Isle of Skye · Scotland
Trotternish Loop
The Trotternish loop circles Skye's northern peninsula from Portree past the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing, returning via Uig. It is one of the most scenic short loops in Britain.
- Distance
- ≈ 50 miles
- Twistiness
- 3/5
- Best season
- April – October
- Best for
- Cars & bikes
Why go
What makes Trotternish Loop special
- The Old Man of Storr
- Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
- The Quiraing road from Staffin
Watch out for
- Single-track sections with passing places
- Very busy viewpoints in summer
- Sheep lying on the road
Road conditions change. Check closures, weather and local restrictions before you set off, and always ride and drive within the limit.
As a group
Taking a group over Trotternish Loop
Trotternish Loop works well for groups. Brief the group at Portree, keep two-second gaps through the bends and regroup at Portree. Sweep can see who's behind throughout.
One shared route
Everyone on the same line from the start.
Lead and sweep
Sweep sees exactly who's behind.
Planned regroups
Stop at Portree.
FAQ
Trotternish Loop: common questions
How long is Trotternish Loop?+
Trotternish Loop runs for about 50 miles from Portree to Portree in Isle of Skye.
When is the best time to drive or ride Trotternish Loop?+
The best season is April – October. Go early in the day to avoid traffic, and check for closures in poor weather.
Is Trotternish Loop good for motorcycles?+
Yes — Trotternish Loop is a popular motorcycle road with a twistiness rating of 3 out of 5. Single-track sections with passing places.
Can I ride Trotternish Loop as a group?+
Trotternish Loop works well for groups. Brief the group at Portree, keep two-second gaps through the bends and regroup at Portree. Sweep can see who's behind throughout.
Keep riding
More roads you'll like
Winnats Pass
Winnats Pass climbs out of Castleton through a steep limestone gorge with gradients around 1 in 5. It is short, spectacular and narrow — a road to enjoy at a gentle pace rather than a fast one.
Leek to Buxton
The A53 rises from Leek past the gritstone edges of the Roaches and Ramshaw Rocks, then runs across open moor to Buxton. It is quicker and more flowing than its neighbours, with a real sense of height.
Holme Moss
The A6024 climbs steeply out of Holmbridge to the Holme Moss transmitter, then drops across wild moor to the Woodhead Pass. It featured in the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2014.