TROTTERNISH

The Trotternish Peninsula is a postcard setting, a picture of the epinal of Scotland as you dream of it. Its reliefs look like the Wild West and erosion has created a spectacle of another world, populated by high rocky plateaus and natural monoliths. It lies to the north of the island, accessible by road, on the A87 and A855, which go around it. Several spots are to be discovered:

The north-west: Fairy Glen is a nice stopover to start your escapade on Trotternish. Follow the "Sheader & Balnaknock" road from the A87 at the southern entrance to Uig, where you will drive 2.5 km through a green valley that bears its name. Further north, Duntulm Castle is situated on the site of the same name. This ruined castle was built in the 14th century and became the seat of the MacDonald of Sleat in the 17th century. Not much remains of it, but it is still very photogenic. A little further up, Rubha Hunish Point is the northern end of the island. A path leads there between Duntulm and Kilmaluag. On the A855, at a phone booth, follow Shulista and park in the small car park. The path starts a little further to the left, just past the cattle gate. It is about 7 km round trip. The closer you get to the coast, the more impressive the view of the cliffs and the Outer Hebrides.

The Quiraing: these magnificent rocky plateaus overlooking Staffin Bay are the result of a landslide of volcanic origin. The Earth has done an extraordinary job there. The best way to enjoy it is to take the signposted Staffin via the Quiraing road from the A855 at the north exit of Uig and climb the peninsula's heights until you reach a small car park where the view is stunning. From here there are several hiking trails along the ridge lines along the Trotternish Ridge.

Kilt Rock: 2.5km south of Staffin on the A855, there is a car park on the coast at a loch. This is the vantage point of Kilt Rock, where the Mealt Falls, a superb waterfall, cascades down from the cliffs into the sea. In the summer, the place is overrun but the spectacle is definitely worth a stop.

The Old Man of Storr: this is the most famous old man in Skye! This 55 m long natural monolith stands proudly at 137 m above sea level. It is the undisputed icon of the island. It can be reached from a car park 11.5 km north of Portree and 16 km south of Staffin on the A855. Count about 4 km for the round trip, via a rather simple and visible route.