The Quiraing, Isle of Skye — even more beautiful on a sunny day like today. Let me tell you a story about this stunning place. [Thread]

The Quiraing is out of this world! And I’ve been meaning to hike the circuit ever since I first came to Scotland in 1999 ... and today, nearly two decades to the day after I first came, I’ve finally done it.

I first read about the Quiraing in a book when I was much younger though. It was a book about rocks and it mentioned the Quiraing for its incredible rock formations.

And those formations really are that: incredible.

And by that I mean incredible. Tremendous crags and stony pinnacles everywhere.

The views down to the beach and beyond are breathtaking too (as are the incredible rock formations ... just saying in case you forgot).

Walking underneath a rock canopy ...

... For more of those rock formations around the corner.

But it’s also a sort of mystical landscape — reminds me very much of some of the landscape along the Forgotten World Highway in New Zealand.

And then it got super- boggy! But still as amazing.

As I say:
Amazing.
Mystical.
Out of this world.

... With a professor as happy as a professor can be nearly at the top.

I mean: how could one not love this country?

Woohoo ... though the actual top is a little further, but really no way of going there — was already beginning to sink taking this photo.

Luckily, no sinking for the sheep

The view the other way is as breathtaking. ... (The way down less so: boggiest part yet — if you happen to read this thread because you’re planning to do the Quiraing circuit, make sure to bring a hiking pole.)

So that’s my story of the Quiraing and a little lifelong dream fulfilled. But even more importantly, this story is really also a 20-year old love story, a story of how I see Scotland as my home. Now have a nice evening everyone. I am ... by the fire and all

As an aside: If you’re interested in this circuit — or any other walks/hikes in the Highlands, I very much recommend @walkhighlands — detailed guides with photos and GPS data etc.