Explore the Trotternish Ridge: The Old Man of Storr & Quiraing

From the carpark you’ll enjoy good paths up to the edge of the Storr Woods before taking a rougher path to the final gate at the base of the famous basalt pinnacle that is the Old Man of Storr. The pinnacle dominates the landscape but there are other rock formations to explore amongst the Sanctuary just below the main cliff. Be aware of rockfall after heavy rain. The ‘Needle’ nearby has a window which is perhaps why it has another name – the Cathedral.

The round trip is about 4.5km and 288 metres of ascent and I’d recommend you allow about 2hrs to fully enjoy the landscape and views to the east of the Isles of Rona and Raasay with the Applecross peninsula behind. The tracks above the Storr woodland can become muddy and slippy during and after heavy rain so be careful when coming down and near steep drops around the pinnacles.

If you are feeling adventurous and the weather is clear then make the ascent of An Storr from the Sanctuary. It adds an extra 4km and nearly 400metres of ascent and another 2 to 3 hours but the vistas are grand.

Pause here and take in views to the Western Isles, the Cuillins and the Highland mainland. Look out for Loch Leathan and Loch Fada, known together as Storr Lochs on the other side of the road below to the east.

• The path from the graveyard is slightly shorter, around 3 km, but steeper than the lower path. Importantly it avoids the gully if anyone of your group is less able to cope with steep rocky sections.
• The paths are often muddy and uneven in places depending on the weather so do wear proper footwear.
• This is also an alternative if you find it difficult to park at Maoladh Mor.

• If the weather is wild and wet I’d favour the lower path below the cliffs to the Table Rock but despite the rainy weather, you will have atmospheric views as the cloud and mist billows around the rocky outcrops.
• It’s 4 to 5kms round trip and partway along the lower path, there is an excursion into a gully. It can be tricky and exposed for some, but if taken cannily, and with a helping hand leads to one of the most dramatic places in Skye.

• From Maoladh Mor take the Quiraing Circuit along the upper path so that you look down on to the Table.
• The circuit continues down below the cliffs about a kilometre to the north and back round.
• This circuit is 7kms so allow about 3.5hrs at least to appreciate the views and dramatic scenery.