Quiraing Mountain Pass Viewpoint (Isle of Skye) – Tips + Photos + Walk

The Quiraing Mountain Pass viewpoint offers one of the most famous views on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
Stunning mountains, dramatic rock formations, small lochs and, if lucky, a view all the way to the seashore. It is a typical view of the Highlands.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit: Tips, photos, access, map and info on the Quiraing Walk.

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Why go to the Quiraing Mountain Pass Viewpoint?

Let's start with a short video of Quiraing Isle of Skye: have a brief look at the drive and the view from the ridge - get a virtual tour!

PLANNING TIPS & Map - Quiraing, Isle of Skye

Admiring the Quiraing View

• There is a carpark at the top
• Easy to walk to the view from the carpark
• No facilities
• You can walk around on both side of the road - so plan 15min to a couple of hours...
• The road may be closed in Winter
• The Quiraing walk starts there - info at the end of this post

Quiraing Road Driving to the Quiraing Lookout carpark

After Staffin, the turn on the Quiraing Road is clearly indicated and the view behind the road sign is very promising.

A single lane road

The single lane road is in good condition and has many passing places with proper visibility.
Be careful, as you will see in the next paragraph the views of the Trotternish ridge are stunning and might distract you from the traffic.

Once you reach the climbing part of the road, slow down. There are no more passing places until almost the top so check if cars are coming down.

Quiraing Carpark

Don't stop at the first small area that looks like a carpark.
Drive to the top and you will find a bigger carpark. However, note that it was full end of May so will definitively be full in Summer during the day...

Views of Trotternish Ridge from the drive

On the way to the Quiraing Skye viewpoint, the views are already impressive with the Trotternish ridge on both sides.

According to AGU, this impressive ridge is the result of thick layers of basalt overlying weak sediments. from the Jurassic. The weight triggers faults creating large landslides. Movements continue today but at a low rate.

As I mentioned before, be careful, the sheep are roaming free.

Stunning shapes!

Mountain Pass Quiraing Viewpoint (Cuith-Raing)

After parking, it is time to explore and discover one of the most famous views in Scotland.
As you can see in the sign below, the local version of the name is Cuith-Raing.

As advertised, the view is breathtaking. Especially as I was lucky to discover it with the sun. I was able to see all the way to the sea. But I will let my Quiraing Skye pictures tell you all about it:

The Quiraing Walk - Tips and difficulty

If you have some time to spare at Quiraing Isle of Skye, why not go for a walk?
The Quiraing walking loop is a pleasure for geologists, photographers and everyone who likes to be blown away 🙂

• How long is the Quiraing Walk?
  This is a 7 km loop that requires 3 hours of walking (if not stopping). 
• How difficult is the Quiraing Walk?
  It is rated as hard for technicality. Ascent is 340m. It will take you near cliffs so do not hike when ti is windy or with low visibility.
• What is there to see on the Quiraing Hike?
  It will take you to pinnacles, plateaus and views of the landslides.
  You could see crazy shapes. 

Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide.