The dinosaur footprints at An Corran are estimated to be approximately 165 million years old.
Local geological surveys have identified several distinct trackways belonging to herbivorous dinosaurs.
The beach is part of the Trotternish National Scenic Area, recognized for its complex landslide topography.
The sediment layer containing the prints is part of the Great Estuarine Group, formed during a period of shallow marine and lagoonal environments.
An Corran Beach is a crescent-shaped bay located in Staffin on the Isle of Skye, renowned for the fossilized dinosaur footprints visible on its sandstone platform. These tracks, dating back to the Middle Jurassic period, belong to ornithopod dinosaurs and are best observed during low tide. The beach features a mixture of grey sand and exposed rocky outcrops set against the dramatic backdrop of the Trotternish Ridge. It serves as a primary site for geological research into the island's prehistoric past. Coastal erosion and tidal activity frequently reveal or obscure various fossils across the intertidal zone. The area remains a public, open-access beach maintained by local environmental standards.
The sandstone shelf at the northern end of the beach during the 'golden hour' when low sunlight highlights the indentations of the footprints.
Check local tide tables before visiting, as the dinosaur prints are submerged during high tide.
Wear waterproof, sturdy footwear suitable for walking on wet, slippery sandstone rocks.
Bring binoculars to scan the surrounding cliffs for geological features while waiting for the tide to recede.
Do not visit during high tide, as the fossilized platforms will be entirely covered by water and pose a risk of being cut off.
Do not touch, cast, or attempt to remove fossils; leave all geological findings in situ for scientific documentation.
