Hiking the Old Man of Storr

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On my first day arriving on the Isle of Skye, hiking the Old Man of Storr was at the top of my list. But as I pulled into the car park, ready to hit the trail, the wind began to rock the car from side to side and rain poured down. You might know the Scottish saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing,” but in this case, even the best gear wouldn’t have made it safe. Reluctantly, I had to admit defeat and move on. Thankfully, the next day brought calmer skies, and I was finally able to return, alongside what felt like every other visitor on the island.

The Old Man of Storr is one of the most popular hikes on Skye, so planning ahead and arriving prepared will make a big difference. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to make the most of your visit and start your hike on the right foot.

A hiker standing with arms outstretched on a rocky outcrop in front of the jagged basalt pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr under a cloudy sky.
Reaching the viewpoint at the Old Man of Storr offers a sense of scale you can’t get from the ground.

Table Of Contents

  1. Table Of Contents
  2. What Is The Old Man of Storr?
  3. Overview
  4. Location
  5. Hike Details
  6. FAQ
  7. Related Posts

What Is The Old Man of Storr?

The Old Man of Storr is a piece of basalt rock that broke away from the cliff face. The cliff is part of the Trotternish Ridge, a dramatic rock formation, shaped millions of years ago by landslides and ancient volcanic activity. If you want to see more of the Trotternish Ridge, you can also hike the Quiraing.

Hikers navigating a rocky, boulder-strewn section of the trail directly beneath the massive dark basalt cliffs of the Storr.
The sheer scale of the basalt cliffs is breathtaking as you get closer to the top.

Overview

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Time: 2 hours (Depending on your pace and how frequently you stop to take photos)
Route Type: Out and back – this hike starts and ends at the Old Man of Storr Car Park

Location

The Old Man of Storr is located on the northeast side of the Isle of Skye, Scotland. It’s a short 15 minute drive north from Portree.

Hike Details

You’ll begin your hike from the car park, passing through a metal gate. Be sure to close it behind you as it is a livestock grazing area.

A metal mesh security gate at the entrance of a gravel hiking path leading up a grassy hill with power lines and a cloudy sky in the background.
The start of the ascent features a clear gravel path and metal gate.

At the trailhead, you’ll see a signboard outlining two possible route options: the Old Man of Storr Trail and the Storr Interpretive Trail. Both routes eventually merge to complete the upper section for Old Man of Storr.

A close-up of an outdoor trail information board for "Bodach an Stòir / Old Man of Storr" showing a topographic map, safety warnings, and route difficulty levels.
Be sure to check the trail map at the base; it provides details on the ‘Strenuous’ and ‘Moderate’ route options.

The hike follows a well defined path and begins as a well maintained gravel trail. Nor far in, you’ll come to an unofficial flat and often muddy viewpoint. This is a good early stop for views over Loch Leathan and the Isles of Raasay and Rona.

A wide landscape view of rolling green hills and a large loch under a dramatic, cloudy sky on the Isle of Skye.
The vast, rolling landscape of the Trotternish Peninsula seen from the Storr trail.

As you continue uphill, the trail shifts to rocky steps, then transitions into a dirt path. It remains well defined throughout. You’ll notice that some sections are roped off to protect the landscape from erosion, ensure you stick to the marked trail to help preserve the fragile environment.

  • Hikers ascending a steep, well-defined stone staircase leading up toward the dark cliffs of the Storr.
    The well-maintained stone path makes the steep ascent manageable, though it’s still a workout!
  • A dirt and gravel hiking path winding up a bright green mountain slope with hikers in the distance and a rocky peak ahead.
    The trail as it winds up the lush green slopes of the Trotternish Ridge.

As you complete the final uphill section you’ll reach a large flat viewpoint, a perfect photo spot with panoramic views and a great perspective of the Old Man of Storr. Remember the weather changes quickly here, so if it’s foggy or overcast, give it a few minutes and you might get a break in the clouds for that perfect shot.

A high-angle view of the Old Man of Storr pinnacles overlooking the blue waters of Loch Leathan and the surrounding Scottish Highlands.
One of the best rewards of the hike is the dramatic view of Loch Leathan below.

Once you’ve soaked in the views and taken your photos, simply return to the car park the way you came, following the same path downhill.

A view from above of the black wooden visitor center building and car park at the base of the Old Man of Storr hike.
The modern visitor facilities at the base of the trail and car park.

FAQ

What to wear?

It’s best to wear layers of clothing as weather can change quickly. When I hiked in September there was sun, rain and wind. There were times during the hike where I was warm and hiked in a long sleeve top. Then there were also periods where I was rugged up and wearing gloves. Or the times I had to pull on my waterproof trousers and put on my rain jacket. 

Are there toilet facilities available? 

Yes, there are free public toilets located in the car park. They are in the building behind the gift shop. 

Where to stay near the Old Man of Storr?

I stayed at Staffin Caravan & Camping Site, a 15 minute drive to the Old Man of Storr Car Park. 

What is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit would be between the months of May – September. I completed the hike in September. 

Is it possible to see the Old Man of Storr without hiking? 

Yes, you can see the Old Man of Storr from the roadside. You’ll see it come into view as you drive north from Portree. To get close up views or the iconic photos of the jagged pinnacles, you will need to at least do a short hike.

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