Discover Duntulm: Castle, Dinosaur Footprints and Coastal Trails

Duntulm combines an impressive coastal landscape with traces of geological history and Scotland’s past. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage for a trip full of varied discoveries will find several different options for planning each day: Duntulm Castle, dinosaur footprints on a tidal platform, the Rubha-Hunish trail and historic places such as Erisco.

Duntulm Castle and the Coastal Landscape

Duntulm Castle is designated as a Scheduled Monument. The castle stands on a quadrangular site 50 feet above sea level. On three sides, the cliffs fall steeply to the sea. This setting gives the visit a clear landscape focus: in addition to its historical significance, the view of the cliff edge and the sea is also part of the character of the place.

Duntulm’s natural and geological history also includes the Geological Conservation Review site at Duntulm, with Cairidh Ghlumaig and Lon Ostatoin. This area is included in the Skye Nature Conservation Order. For travellers who value opportunities to observe nature and distinctive landscape formations when choosing their accommodation, this aspect complements an exploration of the castle.

Dinosaur Footprints as a Special Discovery

Extensive sauropod footprints are accessible on the tidal platform near Duntulm Castle. The Duntulm platform is an easily accessible site with numerous dinosaur footprints. Alongside the castle, the tracks draw attention to geological history and to a time long before today’s settlement.

Because the footprints are located on a tidal platform, visiting them requires a deliberately planned day.

Walking, Views and Historical Traces

The coastal return route of the Rubha-Hunish walk offers an alternative view of Duntulm Castle. This means the castle can be experienced not only as an individual monument but also as part of a walk. The Coast Guard lookout is also located on the Rubha-Hunish trail. It was used as an observation station and is now maintained and used as a bothy.

The Erisco ruins are also located along the same route; you can stop there and explore them. Erisco was used to resettle villagers during the Highland Clearances. As a result, the route leads not only through the coastal landscape but also to a place where part of the region’s history can be traced. Anyone wishing to combine an active trip with historical discoveries can include these stops when planning their own day.

Combining Accommodation and Travel Conveniently

When looking for accommodation in Duntulm, it is worth clarifying your personal priorities: should the castle and dinosaur footprints be the main focus, or is a walk with historical stops more important? The bus connection is also useful for practical planning. Four buses a day, except on Sundays, run from Portree across the Trotternish peninsula and pass through Duntulm. This connection can be taken into account when planning your journey and daily activities.

More destinations for your search: Camusbane, Lairg, Inverness, Mallaig, Greshornish, Acharacle, Scrabster and Tarskavaig.

For the overarching travel overview: Highland.