The Old Man of Storr

What is the Storr

I’m sure if you’ve stumbled across this post, you have some vague idea of what the Old Man of Storr is – aka, probably the most famous hike on the Isle of Skye, if not the entirety of Scotland.

The ‘Old Man’ itself is the name for the pinnacle of basalt rock, standing 55-meters high. This pinnacle is the remains of a 2,800 million-year-old volcanic plug. The Gaelic name for the Storr is Bodach an Stòr.

The Old Man of Storr lies upon the Trotternish Ridge, which was formed by a large landslip some 60 million years ago. The landslip was caused by hot volcanic lava flowing onto weak sedimentary Jurassic rock. The result of this is the unique and rippling cliff faces known as the Trotternish Ridge we know and love today.

Folklore

A Giant’s thumb

The tale speaks of a giant in battle who was slain on the Trotternish Peninsula. Eventually the land consumed the giant as he and the ground became one. All the remained was his thumb, seen poking out of the ground.

Some variations of the tale say the giant just fell over and died – no battles or gruesome deaths. Others say it wasn’t ever really the giants thumb poking out of the ground, but another body part… Have a look at some of the translations of Bodach an Stòr to see what they say.

Fairies

Legend tells stories of Fairies connected to the Storr who were mischievous and deceitful. They enjoyed tricking people, and even stealing their souls should you not be careful.

This particular tale details a married couple whom the fairies watched climb the Storr everyday without fail. As they grew older, the wife began to struggle to compete their daily ritual, so the husband began to carry her on his back until it became too much of a struggle for him

The fairies were tantalised by the couple and decided to pay the husband a visit after hearing him wish for his wife to be able to go wherever he should go.

The fairies told the man they would grant this wish for him should he climb the hill one final time with his wife on this back. He obliged this request but upon reaching the top, the fairies turned the couple into a large stone pillar.

As promised by the fairies, the wife and husband should never go anywhere without the other anymore, stuck together forever in stone….

Brownies

No, not the chocolate type. Brownies are a goblin-looking creature told in Scottish Folklore who did small tasks and chores to help humans.

In this tale, a man (sometimes told as a Farmer) saved the life of a Brownie, but wanted nothing and no aid in return. The man and the Brownie became great friends as a result.

One day, the mans wife dies and he passes shortly after from a broken heart. The Brownie, devastated to have lost his friend, carved pillars of stone to commemorate his friends and their marriage forever.

My Favourite Photos

Where is the Storr

The Storr is located just off the A855 on the Portree to Staffin Road. It is about a 1 hour drive from Uig, and about 15 minutes drive from Portree.

It is possible to get the bus to The Storr, but they are infrequent and I would check the StageCoach schedules and timetables to confirm.

For those doing the loop of North East Skye, the Storr will either be one of the first stops you make or last stops depending on which direction you begin the loop.

Hiking the Storr

The hike itself is just shy of 4km (=2.485 miles) but you can make it longer or shorter depending on your ability and any time constraints. To reach the Knoll (see below) takes about 45mins (not accounting for exploring or stops, which I guarantee you will take!).

The hike is an out and back trail, but you have two paths near the bottom to choose from. The path on the left (yellow) is set up as a sort of switchback trail which is less strenuous but takes longer to ascend than the path to the right (blue) which is steeper and straight(ish). The two paths converge before transforming into a stone ‘staircase’ which will lead you up to the Old Man and Needle Rock.

The hike there and back can take as little as 1h 15mins for those quick hikers making few stops (and taking the right path), but I’d give yourself 2.5 – 3 hours to gently enjoy the hike and the landscape, making plenty of stops to look up close at the magnificent rock formations and then eventually stopping for lunch or snacks near the Knoll.

From the top you are looking out at the Sound of Raasay and Rona then beyond to the Mainland (north west), so I’d recommend taking a seat in the grass and really taking in the views before beginning your descent.

The hike is suitable in most weather (within reason) so long as you are prepared properly, including with experience if venturing during dire weather. Many parts of the path get very muddy so be prepared for that with appropriate clothing and footwear.

ViewPoints/Notable spots

During the hike, you will have the opportunity to get up close to the Old Man, the Needle Rock (The Cathedral), and the Sanctuary .

The Old Man its the main and most prominent pinnacle you see.

Needle Rock (The Cathedral) is the more slender pinnacle next to the Old Man. Needle Rock is also known as the Cathedral due to its ‘windows’.

The Sanctuary is the area surrounding the Old Man, including smaller pinnacles, the nearby cliffs, and crumbling rock formations.

Photographers Knoll is the viewpoint you reach by passing the Old Man & Needle Rock and continuing on the path until you reach this elevated and slightly plateaus viewpoint. It allows you to look panoramically at the pinnacles, the sound of Raasay, and the landscape.

The Trig Point is the highest point on the Trotternish Ridge, standing at 2358 Feet/718 Metres, marked by a concrete pillar on the summit plateau of the Storr. You can do this hike for a longer and more difficult experience, with incredibly rewarding views. Read more about it here:

The Storr Trig Point (The Old Man of Storr) – The Highest Point of the Trotternish Ridge

What to Bring

Money for the carpark/shop/coffee
Appropriate hiking footwear (aka, Hiking shoes/boots, not crocs or heels..)
Appropriate hiking clothing for all types of weather
Waterproof Jacket
Water Bottle
Packed Lunch/Breakfast/Snacks to eat at the top
First Aid Kit (I think everyone should have one at all times.***)
Backpack to carry the above.
Extra layers to account for wind/rain/snow/rapid weather changes.

*** The first time I did the Storr, we were descending down the steeper, quicker path (blue path) nearing the car park when I slipped on some loose gravel/rocks and took a large chunk out of my knee. Thankfully I had a first aid kit with me and I was able to clean out the small rocks embedded in my knee and bandage myself up before getting to a doctor.

What to Know (tips and Rules)

Rules to Note

Leave NO Trace (this means leave no trace of you being there. Take away all rubbish, waste, dog waste, etc. and dispose of it correctly)
Keep dogs on leads
Close gates behind you
No drone usage without the proper permissions and IDs.
No Fires

Tips

Time – Head to the Storr early in the morning to catch the sunrise and avoid the crowds. If you’re not an early bird then I’d head there late in the afternoon/before dusk. The busiest period is probably 10am – 2pm. However, this depends on many factors like tour bus schedules, weather, and time of year. If you’re visiting in the off-season this won’t apply to such a dramatic degree. This hike is busy all year round but can get really over saturated with people in peak summer season.

Car Park – The car park will set you back £6 per car – for up to 6 hours; £7 for up to 12 hours. The machines take both cash and card, but I would always be prepared and have both with you (specifically coins) in case the card reader or cash drop slot are broken. The prices are subject to change so always bring extra.

Shop – Due to the increasing popularity of the Storr as a major tourist destination, a small tourist shop has been constructed in the car park should you wish to purchase any souvenirs.

Toilets – There are toilet facilities in the car park.

Coffee – Across the road from the carpark lies Storr View Coffee van where you can grab coffee and cake for before or after your hike. Just don’t leave coffee cups on the trail and be sure to dispose of any waste correctly utilising the bins provided.

Waste – You will find waste bins in and around the car park to dispose of rubbish and waste you may have.

Weather – While this hike is fairly short, the weather in Scotland can change rapidly without warning thus it is imperative to always be prepared with the correct clothing, footwear, and equipment suited to the hike or walk you are doing.

Wildlife – Be respectful of all wildlife you encounter and please don’t chase or harass them for the sake of a picture. Encountering sheep and/or wildlife is common in the Highlands.