NG4953 : The east face of the Storr

The Storr

719m Elevation
671m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NG4953 : The east face of the Storr

John Allan Photo source

Explore routes near The Storr

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

Fairy Lochs Liberator Wreckage Circuit

4.9 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Beinn Eighe Lancaster Wreckage at Coire Mhic Fhearchair

16 km ~6h Hard

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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.

The Storr and Old Man of Storr Classic Route

This is the most popular route to The Storr, starting from the car park by the A855. The path ascends through woodland before emerging onto open hillside, offering stunning views of the Old Man of Storr rock pinnacle and surrounding landscapes. The trail leads to the summit of The Storr, providing panoramic vistas of the Trotternish Ridge and the Isle of Raasay.

6.8 km ~3 hours Moderate

The Storr from Loch Leathan

This alternative route begins at the Loch Leathan viewpoint and follows a well-trodden path towards The Storr. The trail provides excellent photo opportunities of the Old Man of Storr reflected in the loch. It then joins the main route to ascend to the summit, offering a quieter approach for those seeking a less crowded experience.

7.2 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

The Storr Circular via Needle Rock

This circular route starts at the Storr car park and approaches from the eastern side, passing by Needle Rock. After ascending to The Storr summit, the route descends via the western slopes, creating a loop. This route offers a mix of dramatic rock features and expansive views, ideal for experienced walkers seeking variety.

8.5 km ~4 hours Challenging

The Storr from Lealt Gorge

Starting at Lealt Gorge, this route follows a quieter and less direct path towards The Storr. It includes a scenic ridge walk along the Trotternish Ridge before reaching the summit. This route is best suited for more experienced hikers due to its length and rugged terrain.

12.5 km ~6 hours Challenging

The Storr Summit and Hidden Loch Circuit

This extended route combines a visit to the summit of The Storr with a detour to a hidden loch nestled in the hills. Starting from the main car park, the trail ascends to the summit before descending to explore the loch. It then loops back to the starting point via a lesser-used path. A rewarding route for those with extra time.

10 km ~5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Graham Simm

Elevation

719m

2,358 ft

Prominence

671m

Coordinates

57.5071, -6.1831

NG495540

OS Map

23

Explorer: 408 409

At the Summit

The summit is crowned with the famous 'Old Man of Storr', a rock formation that resembles a giant, slightly aloof figure. There is also a small rock cairn at the very top.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some boggy patches that would gladly swallow a boot or two.

The Storr is formed from ancient volcanic rock, composed mainly of basalt and glacial deposits. Its distinctive columns result from lava cooling and cracking, creating a dramatic landscape that would impress any geology enthusiast.

Views & Scenery

Panoramic views of the Quiraing, the Trotternish peninsula, and beyond to the Outer Hebrides. On a clear day, you might just want to reach for a binocular to spot them all!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Storr is derived from the Norse word 'storr', meaning 'great' or 'large', which seems fitting given its prominence on the landscape.

Historical Significance

The Storr is steeped in local legend, with tales of giants and fairies that weave through its history—indeed, it’s said that the Old Man of Storr is a petrified giant!

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The Storr car park is conveniently located at NG490538, with ample space for vehicles. Arrive early in peak seasons to secure a spot.

Public Transport

There is a bus service from Portree that operates regularly, making it accessible for those without a vehicle.

Nearby Facilities

There are toilets located at the car park, and Portree offers a selection of cafes, shops, and restaurants to refuel after your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Muddy sections can be slippery, and sudden weather changes are common. Keep an eye on the sky or invest in some waterproof gear to avoid a soggy situation.

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 The Storr?

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

Are there other walkers around The 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 The Storr search or of course create your own walk for The Storr

Can I organise a walk to The 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 The 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 The 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 The 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: NG495540

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