Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr is a jagged pinnacle of rock rising from the Trotternish Ridge above Loch Leathan, and it's probably the single most iconic hiking image of Skye — a lone dark spire silhouetted against the sky, formed from an ancient landslide that left this and other rock towers standing while the surrounding land eroded away. Local legend says it's the thumb of a buried giant; geologically, it's the remnant of a massive Jurassic-era landslip.
The walk up is steep in places but well-maintained and manageable for most reasonably fit visitors, climbing through forestry plantation before opening onto moorland with the pinnacle looming ahead and views back over the Sound of Raasay. It's deservedly popular, which means the car park fills fast in summer — arriving early morning or in the evening light gives both a better experience and better photos.
Old Man of Storr FAQs
The round trip is roughly 3.8 miles (about 6km) and generally takes 2-3 hours depending on fitness and stops for photos.
It's steep in sections but on a well-maintained path; most reasonably fit walkers manage it without technical difficulty.
No booking is needed to walk the trail, though the car park can fill early in peak season.
No, the Old Man of Storr itself is a technical rock-climbing route, not something walkers scramble up; the trail takes you to its base and surrounding viewpoints.
Sturdy footwear and waterproofs are recommended, as Skye's weather and the exposed ridge can change quickly.
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