The Quiraing & Meall na Suiramach loop from Flodigarry — Isle of Skye

The Quiraing is a wild area of steep cliffs, rocky stacks and fins. It was formed by the massive landslip at Trotternish, which resulted in an unearthly, sculpted landscape. You can run the trail that weaves through the debris, skirting the formations close by, or take the high ridgeline above the landslip for cracking views down onto the stacks and towers below.

Starting at Flodigarry, this Tour runs the low path first, passing below the formations known as The Table, The Needle and The Prison. You’ll then make your way up the climb, gaining the ridge and following the higher path, reaching the trig point and grand views at Meall ne Suiramach at 1,781 feet (543 m). From here, it’s downhill (almost) all the way back to the lower path and then on down to Flodigarry. The Tour is just over 7 miles (11.4 km) long and packs in a tough 1,706 feet (520 m) of ascent.

This area is very popular because it’s so extraordinary but, as you run, you'll quickly leave most of the tourist photographers behind. Expect the sections closest to the car parks and around the Needle to be busy.

The trails are rough but well-maintained and the navigation is straightforward. Wear trail shoes with good grip for the most enjoyable running experience. Meall ne Suiramach and the high ridgeline are far more exposed than the lower path and the start of the Tour so take a waterproof and warm clothes for these sections.

The Trotternish Ridge Race is a classic fell race held here in June each year. It’s a tough, 16.7-mile (27 km) run from Flodigarry, heading through the Quiraing and down the ridge to the lochs south of the Storr.

A regular bus service connects Portree with Flodigarry and takes about 45 minutes. If you’re driving, you can park on the roadside at the start of the Tour.

There’s a backpacker’s hostel at Flodigarry, which has individual and family rooms as well as space for camping and a small food shop. There aren’t any refreshments on the route, but there’s the Bûrr coffee shop to the north at Kilmaluag or the Ellishadder Art Café to the south. Portree is the nearest town, with lots of options for shops, cafes and accommodation.