Quiraing walk

This is one of the most unusual and spectacular landscapes in the British Isles. I have wanted to explore Trotternish for many years, and we took a risk today - hopeful that the forecast rain would hold off until we'd finished our Trotternish tour. From the top of the Uig-Staffin road, we all set off towards the magical landscape of spires, crags and meadows that is recognisable immediately as the unique Quiraing. Black clouds flirted with the top of the crags, but some sunshine lit the meadows and lent incredible definition to the views. Behind, the rest of the Trotternish ridge stretched away towards the Storr. In front, the sea, Rona and Applecross. I think the children were quietly impressed, despite M's insistence on listening to a podcast! They didn't complain anyway, and we made good progress along the path at the foot of the crags to reach the Prison, a tottering crag which forms a kind of gateway with the very slender Needle to its left. This gives access to a gentler section past a little lake towards Loch Hasco. E and I continued along to the ridge that doubles back to the summit above Coire Mhic Eachainn. We varied the route back, below the Prison on soft green grass, and arrived back at the col hungry. No problem though, as we chanced on a remarkable Indian takeaway in the tiny village of Brogaig: freshly baked nan, homemade curries and basmati rice as we looked out over Staffin Bay.