The Old Man Of Storr Walk is possibly one of Skye’s busiest and most popular. But wow, the stunning scenery and landscape are worth the hike. The Old Man pinnacle is just one of many highlights amidst the rugged, jutting prominent rock features. This is wild, beautiful Scotland at its best.
Be prepared for one of the most photographed landscapes on the Isle of Skye.
STORR WALK STATISTICS
- Location: On the Trotternish Ridge in the north of Skye
- Distance: 4.5km (2.75miles)
- Walk Elevation: 288m
- Time To Complete: Allow 1.5-2 hours depending on your fitness level
- Difficulty: Medium
- Terrain: Gravel path with a rocky & steep top section. If it has been raining, the track will be muddy and slippery.
OLD MAN OF STORR FACTS
WHERE IS THE OLD MAN OF STORR LOCATED?
Old Man of Storr is located in the northeast region of the Isle of Skye, Scotland, atop the Trotternish Ridge. It’s Scottish name is Bodach an Stor.
OLD MAN OF STORR LEGEND
Scotland is imbued with mythology and legends and the one behind this natural wonder is quite intriguing. The Trotternish Range is said to be to the gravesite of a local giant, and the Old Man of Storr his thumb, rising up out of the ground!
HOW WAS THE OLD MAN OF STORR FORMED?
As intriguing as the legend is, the reality of how the old man of Storr came about lies in simple Geology. The remnant of Britain’s longest landslip resulted in the formation of an array of outcrops and rock formations.
The Storr section of the Trotternish ridge is 2,359ft high.
The pinnacle “Old Man” has an enviable and prominent position looking out over stunning landscapes. It’s name is derived from the Norse language meaning “Great Man”.
CAR PARK FOR THE OLD MAN OF STORR
The pay and display car park is fairly large and is located on the A855, approx. 15 minutes north of Portree. Costs are around £3 for 3 hours.
When the main car park is full, you can park along the road in a layby.
OLD MAN OF STORR ROUTE MAP
WALK DESCRIPTION
STAGE ONE
Pass through the wooden gate at the end of the car park by an information board. Follow the clearly marked gravel path that winds up the hillside. This area of felled trees has been replanted and will in time become native woodland.
At a fork in the path, keep to the right hand side. While clear to follow, the track becomes steeper as you climb and gain elevation. Stop and take a look behind you. On a clear day you can see the Isle of Raasay in the distance.
STAGE TWO
Continue along the steep track as it twists and turns uphill, passing through a wooden gate. The track zig zags reaching a double-height gate. It is imperative to close these behind you to keep out wandering deer.
The track begins to temporarily level out and open up more. Ahead you will see a small wooden gate with a small pool to the side. This section of track can be muddy if there has been rain.
STAGE THREE
From this viewpoint it is hard to pick out the Old Man of Storr from behind the cliffs. Climb up the rocky and rough pitched track looking out for a clear path turning off to the left. Stop and take a breath often as the climb can be hard going in places, plus you don’t want to miss the views.
Follow the narrow uneven path as it snakes across grassy open moor with grazing sheep. There will be plenty of interesting rock formations to examine alongside the incredible cliff face.
The Old Man of Storr will be ahead to your far right side. As you continue to climb up the ascending path, it swings right towards the left hand side of the pinnacle.
STAGE FOUR
The path turns right bringing you face to face with The Old Man of Storr. One final push along uneven rock steps and the curving path delivers you to the foot of the pinnacle.
It is only when you are close up that the Old Man’s impressive height can be truly appreciated. When you stand next to The Old Man of Storr, you suddenly feel very small against the 50m high rock.
The views are incredible from this vantage point. Looking south you can see the Storr Lochs and further on to Portree and the Cuiliin Hills.
STAGE FIVE
If you are feeling brave and the ground is dry, you can follow a path that passes around the back of the Old Man. Be careful of fallen rocks as the foot becomes very steep. It is a bit of a scramble so not suitable for everyone, especially those not good with heights.
This area of towering cliffs is known as the Sanctuary, while beyond the Old Man is another pinnacle known as Needle Rock or the Cathedral.
If you do make it to the other side of the Old Man, you are rewarded with views out to sea of the islands of Rona and Raasay.
STAGE SIX
When you are ready to head back, follow the same main path retracing your steps downhill. After a while you can turn right at a fork which gives you an alternative view on a well made track for the descent section of the walk (Lochan Loop).
The path weaves and takes you past a small loch before rejoining the main path again. Continue walking down to reach the car park.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STORR WALK
Here are answers to frequently asked questions that can help make planning your walk much easier:
Q. HOW LONG IS THE STORR HIKE?
The distance of the walk is 4.5km | 2.75miles.
Q. ARE THERE ANY FACILITIES AT THE CAR PARK?
There is a new clean toilet block on site and across the road in a wooden kiosk is Storr View Coffee, selling drinks, cakes and snacks (Seasonal Opening Times).
Q. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO COMPLETE THE HIKE?
Due to it’s popularity, the carpark gets full very quickly. The best time to visit is either early morning (7-8am) or later in the afternoon (5-6pm). For photographers, sunrise is a great time to complete the walk.
Q. HOW LONG DOES THE WALK TAKE TO COMPLETE?
Depending on your fitness levels, you can complete the walk in 1-2 hours. This is a return hike and will take you to the pinnacle base of the Old Man of Storr. This will allow plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the superb views.
Q. IS IT WORTH WALKING IN BAD WEATHER?
Scotland is notorious for its rainy weather, but these showers are often short in duration. Wear a waterproof jacket and hiking boots and be patient. Typically the shower will pass quickly and you can still enjoy wonderful views.
Q. WHAT SORT OF FOOTWEAR DO YOU NEED?
We wore hiking boots, but unless it’s been raining and is slippery underfoot, walking shoes will be fine.
Q. IS THE OLD MAN OF STORR VISIBLE FROM THE ROAD?
Yes, in good weather, but not from the car park! This makes it ideal for those not wanting to complete the walk, as they still get to experience the iconic pinnacle.
Q. WHERE ARE THE BEST SPOTS TO PHOTOGRAPH THE OLD MAN OF STORR?
As long as the weather is clear and not foggy or misty, the A855 and A87 provide some fantastic viewpoints of the pinnacle.
- Take the A855 out of Portree and you will get great shots from the road near Loch Fada and Loch Leathan.
- Continuing past the official Old Man car park towards Kilt Rock, you will see the pinnacle from another angle with its surrounding rock formations. (To the rear of you)
Q. DOES THE OLD MAN OF STORR FEATURE IN ANY FILMS?
Yes, Game of Thrones, Prometheus and The Wickerman.
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