NG4954 : Below the Storr

The Storr East Top

714m Elevation
31m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NG4954 : Below the Storr

John Allan Photo source

Overview

The Storr East Top

Perched high on the Isle of Skye, The Storr East Top is a delightful ascent that promises tales worth telling and views worth seeing. Known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, embarking on this hike is not just a stroll; it’s a journey through time and terrain.

Geology

The geology of The Storr East Top is particularly fascinating, composed mainly of textured Jurassic basalt and sandstone. These rocks have weathered to create steep cliffs and otherworldly formations that seem like they belong in a sci-fi movie. The evidence of ancient volcanic activity can be seen in the rugged landscape, perfect for any rock and mineral buff.

Routes

Two main routes are popular among visitors:

  1. Storr Circuit: This moderate circuit wraps around the Storr, providing a visual feast of the surrounding countryside. At around 6 km, it usually takes about 2.5 hours to complete, making it a lovely half-day adventure.
  2. Direct Ascent from Old Man of Storr Car Park: A short yet steep trek directly to the summit. At 2.5 km and taking about 1.5 hours, it's perfect for those with a thirst for a quick climb or a spontaneous workout. Just keep in mind that this route can be a tough climb.

Summit Features

Reaching the top rewards you with a small yet charming cairn and the kind of panoramic views that’ll make your Instagram feed sing. You feel as though you're on top of the world, and you might just want to shout out, “I’m king of the world!” (just like Leo).

Terrain Type

As you navigate the terrain, expect a rocky path with occasional grassy patches and — keep your boots clean if you can — boggy areas after a rainfall. Each step offers a different challenge, but none too daunting... unless you’ve worn the wrong shoes!

Views

From The Storr East Top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking sights of the Old Man of Storr, the shimmering Sound of Raasay, and the stunning Trotternish Ridge stretching northward. The beauty truly resonates.

Best Times to Visit

For photography enthusiasts or anyone seeking glorious views, Spring and Autumn provide magnificent colours and clear skies. Just be wary of the pesky midges during the summer; they're the uninvited guests of the Scottish Highlands!

Hazards

While hiking, be cautious of loose rocks and steep drops. The weather can also change faster than you can say “Scottish summer”, so pack accordingly. We all like surprises, but not when it comes to safety!

Access

Parking is available at the Old Man of Storr Car Park. It’s free but gets busy, especially in the summer, so arrive early to secure a spot to start your day of adventure. Public transport runs from Portree to The Storr, and if you need facilities before or after your hike, the charming town of Portree has you covered.

History

The name 'Storr' harks back to Viking roots, with 'stor' meaning big. This area is rich in folklore, offering a taste of how nature once inspired stories and legends — it's quite special, really.

So lace up your boots and make your way to The Storr East Top. Each step offers a connection with stunning nature, exciting history, and perhaps just a hint of adventure. Happy hiking!

Explore routes near The Storr East Top

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

Fairy Lochs Liberator Wreckage Circuit

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Beinn Eighe Lancaster Wreckage at Coire Mhic Fhearchair

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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 ~1h 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.

Storr Circuit

This popular circuit takes you around the Storr, providing stunning views throughout, including a trek up to The Storr East Top itself.

6 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Direct Ascent from the Old Man of Storr Car Park

A straightforward but steep ascent that leads directly to the East Top from the car park. Perfect for those who want to make a quick dash or those who might have misplaced their hiking boots three miles back.

2.5 km ~1.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Simm

Elevation

714m

2,344 ft

Prominence

31m

Coordinates

57.5074, -6.1798

NG497540

OS Map

23

Explorer: 408 409

At the Summit

The summit showcases a small cairn and fantastic panoramic views that will have you feeling like the king (or queen) of the hill.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with some grassy patches; expect some bogs if the rain has been engineered by Mother Nature.

The Storr East Top is primarily composed of Jurassic basalt and sandstone. These rocks have weathered over time, creating impressive cliffs and unique formations. The age of the rocks means they have steadfastly withstood the elements, making for interesting geological features that can spark any rock enthusiast's interest.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the Old Man of Storr, the Sound of Raasay and the majestic Trotternish Ridge stretching to the north.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

'Storr' is derived from the Norse word ‘stor’, meaning 'great' or 'big', which perfectly describes this majestic landform. The area is rich in folklore, including tales of giants that are said to have roamed these very hills.

Historical Significance

The Storr is not just a pretty face; it has significant geological and cultural heritage, dating back to the Pictish era.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Old Man of Storr Car Park (NG 48759 56716); free parking but can get busy during peak season.

Public Transport

Buses from Portree operate regularly during the tourist season; check the local schedules as they do change.

Nearby Facilities

There aren't facilities up at the summit, but Portree has cafes, shops, and public toilets to suit your pre and post-hike needs.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks, steep drops, and unpredictable weather can add a layer of surprise; don’t be the one who slips right after taking a selfie!

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 East Top?

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

Are there other walkers around The Storr East Top?

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 East Top search or of course create your own walk for The Storr East Top

Can I organise a walk to The Storr East Top?

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 East Top.

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 East Top?

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 East Top 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

The Storr East Top location map

Grid reference: NG497540

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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