Rubha Hunish

Skye's northernmost headland makes for a fascinating and delightful shorter walk. Known for Minke Whale watching (summer months); you may also see otters, basking sharks and breeding seabirds in the early summer.

From the little car park on the road bend east of the hamlet of Duntulm, the path heads north along a moorland ridge for about 40 minutes, with views west over Tulm bay and island and back down the pretty west coast, with big views back to the famous Quiraing formation opening up.

You are heading towards the high ground at the of the headland, with a low gap in its middle. You reach the lip of sheer cliffs quite suddenly, with extraordinary views opening up to the north and west, with the Outer Hebrides lined up in their glory on the far horizon. The small coastguards' hut at the top of the headland has been turned into a delightful bothy, which Walkopedia would love to stay in. 

The real thrills are to come, though. On the left of the lower centre is a steep path (not for those with vertigo) dropping down a notch in the cliffs to the final lower headland of a few hectares known as the Rubha Hunish. This is a magical little area with mysterious little ribs in the grass and a few sheep - and a fine rocky coastline with a good population of seabirds at the right times of year and potential for sightings of seal and other life. But you don't realise the hidden treasure of the place until you are out in the Hunish, and turn back to find that the towering cliffs are of wonderful columnar basalt.

Your big decision - where to have your picnic: on the high cliff-top with huge views, or down amidst the gentle beauty of the Hunish?

You can return the way you came, or walk back along the western shore for different views and, if you have time, a poke around the wildly romantic ruins of Duntulm castle, traditional stronghold of the MacDonald clan, on its clifftop knoll.

A very delightful 3 hours for the full circuit, plus atmosphere appreciation time. Walkopedia was here on a superb summer day, but it would be grand in a storm – although you would need to watch out on the cliffs.

For more information and photos, including detailed practical information, see our Isle of Skye walk page.