Located on the Northern Tip of the Isle of Skye, Duntulm castle is a set of ruins in a dramatic landscapes. With views of the Outer Hebrides, the road covering the North of the Trotternish peninsula is quite spectacular. And for those interested in history, it will lead you to the Skye Museum of Island life. Have a look:
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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Duntulm Castle and North Skye
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS
Getting to Duntulm Castle and North Skye
- Road A855 between Staffin and Uig
- along the North coast of the Trotternish Peninsula
The GPS coordinates of all locations in this article as well as their identification on practical maps are available on both Travel Guide eBooks: The Road Trip Guide Scotland and The Road Trip Guide: Edinburgh to Skye
Visiting North Skye
- Road A855 covering the north of the Trotternish peninsula is a one lane road with many passing places.
- Be careful! Sheep roam freely and seem to like jumping on the road in front of you
- Plan 1 hour to drive between Staffin and Uig
- Skye Museum of island life opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9.30am - 5pm
Trotternish landslip
As you leave Staffin and the views from Quiraing Skye behind, you can see different perspectives of the Trotternish ridge.
From here, the road is just a single lane... Look ahead and use the passing places:
Flodaigearraidh
I did not know about this place with the crazy name of Flodaigearraidh (who knows how to pronounce it?). But I saw the parking spot and was intrigued. After just a 3 minutes of walking I was happy to discover the beautiful little Loch Langaig with the mountains behind. The light was too harsh for good photography but I can tell you this was one of the my favorite places on the Isle of Skye.
From there start the Fingal's Pinnacles walk (2 to 4 hours) or the 2 days long Trotternish Ridge hike.
Driving North
As you drive further North, the mountains and Quiraing become distant. The Scenery flatness, the sheep roam free and scare you on the road...
And in front of you appear the Scottish Islands of the Outer Hebrides: Harris and Lewis. On a clear days you can clearly see their mountain lines. Ferries depart from the end of this road at Uig (only 2h ferry).
Duntulm Castle
Duntulm castle is actually not much. You could easily miss it as you drive around. The ruins are located near the small village of Duntulm.
The Duntulm castle was built in the 14th and 15th centuries and was the subject of feuds between McLeods and McDonalds. The latest fairly took control during the 17th century.
It was abandoned in 1732 and its stones used a building material for a new residence.
Today not much remain. You can just imagine the 9m tall structure of the Duntulm Castle as it was in a very strategic place.
To get closer, drive path the Duntulm Castle and find the small tracks around the farming land (the the west of the ruins). It will take you to the beach with good view of the cliff (short but not easy path). However you cannot get to the ruins themselves as there are risk of falling rocks.
Embedded from Flickr - Photo by Roberto Lotti
Back on the road
The road then continues with some stunning cliffs:
Skye Museum of Island Life
A little bit further is the Skye Museum of Island life - a small outdoor museum with tatted cottages and old tools. Step back in time to see how islander used to live.
There is a small entrance fee, opening hours are Mon - Sat: 9.30am - 5pm.
The different cottages introduce different aspects of life back then: family home, smithy, weaver's house...
Plan 1 hour for a tour - more if you like history and want to read all the information.
Embedded from Flickr - Photo by Sandy Stevenson
Th Town of Uig
And the roads leads to Uig, the town where the ferry departs to Tarbert in the Outer Hebrides islands. The bay where the town lays is quite beautiful and it would be a great place to stay for a night.
If you still have time, nearby is the beautiful yet not indicated Fairy Glen Skye with mini-mountains and mini-loch.
Want to see more of SCOTLAND?
Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide.
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Your pictures are stunning!!!! Brought back some really lovely memories I have of visiting Skye, I think I left a little part of my heart there!
I have to agree with Una, Skye is truly stunning and I cannot wait to return this year and relive some of my most cherished memories!