Quiraing
Mountain Dramatic landslip on Skye offering striking rock formations.
The northern end of the Trotternish Ridge on the Isle of Skye, with jagged rock pinnacles and a looped hiking route; walkers and photographers visit for dramatic cliff views and geological formations.
The Quiraing is a dramatic landslip on the Trotternish Ridge of the Isle of Skye, Scotland, notable for striking rock formations and cliffscapes. The site is a distinctive geological feature formed by ancient mass movement on the ridge.
The landscape was created by a massive landslip and subsequent erosion following the last ice age; the resulting topography produced the tall pinnacles, cliffs and hollows that define the site today.
Situated on the northeastern section of the Trotternish Ridge on the Isle of Skye, the Quiraing lies in a sparsely settled, rugged area of northern Skye and is accessed from the island’s road network.
- Notable features: Key rock formations are commonly referred to as The Needle, The Table and The Prison and are reachable via a well-used footpath on the Trotternish Ridge.
- Activities: The walk across the Quiraing is a popular hiking route on the Isle of Skye and is frequented by photographers and walkers for its dramatic scenery.
What to See #
- The Needle: A tall pinnacle of rock formed by erosion and landslip, rising conspicuously above the ridge and visible from the main trail.
- The Table: A flat-topped plateau-like rock feature created by the landslip, lying adjacent to the cliff edge and offering broad views.
- The Prison: A sheltered hollow or amphitheatre-like formation within the landslip that appears as an enclosed rock 'prison'.
How to Get to Quiraing #
Quiraing lies on the Trotternish peninsula of the Isle of Skye. From Portree, drive north on the A855 to Staffin then follow the single-track road up to the Quiraing car park (allow 25-40 minutes). The access road is narrow and can be busy in summer; many visitors park at Staffin and walk.
Tips for Visiting Quiraing #
- Do the full Quiraing circuit (about 4-6 km) to see the Needle, the Table, and the Prison from multiple angles.
- Avoid the narrow single-track access road at peak times - park at Staffin and walk if the lot near the Quiraing is full.
- Bring waterproof layers; the weather changes fast and the path can be muddy and slippery.
Best Time to Visit Quiraing #
Best visited May-September for longer daylight and safer walking conditions; avoid winter when access and weather are treacherous.
Weather & Climate near Quiraing #
Quiraing's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1693 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (178 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (177 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (204 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
