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Latest Isle of Skye hotel reviews
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A 'coral' beach on Skye????
It just can't be!
Well, it isn't. What's called 'coral' is actually a type of algae coralline or mearl. The mearl is crushed by waves into tiny pieces and than bleached by sun - the final result is a shining white beach, another hidden gem on Skye.
We visited the beach twice. First time we went on a sunny morning, we spent a few hours there, lazing on the beach, walking up the lump above it (Cnoc Mor a Ghrobain) and enjoying the views. Second time we came in the late afternoon, after two days of heavy rain and we had the beach to ourselves. It was still drizzling while we were walking to the beach, but then the sun came out from behind the clouds. We spotted three seals playing in the bay - they went underwater several times and each time they popped up a bit closer. We were so overwhelmed by the seals that we missed the sunset and had to retrace our steps back to the car park in the dark.
The walk starts from the car park in Claigan. There's an information board with details about the walk. The track can be a bit boggy in some parts, and you'll have to cross a small stream at some point, but you'll forget everything once you reach the 'coral paradise'.
Updated Jan 15, 2012
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Trotternish is the northermost peninsula of the Isle of Skye, extending from Portree to it's northernmost end at Rubha Hunish. It is dominated by bizzare geological formations of a spectacular Trotternish ridge, over 30 km long inland cliff, which runs the full length of the peninsula.
The best way to explore the odd lava rocks, pinnacles and cliffs of Trotternish is to take the30 km long ridge walk. However, you can still explore the most impressive parts of it by taking shorter walks, especially to The Old Man of Storr walk and The Quiraing.
The buses in the area are scarce, and I strongly suggest renting a car. The coastal road A855 all around the peninsula is one of the most scenic roads I've ever seen. There are plenty of nice viewpoints along the road to explore the area a bit further. The lenght of A855 is 50 km and you can easily drive it in 1,5 hour, but if you want to really enjoy the outstanding views and this unique scenery it will take you much longer than a couple of hours. In my opinion, a lifetime isn't enough, and no matter how long you stay, you'll wish you had a little more time!
If you find yourself lacking time to explore the whole peninsula properly, but would still like to get the gist of the area, I suggest taking the A855 road from Portree to Staffin, and then turning to the minor road from Staffin to Uig that goes over the top of the Trotternish ridge.
Updated Jan 4, 2012
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The Quiraing is a fascinating landslip on the Trotternish peninsula with many distinctive features. Some of them have even earned their names: The Needle is a high pinnacle, The Prison is a pyramidal rock, and The Table is a flat, green plateau.
The circular walk via summit Meall na Suiramach is 7 km long and starts from the car park on the Staffin-Uig road (follow the sign 'Flodigarry via Quiraing“).
To see the details and map check www.walkhighlands.co.uk.
For more photos of Quiraing walk, check my The Quiraing walk travelogue.
Updated Jan 4, 2012
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Elgol is a small fishing village scattered around the moorland at the point of the Strathaird peninsula. The reason why Elgol should be on your list when visiting Isle of Skye is it's location – it's perfectly located to get the best possible view of the Cuillin from a distance. Also, it has a lovely beach covered by large pebbles and rock slabs, with a huge overhanging 'honeycomb' cliff which has weathered out. It's just a perfect place for a picnic on a warm day. You can also take a short walk to Prince Charlie's Cave which was the last hiding spot for Bonnie Prince Charlie (for directions follow this link).
Finally, if you have time and you want to see more of the Cuillins but don't want to walk for miles, you can book a boat trip to Loch Coruisk. The trip is offered by two companies from Elgol: Bella Jane Boat Trips and Misty Isle Boat Trips.
Updated Jan 1, 2012
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Neist Point is the most westerly point on Skye and another must-see spot for those into bird/whale watching, beautiful sunsets and short walks. A short (but steep) walk from the car park and down the steps takes you all the way to the Neist Point lighthouse, which was built by D. Stevenson in 1909. Although the lighthouse is not open to the public, you can still explore the area (weather permitting), especially rock formations of the basalt causeway. A less known thing about the Neist Point is that it was used as a setting for filming Lars Von Trier's 'Breaking the Waves'.
If you'd rather skip the steep walk to the lighthouse and back, you can still get an amazing view. The most scenic view of the lighthouse beyond the cliffs is possible from the cliffs northwest from the car park. Just follow the path in a northwest direction for some 500 m until you reach the edge of the cliff. Keep in mind that the path is almost invisible in places and the area is extremely boggy so waterproof shoes are a must. I wish we had gaiters with us - it had been raining for days and we ended up knee deep in mud.
Written Jan 1, 2012
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Dun Beag or The Little Fort is Skye's best preserved broch. Brochs are structures that were built all across northern Scotland in the last centuries BC. There are two theories regarding their origin – they were either defensive structures or farmhouses. Dun Beag is not the largest broch found on Skye, but is definitely very easy to reach.
On a clear day you'll get the bonus (as elsewhere on Skye) - magnificent views over Loch Bracadale.
Updated Dec 27, 2011
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Roadside viewpoint on the eastern coast of Trotternish offers one of the most popular sights on Isle of Skye. A small stream from loch Mealt freefalls off the cliff into the crystal clear water of Sound of Raasay. North up the cost you can spot a 60 m high cliff called Kilt Rock because of it's amazing tartan-like pattern.
Written Dec 26, 2011
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An Corran near Staffin is famous for its fossilised footprints of the dinosaur that lived here 160 million years ago. Footprints are only visible at low tide and often covered by sand.
Although we didn't find the footprints, the dark-sand beach was still a nice place to spend an hour, relaxing in the late afternoon sun.
Updated Dec 26, 2011
Website: http://www.scottishgeology.com/outandabout/classic_sites/locations/ancorran.html
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Kilmuir Cemetery is best known as a resting place of Flora MacDonald who once saved the life of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Besides the huge cross which marks Flora MacDonald's grave, there are other interesting graves you might like to visit. My favourite is a slab depicting a knight in armour. Today it marks the the grave of Angus Martin, but according to the legend, it used to belong to an early Scottish king and was stolen by Angus Martin.
Whether or not you're interested in history and legends, the cemetery is still nice place to see as it is located at the tip of Trotternish peninsula and offers great views.
Updated Dec 26, 2011
What?
Quiraing is one of Skye's best known natural features, and is a result of a series of landslips in the Trotternish range (and they're still going on!). Some of the features have been given their own names, including 'the Needle', 'the Table', and 'the Prison'.
While the tops are not particularly high, the area offers some of the best hiking around Skye (hope to get to building tips on that at some point!), and offers spectacular vistas of a large chunk of Skye as well as the mainland.
Where?
In Northern Skye, about 2 miles off the main road from Staffin, the Quiraing is part of the Trotternish range
Note:
Keep in mind that parking will be full on good weather days and holidays, but there are further parking spots as you pass the main car park on the way from Staffin
Written May 3, 2011
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Reviews and photos of Isle of Skye attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Isle of Skye sightseeing.
What?Quiraing is one of Skye's best known natural features, and is a result of a series of landslips in the Trotternish range (and they're still going on!)....
8 members live in Isle of Skye
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