A visit to The Old Man of Storr is probably the most famous walk on the Trotternish Ridge; a ridge created around 60 million years ago by a massive landslip. The Old Man (Bodach an Stòr in Gaelic) is a 55-metre-high pinnacle of basalt rock, the sole remains of a 2,800 million-year-old volcanic plug. Impressive!
- Multiple Dogs Allowed
- Parking
- Rural Walks
Good to know
Overview
The jagged pinnacles of The Old Man of Storr are one of Skye’s most distinctive landscapes, and it’s perhaps Skye’s most visited and photographed site.
Said to be the thumb of a giant sleeping under the earth, The Old Man is Scottish splendour at its finest. It attracts visitors from all over the world, so arrive early or visit out of season if you’re not a fan of crowds.
Intrepid explorers, however, carry on beyond The Old Man up to the trig pillar of the Storr – the mountain which gives The Old Man its name. It’s a strenuous half day walk to get there and back, but you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the Cuillins – if the weather plays along! Best of all, you’ll only see a handful of other people at most.
The Storr clocks in at 719 metres, making it a mountain rather than a hill, so make sure to prepare appropriately and expect some minor scrambling.
For The Dogs
Bring leads, poop bags and water.
Opening Hours
Daylight recommended.
Parking
Use The Old Man of Storr pay & display car park, nearest post code IV51 9HX.
The Area
Is there anywhere that evokes wanderlust on quite the same scale as Skye? Iconic locations like the Fairy Pools and the Quiraing are rightfully seen as must-visit destinations, but there are plenty of lesser known spots worth a visit too. Hunt for dinosaur footprints at An Corran beach, or spend a morning in the otter hide at Kylerhea. However long you spend on Skye, it won’t be long enough.
