Quiraing - Old Norse for "crooked enclosure" or "fold".
We visited Skye in November during the first bout of heavy snowfall this winter, with Preston, Evan, Sarah and Natalie. The weather made for some pretty interesting driving and walking conditions but meant that Skye was just spectacular. We didn't attempt any of the Cuillins, (this would have been bonkers), however we did have a very exciting /chilly climb up the Quiraing.
The Quiraing is a rocky area on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish Ridge on Skye. It was formed by a devastating landslip thousands of years ago. It is an area of Special Scientific Interest.
Parts of this distinctive landscape have earned particular names. The Needle is a jagged 120-foot (37 m) high landmark pinnacle, a remnant of landslipping. Northwest of it is The Table, a flat grassy area slipped down from the summit plateau, with vistas of the Torridon Hills and the mountains of Wester Ross. Southwest is the Prison, a pyramidal rocky peak which can look like a medieval keep when viewed from the right angle. It is said that the Quiraing was used to conceal cattle from Viking raiders.
It was a great weekend: some excellent snowball fights, good walks and dinner at the three chimneys - what could be better! (We documented the amazing tasting menu in the images in the link given at the bottom of the page).
A full set of images may be seen here!
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