A Hiker's Guide to The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye
The Old Man of Storr stands as one of Scotland's most iconic and breathtaking natural landmarks. This towering pinnacle of rock on the Isle of Skye offers not...
- Scotland Tours
- 6 min read
A Hiker’s Guide to The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye
The Old Man of Storr stands as one of Scotland’s most iconic and breathtaking natural landmarks. This towering pinnacle of rock on the Isle of Skye offers not just a memorable hike but a journey through millions of years of geological history and ancient human lore. This guide provides everything you need to know to safely and enjoyably experience this magnificent location.
The Old Man of Storr is a place where the secrets of the Earth are dramatically revealed. Located on the Isle of Skye’s famed Jurassic Coast, this landscape is the result of epic natural forces. It was forged by lava, sculpted by erosion, and shaped by immense compression and movement over a journey lasting more than a billion years.
When you walk here, you are treading in the footsteps of Vikings. These Norsemen raided and battled their way across the island, dominating the region for centuries. It is from these raiders that the name “Storr” is derived, an Old Norse word meaning “Great Man.”
The life of this 164-foot basalt rock began over 100 million years before and has since stood firmly in place while the terrain around it breaks off and slips towards the sea.
This guide will serve as your companion for visiting one of the Earth’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring locations.
To help you plan your adventure, we have compiled all the essential information, including Google Maps links and other resources, on our website. You can find the link in the description. We have also created a screenshot-friendly guide so you can have all the key details saved on your phone for offline access when you arrive.
Essentials for Your Hike
Preparing for the variable Scottish weather is crucial. While it may be calm at the foot of the hill, the wind often picks up as you ascend. It’s wise to carry a windbreaker or jacket, even on warmer days. For less favorable weather, good quality, warm waterproofs are a must.
The path up to The Storr is particularly steep in places and covered with loose gravel, which can be challenging on the descent. Because of this, proper hiking boots are strongly recommended, and hiking poles can be very helpful if you need extra stability.
Be aware that during periods of changeable weather, visibility can reduce rapidly and dramatically. Furthermore, mobile phone reception is limited to non-existent on the trail, so it’s important to be prepared and mindful when exploring unfamiliar routes.
This walk can be challenging, especially if you have any injuries or health concerns. A good degree of fitness is required to ensure the walk is enjoyable.
Parking machines are in operation at the Storr car park, accepting both cash and card with a charge of £3 to £5. During peak times, parking can be tricky, so please stick to the designated parking areas to protect the surrounding landscape. We recommend making the trip early in the morning to find a quiet trail and spectacular light.
There are no cafes, shops, or facilities at the site. Be sure to stock up on food, water, and fuel before you set off. The nearest public toilets can be found to the south in Portree or to the north in Staffin, so plan a stop before you arrive.
Hike Difficulty and Duration
The hike to the Old Man of Storr follows a steep, well-defined path. A good level of fitness will make the walk feel more comfortable and rewarding.
For those in a rush, the hike can be completed in about 1.5 hours. However, to truly soak in the scenery, consider taking things more easily. You can plan to spend around 3 hours enjoying the views, having a picnic, and exploring the quieter, hidden pathways on the hillside.
The main obstacles you will encounter are steep, loose gravel paths, which are especially tricky on the way down. In wet conditions, the paths and surrounding areas can become wet and boggy. The final stage of the ascent involves climbing over large boulders and steps. It’s worth noting that the walk and views are still spectacular even if you decide to stop halfway.
Getting to The Storr
You will find the Old Man of Storr in the northeast of the island. It is conveniently located a 15-minute drive north of Portree, about one hour from the Skye Bridge, and one hour and 10 minutes from the Armadale Ferry terminal in the south.
Part of the approach to this hike takes place on single-track roads. Be prepared to take your time and use the designated passing places on your left to allow traffic and buses to pass safely. Like everywhere on Skye, public transport is limited. While buses are available, they run on an infrequent and sometimes unreliable schedule.
Exploring the Local Area
The north of the island offers an excellent tourist route, the Experience Skye Loop, which circles the entire northern peninsula and allows you to discover much of Skye in just one day. Here are a few local places near Storr worth visiting.
First, stop at Lealt Falls, which offers a viewpoint and a look at an abandoned factory. A narrow path leads down to the sea, where you can find the remains of a forgotten diatomite industry. Be careful on this path, as there is a significant drop.
Further north, Brothers Point provides a slightly challenging hike downhill toward the sea. At low tide, you can literally walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs.
Continuing along the road, you’ll find the Kilt Rock viewpoint. It’s another fantastic photo opportunity, and if you’re really lucky, you might spot basking sharks feeding in the sea 50 meters below.
Just a one-minute drive from Kilt Rock is the small, local Staffin Ecomuseum. Here, you can find amazing, genuine 156-million-year-old dinosaur footprints and other interesting local finds. The entry cost is £2 cash.
Finally, before continuing your journey, make a pit stop in Staffin. We stopped at the Columba 1400 Cafe for coffee and food. While in Staffin, you’ll also pass Staffin Beach, a sandy bay perfect for families and another chance for some dinosaur footprint hunting at low tide.
As always, we’ve created a Google Maps link with all location information, stops, and more on our website. Just remember, phone signal in Skye can be patchy, so it’s best to download the information beforehand.