Rubha Hunish, Skye's Northern Tip

Rubha Hunish is the northernmost point on the Isle of Skye, a dramatic headland reached along basalt cliffs at the very tip of the Trotternish Peninsula — a quieter, wilder alternative to Skye's more famous sights, with genuine potential for spotting whales, dolphins, and porpoises from the clifftop.

The route starts from the ruins of Duntulm Castle, a dramatically situated MacDonald stronghold on a clifftop knoll, or alternatively from a small car park by the red telephone box at Kilmaluag, further along the A855. From Duntulm, a path follows the coastline north, climbing gradually up a moorland ridge with expanding views west over Tulm Bay and its small island, and back to the famous rock formations of the Quiraing. After around 40 minutes, the path reaches the lip of sheer basalt cliffs quite suddenly, with extraordinary views opening north and west across the sea to the Outer Hebrides on a clear day.

From here, a steep, rocky path — not for those with vertigo — drops down through a notch in the cliffs to the lower headland of Rubha Hunish itself, a magical, grass-covered spit of land scattered with sheep and ringed by towering columnar basalt cliffs, alive with seabirds in season. A small former lookout hut, now a bothy, sits near the tip and makes a fine spot to shelter from the wind. The peninsula's northern point is the best spot on the whole of Skye for watching whales, dolphins, and porpoises, particularly in July and August.

The return can retrace the outward route, or continue along the quieter western shore of the peninsula for different views, passing the old crofting settlement of Erisco — cleared of its population during the Highland Clearances — before rejoining the path back to Duntulm Castle or the Kilmaluag car park.

This headland sits fully exposed to Atlantic weather, and even a calm forecast can bring buffeting winds on the cliff edge — full waterproofs and warm layers are essential regardless of season, and the steep descent to the lower headland demands care in wet or windy conditions.

Parking at Duntulm Castle or Kilmaluag is free; a bus service (57) runs from Portree to the Shulista road end, a short walk from Kilmaluag.