Perhaps one of the most scenic rides in the UK and certainly one of our favourites, visiting the famous Trotternish ridge passing the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr. We decided to start the ride from Portree the captial town of Skye, but you may decided to start the route from Uig or Staffin too.
Starting from Portree we take the A855 north passing Loch Leathan, the road surfaces aren’t great so do watch out for the odd pothole (and tourists in hire cars)! Nearing the end of the loch looking left you’re greeted with a simply magnificent view of the Old Man of Storr overlooking the Sound of Raasay. It’s probably the most famous destination on the island and definitely the busiest. The ‘Old Man’ itself is the large pinnacle of rock standing pround.
Next we continue following the A855 north past the Rigg viewpoint and the popular Lealt Falls with it’s viewing platform overhanging Abhainn An Lethuillt. Continuing on we pass Loch Mealt to the left before arriving at Staffin. If you fancy seeing the most spectacular black sand beach with views of the Trotternish ridge, take a short mile diversion right along Saffin Road to the An Corran Beach. Leaving Staffin we continue north-west before seeing a road to the left sign-posted ‘Quiraing’ and with a yellow warning ‘This road may be inpassible during winter conditions’.
Next we climb the famous Quiraing where once at the summit you’d forgive yourself for thinking you’re in a film set for Lord of the Rings. The road leading up to the Quiraing where you’ll also find many tourists, is a steep 15% single track road with mountains and moorland all around and you’re rewarded with panoramic views of lochs and Skye’s surrounding isles.
Once you’ve let your legs recover from the climb we continue along the single file road towards Uig. It’s a steep descent here, therefore be careful around the hairpins before joining the A855 where we turn left.
We’re then following Loch Snizort south through Earlish and Kensaleyre where again there’s views aplenty. The final stretch of the circular route continues along the A855 past Borve before descending back into the busy town of Portree.
As for coffee stops there’s limited choice along the route, we stopped at the Columba 1400 cafe where we had a quick cappuccino and toasty. On your return to Portree be sure to visit the Isle of Skye Baking Company or checkout our other nearby highly recommended cafes on Skye!