Scotland is rife with beautiful landscapes and hiking trails, particularly in the Scottish Highlands. One of our favourite hikes in Scotland is the trail leading up to and providing fantastic views of the Old Man of Storr, a towering pinnacle and an iconic landmark of the Isle of Skye. Although you have probably seen many pictures of the area before, there is definitely something special and unique about seeing it with your own two eyes. Below we present our Hiking Guide for Skye’s Old Man of Storr, which includes information on how to get to the trailhead, how difficult the trail is, where the best views are and when is the best time to hike the trail.
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You might also be interested in these pages:
Top Things to See and Do on Skye
4-Day Roadtrip Isle of Skye Itinerary
Isle of Skye Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
Skye’s Best Hiking and Walking Trails
About The Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr was formed during a massive landslide, along with the neighbouring pinnacles, when thick basalt lavas from the Tertiary age flowed onto weaker, sedimentary rocks from the Jurassic era causing the latter to give way.
“The Storr”, which refers to the group of looming outcrops that include and surround the Old Man, is a title derived from the Norse word for “Great Man.” Standing at 55 metres high, the ‘old man’ component of the name derives from the fact that when seen from the front, the rocky pinnacle and The Storr behind it create the face of a haggard and craggy old man.
The hike to the top can be relatively short when you consider how much elevation you gain – it takes much less time to complete than the nearby Quiraing Hike.
ORIENTATION – WHERE IS THE OLD MAN OF STORR?
The Old Man of Storr is located on the Isle of Skye’s Trotternish Peninsula, about a 15-minute drive (11 km) from the island’s main town, Portree.
If you are planning on doing the hike as part of a day trip from outside the Isle, know that the trailhead and parking lot are a good 50-minute drive (55 km) from the Skye Bridge connecting Skye to mainland Scotland.
The easiest way to reach the trailhead is with your own vehicle. For advice and tips on how to drive in Scotland, check out our Scotland Roadtrip Driving Guide. For advice and tips that are more specific to Skye with a focus on single-track roads, check out our Isle of Skye Road Trip Driving Guide.
If you haven’t booked your rental vehicle yet, we highly recommend using Discover Cars to get the best rates on your rental in Scotland.
Alternatively, you could bike there or catch the #57 bus from Portree – it loops around the Trotternish Peninsula and has stops at most major attractions. There are also organized group tours that will take you around most of Skye’s attractions, including the Old Man of Storr.
Parking lot: Although the Parking lot is fairly large, it does fill up quickly during peak times, particularly during the summer. When it does fill up, you might have to find some more challenging off-road parking spots. To be sure to get a spot, we recommend arriving before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
Hours: The trail is also open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you can visit any time you like.
Costs: Hiking the trail is free, but the car park is Pay & Display (£5 for up to 6 hours, (2023)). Payment only applies from 8 am – 8 pm. Parking outside of these times is free of charge.
Facilities: There are public toilets and an information desk in the car park. In the summertime during peak hours, the Storr View Coffee kiosk serves up a variety of coffees, teas, and cold drinks. They also have some homemade cakes and light bites too.
Note: Campervans and Campers are not allowed in the car park due to height restrictions- they must park on the roadside parking spots.
OLD MAN OF STORR TRAIL
Trail Details
Distance: 5.5 km
Route Type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 310m (cumulative elevation gain: 357m)
Start point: Storr Parking lot
AllTrails rating: (4.7, 3444 ratings (2023))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in 2h30-3h
Alternative route: If you want to shorten the trail, you can skip the two small loops depicted in the all trails map below. However, using those loops will lessen the steepness of your climb (or descent).
*Though AllTrails gives the trail a “Hard” rating, in our view this trail falls under the moderate difficulty category. Though steep, the trail is not very long. The path is very well-maintained and doesn’t get excessively muddy in rainy weather (at least compared to other Skye trails).
Not an AllTrails member yet? We highly recommend signing up for either their free or paid membership plans. The free plan allows you to find new trails and plan routes but it can only be used while hiking if you have access to mobile data. The paid membership plan (AllTrails+) allows you to download trail maps for offline use and provides live progress updates and off-route notifications.
If you are still uncertain – you should know that the All Trails mobile application was voted the 2023 iPhone App of the Year by Apple.
Trail Summary
This trail is relatively short but also fairly steep. While most people will take about 2 hours to complete the trail (both ways), it can be done in under 90 minutes when maintaining a good pace. The hiking trail can be divided into three sections.
First Section
The trail begins at a metal gate flanked by deer fences. Once you head through the gate, the first portion of the trail consists of a few switchbacks set on a fairly level and wide gravel path. Along the way up you will see old forest tree stumps on either side of the path.
Shortly after the start, you will see that the path splits. Although both paths will reach rejoin later on, keep right for the quickest ascent. Going left will add about another 20 minutes, but your ascent will be smoother. You will continue through a few more switchbacks and soon thereafter you will have to walk through another metal gate.
Second Section
Eventually, you will have to pass a wooden gate, after which it’s a pretty steady slog uphill on a path that alternates between a mix of a laid staircase and a stony path as you make your way up to the Storr pinnacles.
Not only are the switchbacks gone (you are now walking up in a steep straight line), but the path surface here becomes rockier. Eventually, you will reach the pinnacles. This is a good time to take a breather and explore all the rocky outcrops in the area, including the Old Man and Needle Rock.
Third Section
When you are ready to continue onwards, keep going for another 10 minutes or until you reach the Storr viewpoint. The views from up there are just spectacular.
Note that you are very exposed from the viewpoint, it’s definitely windier and colder there than anywhere else on the trail.
The return leg follows the same route but is far easier going as it is all downhill. Allow about 30-40 minutes to get back to the car park. But do take the time to properly savour the scenery before you descend. This is one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes you will see in Skye.
Hiking Packing List
All Trails subscription – This comes in really handy for areas with little or no cell reception, as the annual subscription allows you to download trail maps for offline use.
External Battery – If you are using your phone to track your progress along the trail or to help with navigation, you certainly don’t want your phone to die on you. That’s especially true in the unlikely event that you might get hurt or need assistance.
Hiking poles – These can be particularly useful in steep trails or muddy/boggy trail conditions.
BEST TIME TO HIKE THE OLD MAN OF STORR TRAIL
We hiked the trail at two different times of day: sunrise and late afternoon. Though you don’t necessarily have to be there for sunrise, we definitely felt being there early in the morning was the best option: 1) Easy Parking, 2) Less crowds, and 3) Better light for photography. This is easily Skye’s most popular and busy hiking trail, and sometimes it can be difficult to find a parking spot between 10 am and 4 pm.
If you are wondering what the views are like during the sunrise:
And if you turn towards the sun rising over the horizon you get these views:
Note that the sunset won’t be as pretty as the sunrise as the pinnacles (and most of the landscape in front of you) will be in the shadow of the Storr ridge to your right (to your west).
Old Man of Storr Hiking Tips
- Come early if you can (see above about coming for the sunrise). The trail gets very busy from mid-morning till mid-afternoon.
- Check the weather before heading out. Our favourite weather app for the area is the Met Office app.
- If coming during the summer months, beware of the pesky little midges. You can check the midge forecast beforehand.
- Stick to the designated path to protect the surrounding environment.
- Be prepared for windier and cooler conditions at the Storr viewpoint, as you are much more exposed than at any other point during the trail. We recommend you wear or bring layers.
- The use of drones is prohibited at the Old Man of Storr.
OTHER SKYE HIKING TRAILS
To get your fill of green lush otherworldly landscapes – The Quiraing
Easily our favorite hike on Skye. Though we loved the Old Man of Storr and its epic viewpoint, we found the Quiraing trail overall to be more fun and pleasant. The Quiraing’s trailhead is located about a 20-minute drive from the Old Man of Storr.
A lesser-known coastal beauty favourite of ours – Camanusary Bay
The trailhead is about a 65-minute drive from the Old Man of Storr.
A less demanding hike with stunning mountain and waterfall vistas – The Fairy Pools
Another Skye classic, located a 45-minute drive from the from the Old Man.
To find yourself on a beach between sea stacks, cows and a stunning waterfall – Talisker Bay
Like Camasunary Bay, a very peaceful and tranquil trail. Located about a 50-minute drive from the Old Man.
NEARBY SIGHTS ATTRACTIONS
Sligachan Old Bridge and Waterfall – A more than worthy photo stop along Skye’s main road.
The bridge parking lot is roughly a 30-minute drive from the Old Man of Storr.
Dunvegan Castle – Visit Skye’s most impressive and well-preserved castle. The castle is about a 40-minute drive from the trailhead.
Talisker Distillery – Sample some whiskey at Skye’s oldest and most famous distillery, located a 35-minute drive from the trailhead.
Town of Portree – Take a stroll through Skye’s largest town and its colourful harbour homes, located a short 15-minute drive from the trailhead.
Eilean Donan – Although it’s not quite on Skye, it’s without a doubt a worthy stop on your way in or out of Skye. The castle is located about a 60-minute drive from the trailhead.
Neist Point Lighthouse – A beautiful drive along a long and winding road will take you to the stunning vistas of Skye’s most photogenic lighthouse. The lighthouse is about a 65-minute drive from the trailhead.
Trotternish Peninsula – Not a single attraction but rather a collection of several, including several waterfalls and hiking trails including the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr. It’s beautiful to drive around following a loop itinerary.
Preparing a trip to the Highlands?
You might be interested in these pages:
Top Things to See and Do on Skye
4-Day Roadtrip Isle of Skye Itinerary
Isle of Skye Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
Skye’s Best Hiking and Walking Trails
Preparing a trip to Scotland?
You might be interested in these Scotland pages:
10-Day Scotland Roadtrip Itinerary (Edinburgh and Highlands)
Scotland Driving Guide and Tips
7 of the Best Castles to Visit in Scotland
Best Things to See in the Scottish Highlands
Best Hikes to do in the Scottish Highlands
We also highly recommend these guidebooks:
Rick Steves Scotland
Lonely Planet Scotland’s Highlands
Photography Gear
If you like our photography, you might be interested in some of the gear we use to shoot our travel and hiking destinations.
Camera Body – Nikon Z 6ii Fx-series Mirrorless Body
Main Lens – NIKON 24-120mm F/4G ED VR AF-S
Zoom Lens – Sigma 745-306 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Polarizing filters – Urth Circular Polarizing (CPL)
Camera Tripod – K&F Concept 64-inch Camera Tripod
Mini-tripod – Lammcou Flexible Camera Tripod
Camera/hiking backpack – Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack
Universal Travel Adapter – VYLEE Universal International Power Travel Plug
Other Travel Essentials
Travel Insurance
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e-Sim cards
Airalo is the world’s first and largest eSIM store with eSIM plans for 200+ countries and regions worldwide. With Airalo eSIMs, travellers can get connected the moment they land at their destination and avoid nasty data roaming charges
eSIMS are a sustainable alternative to single-use SIM cards – they are 100% digital, require less energy to produce and be re-used rather than disposed of.
Car Rentals
Discover Cars is our go-to website for car rentals. We almost always find our preferred rate there.
Transfer from Airport
Welcome Pickups is our favourite private transfer service, which you can pre-book at a fixed price. Currently available in 220 cities all over the world (mostly in Europe, but with several major cities in Asia, the Middle East and the US).
Kiwitaxi is another private transfer service – we haven’t tried it yet, but it’s currently available in a few more countries (102 as of 2024).
Hotels and Accommodations (coming soon)
Photography Prints
If you found this blog useful, you can help support our blog by purchasing low-cost digital prints. Printed physical prints are also available for purchase.
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Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our Old Man of Storr Hiking Guide and that it will prove useful for planning your trip to Scotland’s beautiful Isle of Skye.
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