Wednesday 24/05/2023 The Prison – The Needle – The Table – Quiraing
Trotternish Ridge, Isle of Skye, SCOTLAND
Participants: Caroline Davies, Paul Davies, Peter Davies, Sophie Davies, Stephen Davies (Report, Photos), Sue Davies
Today’s walk began with very cold windy conditions. The first challenge of the day for many people was to chase their parking receipt the parking meters were spitting out directly into the breeze before most people could get a hand on it! We watched half a dozen people running along the road as their tickets blew away. I wonder how many people needed to buy a second ticket because of a poorly designed ticket machine.
Max elevation: 502 m
Total climbing: 2312 m
Total descent: -2312 m
Average speed: 4.07 km/h
Total time: 05:24:43
There are really great views as you commence this walk and they keep getting better the further you go. There were plenty of people out today despite the wind, maybe they also realized that once they got away from the end of the ridge it would be much more sheltered, as it was. Our progress was slow as we expected due to Sophie’s limitations. Paul also turned back early as he was concerned his ankle would not hold up on the scrambles her saw along the way.
Once down to The Prison, we took turns summiting it whilst Sophie was looked after by the rest of our group. The climb onto the top of this outcrop provided some brilliant views out to the ocean and back to the cliff line along the ridge.
Sophie being helped to climb to The Needle
With Sophie walking well today we took on the challenge of helping her ascend the very steep slope towards The Needle. With plenty of assistance, she managed to do this and seemed to really enjoy herself during the climb. By this point, we had left the vast majority of people behind and apart from a couple of other people had this section almost to ourselves.
Once next to The Needle we took more photos and sat down for some lunch before continuing on through a narrow gap between the rocks. The next target was The Table. Here again, we took turns climbing The Table and another highpoint in the other direction which overlooked The Needle, whilst Sophie had a rest.
Our descent assisting Sophie went well. Her lack of concern for the location of her feet as she descended made it a little interesting time. With Peter and Caroline assisting the whole way she had managed to pull off one of the longest and most challenging walks of her life.
Once we got back to the main track at The Prison, Sue and I walked back to the car at our own pace, whilst Peter and Caroline returned at Sophie’s pace.
The local flora, fauna, geology, history and some other walks (ChatGPT)
Flora and Fauna:
Trotternish Ridge boasts an array of distinctive flora and fauna that have adapted to its challenging climatic conditions. Hardy heather (Calluna vulgaris) blankets the landscape in vibrant shades of purple, complemented by the delicate blooms of bell heather (Erica cinerea). The verdant expanses are punctuated by the hardy bristle bentgrass (Agrostis curtisii), a key grass species that thrives on the windswept terrain. Ferns like the holly fern (Polystichum lonchitis) cling to rocky outcrops, contributing to the region’s biodiversity.
Avian life finds sanctuary within this rugged expanse, with species such as the elusive golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the charming common raven (Corvus corax) taking to the skies. Additionally, the energetic meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) graces the meadows with its melodious calls.
Geology:
The unique geological formations of Trotternish Ridge have drawn the attention of geologists worldwide. The Prison, The Needle, The Table, and Quiraing are all products of millennia of geological processes. The Table, an elevated plateau, was formed by the erosion of surrounding softer rock layers, leaving behind a remnant of resistant rock. The Needle and The Prison, colossal stone pinnacles, stand as testament to the relentless forces of weathering and erosion acting upon the region’s Jurassic-era basalt.
Indigenous History:
The indigenous history of Trotternish Ridge remains intricately interwoven with the broader narrative of Scotland’s original inhabitants. The Isle of Skye’s indigenous peoples, particularly the Gaelic-speaking Scots, have left their cultural imprints on the landscape through place names and folklore. An exploration of oral histories and written records reveals the rich tapestry of spiritual connections and traditional practices that shaped indigenous life in this region.
White History:
The white history of Trotternish Ridge is deeply intertwined with the larger historical context of Scotland’s colonization and land ownership. The legacy of clan conflicts, Highland Clearances, and changing land tenure systems has cast a complex shadow on the region. The ruins of abandoned croft houses stand as poignant reminders of the socio-economic upheavals that shaped the lives of white settlers in this area.
Trail Exploration:
The allure of Trotternish Ridge extends beyond its ecological and historical dimensions, captivating hikers and nature enthusiasts. The trails leading to The Prison, The Needle, The Table, and Quiraing provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the landscape’s beauty. These trails offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding lochs, glens, and coastline, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of both physical and spiritual exploration.
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