Old Man of Storr Walk on Skye, Scotland: Route and Tips

The Old Man of Storr is a tall rock spire on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, and the walk to see it takes about two to three hours. A clear path climbs from the road to the base of the pinnacle. The views from the top are among the best on the island. This guide covers the route, the time you need, the safety points and the best moments to go.

Skye has many famous spots. The Old Man of Storr stands out because the effort is fair and the reward is big. You do not need special kit. You do need good boots, warm layers and a clear head for the weather.

What Is the Old Man of Storr?

The Old Man of Storr is a pinnacle of dark rock about 50 metres (165 feet) tall. It stands on the slopes of The Storr, a hill of 719 metres (2,359 feet) on the Trotternish peninsula. Around it, smaller needles and towers rise from the grass. Together they make one of the most recognisable scenes in Scotland.

How the rock formed

Tens of millions of years ago, lava poured across this part of Skye and cooled into hard basalt. Softer rock lay underneath. Over time the ground on the Trotternish ridge began to slip. It is one of the largest landslips in Britain. As the land slid and broke apart, it left tall columns of basalt standing alone. The Old Man is the most famous of them.

Where the name comes from

The name Storr is thought to come from Old Norse and to mean something like “great” or “large”. The “Old Man” part is simpler. From the right angle, the spire looks like a figure on the hillside. A local story says it is the thumb of a giant who lies buried in the hill.

How to Get to the Old Man of Storr

The start of the walk is beside the A855, about seven miles (11 km) north of Portree. The drive takes roughly 15 minutes in normal conditions. Portree is the main town on Skye and a good base. Our guide to life in Portree shows what the town offers.

You can reach Skye by road over the Skye Bridge, or by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale. Our CalMac ferry guide explains how to plan island crossings.

Parking

The main car park sits beside the road at the foot of the hill. It fills early on dry days, especially in summer. Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to find a space. Please do not park on the verges or block the road. Check Forestry and Land Scotland for current parking and path information before you go.

The Old Man of Storr Walk: Route and Time

The walk is about 2.5 miles (4 km) there and back. Most people take two to three hours, including time for photos. The climb is roughly 300 metres, and it is steady from the start. Treat these figures as a guide, because your pace and the weather will change them.

The path, step by step

From the car park, the path goes through a gate and into a forest of tall conifers. It climbs through the trees on a gravel track. After the forest, you reach open hillside. The path then turns right and rises towards the cliffs.

The spire comes into view as you climb. Keep to the main path. It leads you up to the foot of the pinnacle. From there, the views open out across the water to the mainland hills.

How hard is it?

Most walkers with a normal level of fitness can do it. The path is steep in places and uneven in others. After rain, the ground turns muddy and slippery. Wear walking boots with a good grip. Trainers are a poor choice on a wet day.

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Staying Safe on The Storr

The Storr is a hill, not a park path. Weather on Skye can change within the hour. A bright start can turn to low cloud, rain and strong wind. Check the forecast on the day, and check the hill forecast from the Mountain Weather Information Service. For a general outlook, the Met Office forecast for Portree is a useful start.

Do not climb the pinnacle

The rock around the Old Man is loose and crumbly. Stones fall, and the ground at the base can shift. Do not try to climb the spire or the towers around it. Enjoy them from the path, and keep well back from the cliff edges, especially in mist.

What to bring

• Walking boots and waterproof layers, even on a sunny morning.
• A warm hat and gloves outside summer.
• Water and a snack.
• A head torch if you plan to walk at sunrise or late in the day.
• A charged phone, though signal can be patchy.

Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Take your litter home, stay on the path to limit erosion and keep dogs under close control near sheep. Our guide to wild camping in Scotland covers the same code in more detail.

The Best Time to Visit the Old Man of Storr

The hill is lovely in every season, but each one brings something different. Early morning is the quietest time. The car park is emptier and the light is soft on the rock. Many photographers come at sunrise for that reason.

Season by season

Summer has the longest days and the easiest conditions. It also brings the biggest crowds and the midges. Midges are small biting flies. They are worst on still, damp days and evenings, so carry repellent.

Spring and early autumn are a good middle ground. The paths are drier than in winter, and the crowds are thinner. Winter has short days and a real chance of ice, snow and cloud. Go only if you are well equipped and happy to turn back.

Make a Day of It on Skye

The Storr sits on the Trotternish peninsula, which has more big sights along one road. Further north on the same road, you can reach the Quiraing and the coastal cliffs at Kilt Rock. Many visitors pair the Storr with the Fairy Pools on Skye, which lie on the other side of the island.

If you are planning a longer trip, our week-long Highlands road trip includes Skye. On the mainland, Plockton makes a calm stop on the way. First time in the country? Start with your first trip to Scotland. You can also find ideas and planning help on the VisitScotland website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Old Man of Storr walk take?

Most people need two to three hours for the round trip. That includes stops for photos and a rest at the top. Allow more time if the path is wet or if you walk slowly.

Is the Old Man of Storr walk difficult?

It is a steady climb of about 300 metres on a path that is steep and uneven in places. Most walkers with basic fitness manage it. Wet weather makes it harder, so wear boots with a good grip.

Can you climb the Old Man of Storr itself?

No. The rock is loose and the area around the base is unstable. Enjoy the pinnacle from the path and keep back from the edges.

How far is the Old Man of Storr from Portree?

The car park is about seven miles (11 km) north of Portree on the A855. The drive takes roughly 15 minutes when the road is clear.

When is the best time to walk to the Old Man of Storr?

Early morning gives the quietest path and the best light. Spring and early autumn offer a good balance of dry weather and fewer people. Winter walks need extra care because of ice, snow and short daylight.