NG5053 : Mist swirling around The Storr, Skye

Old Man of Storr

535m Elevation
79m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NG5053 : Mist swirling around The Storr, Skye

Carol Walker Photo source

Explore routes near Old Man of Storr

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Berneray Community Hall to the beautiful beach

4.8 km ~57m Easy

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Beautiful private beach walk Isle of Harris

2 km ~24m Easy

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Classic Old Man of Storr Route

This is the most popular route starting from the main car park on the A855. The trail ascends through a well-maintained path initially through woodland before emerging onto open ground with stunning views of the Old Man of Storr and surrounding landscapes. The route takes you around the iconic rock pinnacle, offering several vantage points for photography and exploration.

4.5 km ~2 hours Moderate

Extended Circuit via the Storr Ridge

This longer route starts at the same car park and follows the classic path to the Old Man of Storr. From there, it continues to ascend onto the Storr Ridge, providing panoramic views over Skye and the Sound of Raasay. The descent loops back through grassy slopes to rejoin the main path.

8 km ~3.5 hours Challenging

Sunrise Hike to the Old Man of Storr

Ideal for early risers, this route follows the classic path but is timed to reach the Old Man of Storr just as the sun rises. The combination of the morning light and the dramatic shadows of the rock formations makes for an unforgettable experience. A headtorch is essential for the initial ascent in the dark.

4.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Old Man of Storr and Loch Leathan Circular

This circular route begins at the main car park and takes the classic path to the Old Man of Storr. After exploring the area, the route heads westward to circle around Loch Leathan, offering a different perspective of the Storr and tranquil views of the loch before returning to the car park.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate

Family-Friendly Lower Storr Walk

This shorter route sticks to the lower paths, avoiding the steeper sections leading up to the Old Man of Storr. It offers excellent views of the rock formations and surrounding landscapes without requiring a strenuous climb, making it suitable for families or those with limited mobility.

3 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Dodd Highland Five

Elevation

535m

1,755 ft

Prominence

79m

Coordinates

57.5060, -6.1753

NG500539

OS Map

23 24

Explorer: 408 409

At the Summit

The summit features a striking rock pinnacle known as the 'Old Man' that stands majestically against the skyline, alongside numerous smaller rock formations and a panoramic view.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some sections of moderate incline and occasional boggy patches.

Composed primarily of Jurassic Age sandstone and basalt, the Old Man is part of the Trotternish Ridge, characterised by dramatic rock formations and scenic views. The cliffs of the Storr are a result of significant erosion and glacial activity over thousands of years.

Views & Scenery

Breathtaking views of the Isle of Skye, the Sound of Raasay, and the surrounding hills and lochs. On a clear day, you may even spot the Outer Hebrides.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Storr' is derived from the Old Norse word 'stor', meaning 'the great one', reflecting the prominent stature of this lofty rock formation.

Historical Significance

The Old Man of Storr has been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and photographers, and holds a special place in local mythology, associated with stories of giants.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a dedicated car park located at NG496537, about a 1 km walk from the trailhead.

Public Transport

Limited bus services operate from Portree to the Storr area, with the nearest bus stop a short walk from the trail start.

Nearby Facilities

Parking facilities are available, but there are no toilets directly on the trail. The nearest cafes and facilities can be found in Portree.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks and steep drops, particularly near the summit. Be cautious in wet conditions, as paths can become slippery.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Old Man of Storr?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Old Man of Storr through the maps

Are there other walkers around Old Man of Storr?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Old Man of Storr search or of course create your own walk for Old Man of Storr

Can I organise a walk to Old Man of Storr?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Old Man of Storr.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Old Man of Storr?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Old Man of Storr here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NG500539

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