Old Man of Storr Walk

Route overview

The Old Man of Storr Walk is one of the most famous hikes on the Isle of Skye, and for good reason. This short but spectacular route climbs from the….

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The Old Man of Storr Walk is one of the most famous hikes on the Isle of Skye, and for good reason. This short but spectacular route climbs from the main car park above the east coast of Skye to the dramatic pinnacles of the Storr, where jagged rock towers rise from the hillside like something from another world.

This circular route is around 3 miles (5 km) and usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how often you stop for photographs. The climb is steady and can be muddy in places, but the rewards are huge: sweeping views over the Sound of Raasay, Bearreraig Bay, Loch Leathan and the surrounding Trotternish landscape.

If you only have time for one short walk on Skye, the Old Man of Storr deserves to be very high on your list.

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Places to stay near the Old Man of Storr

📌 At a Glance

Start/Finish: Old Man of Storr Car Park, near Portree, IV51 9HX
Route Type: Circular walk
Distance: Approx. 3 miles / 5 km
Time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Stone paths, uneven tracks, steep sections, muddy ground after rain
Best For: Photographers, walkers, families with older children and first-time Skye visitors
Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs under close control around livestock and steep ground.

🗺️ Route Overview

A) Old Man of Storr Car Park
B) Lower Storr Path
C) First Viewpoint
D) Old Man of Storr Pinnacle
E) Upper Viewing Area
F) Circular Return Path
G) Lochans and Moorland Section
H) Return to Car Park

🌟 Step-by-Step Route Guide

A) Old Man of Storr Car Park

Begin at the main Old Man of Storr Car Park beside the A855. This is the most popular starting point and gives direct access to the marked walking route.

From the car park, cross carefully and pick up the obvious uphill path heading towards the Storr. The rock pinnacles soon appear above you, giving an exciting glimpse of what is to come.

B) Lower Storr Path

The first section climbs steadily away from the road. The path is clear but can feel surprisingly steep in places, especially if you set off too quickly.

As you gain height, the views behind you begin to open across Bearreraig Bay and the east coast of Skye. This is a good point to pause, catch your breath and look back across the water.

C) First Viewpoint

After the initial climb, the landscape becomes more dramatic. The Old Man of Storr comes into view properly, with the dark rock tower standing proud against the skyline.

This is one of the best places for early photographs, especially in changing light when the cliffs and pinnacles shift from grey to gold.

Look out for:

• Views towards the Sound of Raasay
• The jagged Storr cliffs above
• The first clear view of the Old Man of Storr
• Sweeping coastal scenery behind you

D) Old Man of Storr Pinnacle

Continue climbing towards the main rock formation. The path becomes rougher here, with uneven stones, muddy patches and steeper ground.

The closer you get, the more impressive the Old Man becomes. Standing below the huge pinnacle is the moment most walkers come for, and it feels every bit as dramatic as the photos suggest.

Take care around the rocky sections, especially if the ground is wet.

E) Upper Viewing Area

For the best views, continue slightly higher beyond the main pinnacle. This upper viewpoint gives the classic panorama looking back over the Old Man of Storr, the coastline, the lochs and the distant islands.

This is the photo spot.

On a clear day, the views stretch across:

• The Sound of Raasay
• Bearreraig Bay
• Loch Leathan
• The Trotternish Ridge
• The surrounding Isle of Skye coastline

F) Circular Return Path

Rather than returning exactly the same way, follow the route around the wider loop shown on the map. This gives a quieter perspective of the Storr and avoids simply retracing every step.

The return path crosses open hillside and moorland, with big skies and long views back towards the coast.

G) Lochans and Moorland Section

The lower return section passes rougher moorland and small lochans before curving back towards the main car park area.

This section is usually quieter than the main ascent and gives the walk a more adventurous feel. After rain, it can be boggy in places, so waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.

H) Return to the Car Park

The final stretch brings you back towards the A855 and the Old Man of Storr Car Park.

Before leaving, take one last look back at the ridge. From below, the full scale of the Storr becomes clear, and it is easy to see why this is one of the most photographed places in Scotland.

📸 What to Look Out For

• The towering Old Man of Storr pinnacle
• The dramatic cliffs of the Storr
• Views across Bearreraig Bay
• The Sound of Raasay
• Small lochans below the route
• The wild landscape of the Trotternish Peninsula
• Sunrise light over the east coast
• Mist rolling around the rock formations
• Sea views towards the nearby islands

💡 Tips for Walking the Old Man of Storr

• Arrive early, especially in summer, as the car park fills quickly.
• Wear proper walking shoes or boots.
• Expect mud after rain.
• Take a waterproof jacket, even if the forecast looks good.
• Stay on the marked paths to protect the fragile landscape.
• Keep dogs under control around sheep and steep drops.
• Bring a camera — this is one of the best photo locations in Scotland.
• Sunrise is magical here and usually quieter than midday.
• Allow extra time if the weather is misty or windy.

☕ Places to Eat and Drink Nearby

Portree

After the walk, head back towards Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye. It has cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops, making it the best place nearby for food after the hike.

Good options include:

• Cafés for coffee and cake
• Traditional pubs for a warm meal
• Fish and chips by the harbour
• Restaurants serving local seafood

Staffin

If you are continuing north along the Trotternish Peninsula, Staffin is another useful stop for refreshments and nearby attractions.

🏨 Where to Stay Nearby

The best base for this walk is Portree, around a short drive away. It offers the widest choice of hotels, guesthouses, campsites, restaurants and shops.

Other good bases include:

• Staffin for a quieter north Skye stay
• Uig for ferry access and Trotternish exploring
• Skeabost for a peaceful countryside base
• Broadford if you are travelling onwards across Skye

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