The Storr Sanctuary
'The district of Trotternish, I have
always felt, is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who are
mature, or prepared to become mature, in their relationship with
landscape. It is not Majorca or the Costa del Sol, though it does
get gloriously blue summer days. As you drive round the peninsula,
beneath the Old Man of Storr, through the Quiraing, by Duntulm and
Kilmuir and Kensaleyre, you realise that this is a landscape that
is superior to civilization, beyond intellectual and cultural conquest,
that exists by and in and for itself. It was here before you came,
and it will be here after I have gone, receiving the warm west wind,
bowing before the terrible winter storms, coping, thrawn,
surviving.'
Angus Peter Campbell |
The Quiraing
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nowhere
could be more perfect for a walking holiday.. |
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Trotternish is a walkers paradise and boasts one of the most spectacular landscapes to be
found in the British Isles. Every turn of your walk presents a magnificent
prospect of mountains, moorland, lochs and sea.
Hundreds and millions of years of formation have resulted in a land
of contrast and dramatic upheaval. It is hard to believe that the
peninsula has so many famous landforms.
The Storr is a 200 foot rock pinnacle which can be seen for many
miles, standing in front of the impressive mass of Storr mountain.
It was first climbed by Don Whillan and James Barber in 1955 and
the walk to it's base provides stunning views across the Little
Minch to the munros of Torridon.
The Quiraing is equally, if not more, famous being one of the most
exciting natural rock formations anywhere in Scotland. The coast
with it's many miles of beautiful cliffs, stacks, sea caves, natural
arches, waterfalls and fabulous marine and bird life, provides us
with wonderful and varied walking and exploring opportunities.
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Approaching the
Quiraing on the Trotternish Ridge walk
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Weather
& Heritage... |
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Trotternish is statistically the driest region on the Isle of
Skye having approximately 30% less rainfall than Portree. The
weather on the peninsula is also softened by the warming effects
of the Gulf Stream, even allowing the odd palm tree to grow in
some gardens.
It has never seemed enough merely to wonder at the riches of geology
and climate in Trotternish. The entire peninsula is full of other
treasures just waiting to be discovered. Trotternish ranks high
among the most Historic areas of the Highlands; from the fossils
of pre-history, Picts, Celts, invasions of Vikings, the Clans
of MacDonald and MacLeod, St Columba, Bonnie Prince Charlie &
Flora MacDonald, the Clearances to more recent crofting times.
There is so much to discover and explore.
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Sands at Staffin Bay looking to the Quiraing
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Flora
& Fauna... |
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The area is also exceptionally rich in wildlife both flora &
fauna. Settle down on a warm afternoon and see Golden Eagles overhead;
wild orchids under your feet or dolphins and whales enjoying the
freedom that is still theirs.
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