance, especially for automatic transmission.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Good footwear is a must for enjoying hikes safely.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Man of Storr
Trotternish Ridge
Iconic pinnacle rock formation offering dramatic views after a rewarding hike.
The Quiraing
Trotternish Peninsula
Otherworldly landscape of landslides, cliffs, and pinnacles. A hiker's paradise.
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
Trotternish Peninsula
Impressive sea cliffs resembling a kilt, with a stunning waterfall plunging into the sea.
Fairy Glen
Near Uig
A whimsical, miniature landscape of conical hills and winding paths. Pure magic!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trotternish Trot
Weather-Ready Explorer
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car Early
Essential for exploring! Book well in advance, especially for automatic transmission.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Good footwear is a must for enjoying hikes safely.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Layers, waterproofs, and windproofs are key. Skye's weather changes rapidly!
⏰ Allow Extra Time
Don't underestimate travel times between sights. Skye is bigger than it looks!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car Early
Essential for exploring! Book well in advance, especially for automatic transmission.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Good footwear is a must for enjoying hikes safely.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Layers, waterproofs, and windproofs are key. Skye's weather changes rapidly!
⏰ Allow Extra Time
Don't underestimate travel times between sights. Skye is bigger than it looks!
📸 Sunrise/Sunset Missions
Worth the early start or late finish for epic light on iconic spots.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Mobile signal can be spotty. Essential for navigation on the peninsula.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the 'breathtaking' and 'awesome' scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula, calling it an 'absolutely gorgeous area' with 'banging views'. The dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations are a major draw, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.
"Breath taking"
Janina Vernet
"Banging view , need I say any mare"
Jack Wayne
"Absolutely gorgeous area"
Scott Taylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Trotternish Peninsula is on the northern part of the Isle of Skye. You'll typically drive onto Skye via the Skye Bridge from the mainland (near Kyle of Lochalsh) or take a ferry. Once on Skye, follow the A87 north towards Portree, then continue on the A855 which circumnavigates the peninsula. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the peninsula's scattered attractions.
The main roads (A87 and A855) are generally well-maintained, but many single-track roads with passing places lead to smaller attractions. Drive cautiously, be mindful of other vehicles, and be prepared for sheep on the road!
While possible, it's challenging. Public transport is limited, and many key sights are spread out. Organized tours are an option, but a car offers the most flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Portree is the main town and a good base. From Portree, the A855 road heads north and east, providing access to most Trotternish attractions like the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing.
Most popular sites like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing have designated car parks, though they can fill up quickly during peak season. Some smaller spots may have limited or no parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing are natural landmarks and generally free to access. There might be parking fees at some popular trailheads, but entry to the sites themselves is free.
Kilt Rock is a natural cliff formation and is accessible at all times. There are no set opening hours.
Yes, the Skye Museum of Island Life typically has an admission fee. It's a small museum dedicated to preserving the island's heritage.
Dunvegan Castle is a historic attraction and usually requires an entrance fee. It's advisable to check their official website for current opening times and booking information.
The best way is to explore on foot! Many of the most stunning views require short to moderate hikes. Be prepared for varied terrain and weather.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The absolute must-sees include the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, and the Fairy Glen. Duntulm Castle ruins and the Skye Museum of Island Life are also popular.
The hike to the Old Man of Storr typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how much you stop for photos. It's a moderate hike with some steep sections.
The Quiraing offers various walking options. The main loop is a moderate hike, but can be challenging in parts due to uneven terrain and steep drops. Shorter walks are also possible.
You might spot various seabirds along the coast, seals, and if you're lucky, perhaps even some Highland cows! Keep an eye out for sheep grazing on the hillsides.
Yes, there are fossilized dinosaur footprints to be found on Skye, particularly on the west coast of the Trotternish Peninsula, such as at Duntulm.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Portree has the most options, from pubs to restaurants. Smaller villages might have cafes or seafood shacks. The Galley near Uig is recommended for fresh seafood.
Yes, Skye is known for its fresh seafood. Look for local restaurants and cafes, especially in coastal villages, for delicious mussels, fish, and other catches.
Options can be limited outside of Portree, but most cafes and restaurants will offer some vegetarian choices. Vegan options might require more specific searching or asking ahead.
Absolutely! The stunning scenery makes for perfect picnic locations. Grab supplies in Portree and find a scenic viewpoint to enjoy your meal.
Besides fresh seafood, look for local lamb dishes and traditional Scottish fare. Don't forget to try some local whisky if you're a fan!
📸 📸 Photography
The Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, Kilt Rock, Mealt Falls, and the Fairy Glen are all incredibly photogenic. The dramatic landscapes and changing light offer endless opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light, especially for the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. Golden hour can transform the already stunning landscapes.
A good quality camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expansive landscapes, and a tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures of waterfalls.
Yes, several local tour operators offer photography-focused tours, which can provide expert guidance on the best locations and times for capturing stunning images.
Explore different viewpoints. The main path offers great views, but venturing slightly off can reveal unique perspectives. Be mindful of the terrain and weather conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the Skye Museum of Island Life for an educational and engaging look at the past. While longer hikes like the Old Man of Storr might be challenging for very young children, the stunning views and unique rock formations will captivate older kids. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and be prepared for weather changes.
🚗 Road Trippers & Photographers
Don't forget your wide-angle lens for the expansive landscapes and a sturdy tripod for capturing the waterfalls and dramatic coastlines. Downloading offline maps is crucial as mobile signal can be unreliable.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Adventure Seekers
Be prepared for varied terrain, from well-maintained paths to rugged, uneven ground. Sturdy hiking boots are essential, and waterproofs are a must due to the unpredictable weather. Always inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking the Trotternish Ridge
The Quiraing presents a more extensive and varied hiking experience. It's a geological wonderland of landslides, cliffs, and hidden plateaus. You can opt for a shorter walk or tackle the full loop, which offers breathtaking vistas at every turn. Be prepared for uneven terrain and potential mud, especially after rain.
When hiking in Trotternish, always check the weather forecast, wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and let someone know your route and expected return time. The changeable Scottish weather means conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
Iconic Landmarks of Trotternish
Further north, the ruins of Duntulm Castle stand sentinel on a cliff edge, offering a glimpse into Skye's past and stunning coastal views. For a touch of enchantment, the Fairy Glen near Uig provides a whimsical, miniature landscape of grassy mounds and winding paths, sparking the imagination.
These landmarks, while popular, are spread out, emphasizing the need for a car to fully explore the peninsula's diverse attractions.
Experiencing Skye's Rural Charm
This idyllic lifestyle is often intertwined with the island's natural beauty, whether it's a snowy day spent indoors or a stormy morning appreciating the rugged coast. The Skye Museum of Island Life offers a tangible connection to this heritage, depicting life on the island a century ago during the crofting period.
For those seeking tranquility, the peninsula provides ample opportunities to simply soak in the atmosphere, from quiet villages to scenic drives. It's a place where the connection between people and the land is palpable.
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