The Old Man of Storr is a distinctive rocky pinnacle standing 55 metres tall on the Trotternish Ridge of the Isle of Skye. It is one of Scotland's most photographed and recognisable landmarks. The hike from the car park to the pinnacle takes approximately 1-2 hours through moorland and offers extraordinary views across the Sound of Raasay and the mainland Highlands. The surrounding landscape has appeared in numerous films and television productions.
The Old Man of Storr is a 55-metre pillar of basalt rising from the eastern face of the Trotternish Ridge on the Isle of Skye, roughly 10 kilometres north of Portree. The geological feature — a rock pinnacle detached from the main cliff by ancient landslip — has become one of the defining images of the Scottish Highlands and has featured in films including Prometheus. The walk from the main car park on the A855 road to the base of the pinnacle gains approximately 260 metres of elevation through mixed moorland and forestry, taking 45–60 minutes each way on well-maintained paths. The pinnacle itself cannot be safely climbed by ordinary visitors; experienced rock climbers access it via dedicated routes. From the area around the pinnacle base, panoramic views extend north along the ridge to the Quiraing landslip system, east across the Sound of Raasay toward the mainland Highlands, and south to Portree Bay. The surrounding rockscape includes dozens of smaller pinnacles and bizarre geological formations produced by the same ancient landslip. In summer the hillside is dotted with wildflowers including bell heather and bog cotton. The car park operates a timed-entry booking system during peak season (April to October) to manage the very high visitor numbers; without a booking, access can be denied at busy times. The walk is unsuitable for pushchairs and inaccessible to wheelchairs due to the steep, rough terrain.
Highlights
- Old Man pinnacle
- Storr mountain views
- Sound of Raasay views
- Wildflowers in summer
Tips for visiting
- Book a car park ticket in advance via the Skye car park booking system in peak season. Wear waterproof clothing.
When to visit
Sunrise visits in May and June offer the most dramatic light striking the pinnacle from the east, with minimal crowds if arriving before 7am. The pinnacle can be photographed at any season; autumn and winter provide atmospheric moody conditions, while summer evenings have exceptional northern light well past 9pm.
Accessibility
The walk to the Old Man of Storr is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility due to the steep gradient and uneven rocky terrain of the upper path. The initial section near the car park is relatively flat but quickly becomes steep. The car park itself is accessible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book to visit the Old Man of Storr?
During peak season (approximately April to October) the car park operates a timed-entry booking system. Booking is advisable as spaces sell out quickly on weekends and during holiday periods.
How difficult is the walk to the Old Man of Storr?
The path is moderate in difficulty — steady uphill on mostly good paths but with some uneven sections. It is suitable for reasonably fit adults and older children. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the round trip including time at the top.
Can visitors climb the Old Man of Storr pinnacle?
The pinnacle is an advanced rock climbing route and is not safely accessible to ordinary walkers. The path leads to the area around the base, which provides close-up views without technical climbing.