TROTTERNISH

A postcard setting, the Trotternish Peninsula is a picture-perfect image of Scotland. Its relief has a Wild West feel, and erosion has created an otherworldly spectacle of rocky plateaus and natural monoliths. It lies to the north of the island, accessible by road on the A87 and A855, which circle the island. There are several spots to discover:

Northwest: Fairy Glen is a great place to start your Trotternish getaway. Follow the "Sheader & Balnaknock" road from the A87, at the southern entrance to Uig, for 2.5 km through a green valley that lives up to its name. Further north, Duntulm Castle lies on the eponymous site. This ruined castle was built in the ^14th century and became the seat of the MacDonalds of Sleat in the ^17th century. There's not much left of it, but it's still very photogenic. A little higher up, Rubha Hunish Point is the northern tip of the island. A path leads to it between Duntulm and Kilmaluag. On the A855, at a telephone booth, follow Shulista and park in the small parking lot. The path starts a little further on the left, just after the cattle grid. Allow approx. 7 km round trip. The closer you get to the coast, the more impressive the views of the cliffs and the Outer Hebrides.

The Quiraing: these magnificent rocky plateaus overlooking Staffin Bay are the result of a volcanic landslide. The Earth has done an extraordinary job here. The best way to enjoy them is to take the signposted "Staffin via the Quiraing" road from the A855, just north of Uig, and climb to the top of the peninsula until you reach a small parking lot with breathtaking views. From here, there are several hiking trails along the ridge lines of the Trotternish Ridge.

Kilt Rock: 2.5 km south of Staffin, on the A855, a coastal parking lot is accessible at a loch. This is the vantage point for Kilt Rock, where the Mealt Falls, a superb waterfall, plunges from the cliffs into the sea. In summer, the place is packed, but the spectacle is definitely worth a stop.

The Old Man of Storr: Skye's most famous old man! This 55 m-long natural monolith stands proudly 137 m above sea level. It's the island's undisputed icon. It can be reached from a parking lot 11.5 km north of Portree and 16 km south of Staffin, on the A855. Allow around 4 km for the round trip, via a fairly straightforward and visible route.