Isle of Skye: Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Golf

A perfect weather day with a great mix of hiking, natural beauty, and of course golf.

Early view from the Quiraing circuit

We departed Broadford at 7am to see some lights along the way and to get to the car park at the Quiraing before it filled up. This was the start of an anti-clockwise journey around the Trotternish peninsula: soaring cliffs, grassy plateaus, waterfalls, and glassy ponds.

The plan was to hike the Quiraing circuit clockwise, which meant climbing over 1,000 feet in the first mile or so. I think this was the right choice (front load the climb, right?) and mainly because the second part of the ascent went through a boggy grass field without a clear trail. I’m glad I had my waterproof hikers on; they worked. Others had some soggy socks. Going downhill through that same area would have invited some slipping.

Ussie on the Quiraing

This was maybe the best <5 mile hike I’ve been on? The blue skies and fairly low winds certainly helped. Beautiful rock faces, so many shades of green, meadow pipets and wrens chirping away, and calm seas over the horizon.

Fairy Glen on Isle of Skye

We continued around the peninsula and made our way to the fairy glen for a short stroll. I can see why this is such an attraction, and why the local neighbors must be so annoyed at the traffic. Basically a one lane road going in and out for the 3 miles from the main highway, with periodic pullouts. High season is coming and I suspect things get pretty gnarly.

The glen does feel magical with the grassy fields, wildflowers in full bloom, and rocky bumps providing seclusion. The trail ends with a climb up a rocky hillock.

Putting on first green at Isle of Skye

My three car mates toured Dunvegan castle while I took a car nap. The driving is exhausting. Next stop was the Isle of Skye golf club, a super fun 9 hole (made 18 with alternate tee boxes) nestled on Loch Sligachan.

Our golfing foursome

This course didn’t have the elevation drama of Traigh or Glencruitten, but the beachside setting and true links golf were amazing. Scotland golf: putting from 20 yards off the green, hitting knockdown pitching wedges, six irons off the tee and seeing it roll out over 200 yards.

Most of the crew gathered at Seumas’ Bar at the Sligachan Hotel. We spread out over three tables, plenty of room for all us. The place was getting packed but service was good.