Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

Natural Phenomenon and Walk near Isle of Skye

Old Man of Storr Scotland
Old Man of Storr Scotland
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Sanshiro KUBOTA

The Old Man of Storr is one of the Isle of Skye's most famous landmarks, a dramatic 160-foot rock pinnacle rising from the rolling green slopes of the Trotternish Ridge. Formed by a colossal ancient landslip, this spiky group of rock formations stands powerfully above the Sound of Raasay and has become one of the top sights in the Highlands for visitors seeking unforgettable scenery. Its raw beauty is matched only by the sweeping views across Raasay, Rona, and toward the Scottish mainland.

The steep but rewarding hike toward the Old Man offers a mix of forest trails, muddy moorland, and rocky steps, culminating in a final scramble into a natural amphitheatre known as the Sanctuary. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Isle of Skye, especially at sunrise when the landscape glows in golden light. Whether you come for the myth, the movies, or the sheer panoramic views, the Old Man never disappoints.

History and Significance of the Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr sits within the Trotternish Ridge, an enormous stretch of land dramatically shaped by ancient landslips. This geological event created some of Skye's most striking terrain, including the Storr itself and the nearby Quiraing. The Old Man's sharp, upright pinnacle rises more than 2,300 feet above sea level and has long captured the imagination of locals and travellers alike.

Its Norse-derived name, Storr, means Great Man, highlighting Viking influence across the region. The Old Man formation itself was named for its resemblance to the silhouette of an elderly figure when viewed from certain angles. For centuries, the landmark has served as a navigational point for seafarers and a symbol of Skye’s distinctive, otherworldly landscapes.

The area is also steeped in folklore. According to legend, the Old Man was once a giant who lived on the Trotternish Ridge. When he died, his thumb remained protruding from the earth, forming the rock pinnacle that stands there today. This mix of myth and geology has made the Old Man of Storr one of the must-see places in the Isle of Skye.

Things to See and Do in the Old Man of Storr

The main attraction is the hike itself. Visitors can explore the remains of a recently felled forest, climb through grassy moorland, and eventually reach the dramatic rock formations that surround the Old Man. Along the ascent, there are multiple viewpoints offering superb panoramas of Raasay, the Cuillin Hills, and the Storr Lochs to the south.

Stage 1 takes you through the old forest area, where gravel paths zigzag upward through newly replanted ground. As you gain elevation, the views expand dramatically, rewarding you even before reaching the pinnacle. Stage 2 brings you into the muddy moorland, a natural open landscape where the Old Man begins to come into view. The surrounding cliffs rise sharply ahead, creating an atmospheric backdrop.

Stage 3 is the final push, where uneven rock steps and a short scramble lead into the Sanctuary. This natural bowl is dotted with pinnacles, including the Needle, which has a distinctive hole at its top. The final stretch requires care, but the rock formations make it one of the things to do in the Isle of Skye for keen hikers. The return route follows the same path downhill.

How to Get to the Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is easily reached by road along the A855, about six miles north of Portree. The nearest major airport is Inverness Airport, which provides good access to the Highlands before continuing onward to Skye. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Isle of Skye on Booking.com.

There are train services to Kyle of Lochalsh, where passengers can cross the Skye Bridge by bus or car to reach Portree and the Storr area. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Driving is the most practical way to reach the trailhead, and a paid car park is available directly at the start of the walk. In summer, it may fill up quickly, so arriving early or late in the day helps secure a spot.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Old Man of Storr

  • Suggested tips: Wear waterproof hiking shoes, especially after rain; the paths can become slippery and muddy.
  • Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak summer crowds between 11am and 3pm.
  • Entrance fee: Free; parking charges apply.
  • Opening hours: Always accessible.
  • Official website: Visit the Isle of Skye tourism site for updated trail information.
  • How long to spend: Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the full 2.3-mile hike with photo stops.
  • Accessibility: The terrain becomes steep, uneven, and requires scrambling; not suitable for those with limited mobility.
  • Facilities: Toilets are available at the paid car park; no facilities further up the trail.
  • Photography tip: Sunrise offers incredible light on the pinnacle and the Sound of Raasay below.
  • Guided tours: Local operators offer guided hikes for those wanting expert insight into the geology and legends.
  • Nearby food options: Portree has cafes, pubs, and bakeries ideal for a pre-hike breakfast or post-hike meal.

Where to Stay close to the Old Man of Storr

Portree is the most convenient base for visiting the Old Man of Storr, offering a good selection of hotels and services just a short drive from the trailhead. Stay at The Royal Hotel for harbour views and easy access to the A855. For a quieter countryside experience, The Marmalade Hotel offers comfort in a peaceful setting. Another excellent option is Skeabost House Hotel, combining historic charm with proximity to northern Skye’s landscapes.

Is the Old Man of Storr Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Old Man of Storr is one of Scotland's most photographed natural landmarks for good reason. The combination of dramatic rock formations, sweeping island views, and an engaging hiking trail makes this an unforgettable experience. Whether you're drawn by the geology, the legends, the cinematic scenery, or simply the chance to experience Skye's wild beauty, the Old Man is well worth the journey.

FAQs for Visiting the Old Man of Storr

Most visitors complete the 2.3-mile route in 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on stops and fitness.
It is moderately challenging, with muddy sections and a final rocky scramble.
Yes, for older children with hiking experience, but supervision is essential near steep sections.
Yes, you can reach the foot of the pinnacle via the final scramble, though it becomes steep.

Walking up the hiking trail to see the Old Man of Storr

If it has been raining, hiking shoes are advisable. The trails will be muddy and slippery, so a good pair of water resistant hiking shoes is a must!

Old Man of Storr Hike Stage 1 – Old Forest Area

From the carpark look uphill and you will see ‘Old Man’ and the high cliffs that surround.  At the end of the carpark there is a wooden gate through which is a gravel path that curves up the hillside. You will be walking among the remains of a commercial forest which was recently chopped down and replanted. After a while the path splits with both paths re-joining later (the right hand side is a shorter walk). The path steepens  and you will reach another wooden gate. The wide path winds uphill through a felled ahead. As height is gained, there are superb views back of the Isle of Raasay offshore and Applecross on the mainland beyond, as well as towards the Cuillin. The path starts to zig zags up the hill, reaching another wooden gate after which the path begins to level out. This gate is double height, which is designed to keep deer out. Continue along the path, until you get clear of the old forest area and you come to a small wooden gate, with a small pond to your left, which was created for an emergency source of water in case of forest fire.

Old Man of Storr Hike Stage 2 – Muddy Moor

Passing through the gate the gravel path ends and becomes a regular muddy path through a grassy slope. The spectacular cliffs of the Storr are up ahead, although The Old Man can be difficult to pick out from the cliffs behind from this point. Working your way up the slope until the path splits in two, this is a circular trail around the Old Man of Storr.

Old Man of Storr Hike Stage 3 – Final Scramble!

Follow the left hand split in the path and work your way uphill. There are uneven rock steps on the path. As you continue uphill the ‘Old Man’ will be on your far right side. Ahead are many other rock formations. The path now turns right to face the Old Man and continues with more uneven rock steps.
Now on the final approach to ‘the Old Man’ the path curves uphill heading for the foot of the rock pinnacle. The foot of the Old Man becomes very steep and a bit of a scramble, not suitable for all. The area around the Old Man is known as the sanctuary - a small patch of open space surrounded by towers, pinnacles and rock formations. Beyond the Old Man, you can see the Needle. If you look carefully you might spot the small hole at the top - this has given the needle its alternative name, the Cathedral.

Old Man of Storr Hike Stage 4 – Downhill return

Heading back uses exactly the same route, but is far easier going as it is all downhill; allow 30-40 minutes to get back to the carpark.

Nearby Attractions to the Old Man of Storr

  • The Storr Lochs - Beautiful reservoirs offering peaceful walks and panoramic viewpoints.
  • The Quiraing - A dramatic landslip area with surreal rock formations and incredible hiking.
  • Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls - A striking cliff face resembling pleated fabric with a waterfall plunging into the sea.
  • Lealt Falls - A pair of scenic waterfalls near the coast on the way north.
  • Portree - Skye's main town, known for its colourful harbour and excellent restaurants.

The Old Man of Storr appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Isle of Skye!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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