It's time for another places to visit segment!
While my husband and I were visiting Flodigarry in September 2021 with friends, we took a walk, just the two of us, one sunny morning, and found ourselves by Loch Langaig.
We peeked through the gate, and walked up as far as the Loch, but then decided we'd better go back as we didn't want to abandon the rest of our group completely. We decided that it would be the first place we visited when we returned.
Cue December 2021 when we came back with one of my sisters.
We drove to the very convenient parking off the A855 and began our walk.
The walk was empty. The only other person we saw was a local lady, walking her dog, who advised us it was Baltic* further up, and that was it - a perk of visiting in winter.
It was like having the Trotternish ridge all to ourselves. The views over the Sound to the mainland were pretty spectacular, with the snow-frosted peaks. The landscape around the loch itself is gorgeous, with Fingal's Tomb towering overhead (yes, the same Fingal from Fingal's Cave, Staffa), and a rocky landscape that looks as though it was shaped by dinosaurs (maybe it was - check out Staffin Dinosaur Museum).
Fingal's Pinnacles to the left, and Fingal's Tomb dominating the right.
The walk is a moderately steep ascent, on a clear path. It took about 45 minutes to reach Loch Hasco, but I was stopping and taking lots of photos...in other words, I was puffed out. The entire walk to the Quiraing is about 3 hours return, about 7 miles / 11 km.
Unfortunately, we didn't make it all the way up to Meall na Suiramach and the Quiraing; on a previous visit we almost made it to Loch Hasco from the other direction (from the Quiraing), so we've sort of done the walk in two halves. I definitely preferred starting from Loch Langaig though, and I think it's a much better way of approaching the Quiraing - it's so much quieter, and very easy to park. It has become one of my favourite walks on Skye.
What You Will Need
I would recommend wearing sturdy boots because even though there is a well-defined path, as I said it can be steep in places, and a bit slippery when it's wet or icy, and can be easy to roll your ankle on the rocks.
As always, take snacks! Loch Hasco makes a perfect place to stop for a breather and have a warm drink, and to just enjoy some solitude and silence for a while.
Enjoying a warm drink** by Loch Hasco...
Obviously you'll want your camera - there's something wonderful to see every way you turn. It's a great place for spotting both white-tailed and golden eagles, common buzzards, and kestrels, so keep your eyes peeled.
Once you have reached higher ground, please keep an eye on weather conditions, as they can change very quickly, and it's very exposed up on the Quiraing. If you see the mist start to roll in, or it's getting blustery, it might be time to head back unless you're a very experienced hill-walker with a map and compass (that you know how to use!).
The walk has a few possibilities - you could simply walk to Loch Hasco, which would be lovely all on its own. Or you could complete the walk to Meall na Suiramach & the Quiraing. Or you could even do a day-long / multi-day hike of the Trotternish Ridge, which would include Lochs Langaig and Hasco.
However you choose to do it, be well-prepared, and you will love it - and wish to come back again and again.
Tìoraidh!
*Baltic is Scottish colloquialism for "flipping freezing".
** Hunter's Flask from Amazon..I've not actually seen one in the shops on Skye so far :-(
(Note: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links)
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