Old Man of Storr Hike: Everything You Need To Know
Walking the Old Man of Storr is one of our favourite things on the Isle of Skye. In this guide, I’m sharing how to walk the popular route, the best viewpoints, and practical tips to avoid the crowds.
It’s no secret that the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye is one of the island’s most beautiful trails - and one of its busiest. However, despite its popularity, hiking to the Old Man of Storr is a must on your island itinerary.
We make a beeline for this trail every time we visit, mostly because the views are some of the best on Skye. We’ve walked this path at least five times, in all weathers, and that means we’ve figured out how to avoid the crowds!
The Old Man of Storr walk is always at the top of our hiking list, so we visited again this summer.
Book: hike the Old Man of Storr and other iconic trails on a Skye tour
The Old Man of Storr is one of Skye’s most popular walks. Many visitors come and walk the trail, often alongside other iconic spots like The Quiraing and Brothers Point. After watching the sunrise from the viewpoint, I can say what a beautiful trail it is.
We plan tours around Skye with our qualified outdoor guide, so if you're planning to visit the rocky pinnacle this year, keep a few things in mind: the Storr trail is straightforward but steep, the terrain is rough and rocky in parts, and the weather is changeable.
It’s a busy place too, and the trail can be crowded and the car park full by mid-morning. The most fun and beautiful Old Man of Storr experiences happen at sunrise or early evening, when the landscape completely quietens.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Old Man of Storr walk and how to have the best visit.
Avoiding the Storr crowds
The question we’re asked most is how to avoid the crowds at the Old Man of Storr.
The Storr is part of the island’s most popular road trip, making it an easy place to visit as you explore the island. Yes, it can be busy and, in peak summer, definitely chaotic. But an early-morning start or a late-evening visit can easily help you avoid the crowds.
We like to visit around 7am or 6pm, though this depends on the season, daylight, and the weather; in peak summer, earlier or later is better, and sunrise and sunset are both magical on The Storr.
We personally prefer the morning, and nothing beats a peaceful trail and having the main viewpoint all to yourself! By the time you head back downhill, the car park is starting to fill, but you’re on your way to brunch or your next stop. It’s a beautiful kind of thing.
Quick guide: how to hike the Old Man of Storr
If you’re short on time, this is a quick guide on walking to the Old Man of Storr (full details on everything below):
Start early or visit late. Before 8am and after 5pm are best to avoid the crowds.
Park at the designated car park or roadside (£5).
Use the toilets at the roadside car park.
Start the trail via the metal gate.
Continue uphill on the steep, gravelly trail, with the ridge clearly visible ahead.
Pass through the second, smaller wooden gate.
Follow the trail over stone steps as they climb steadily uphill.
Pass beneath the Old Man.
Pass by other iconic rocks: the Cathedral and the Needle.
Follow the trail along a reasonably flat section towards the viewpoint.
A final uphill section takes you to the grassy knoll and Old Man of Storr viewpoint.
Return to your car via the same path.
Visit the ranger station and store for Skye goodies and gifts.
Travel tip: The best way to explore Scotland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Scotland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Driving in Scotland is easy, but first-time visitors should read my tips on how to drive Scottish single-track roads before starting your journey.
The Old Man of Storr walk
Dominating the northeast Skye landscape, the Old Man of Storr is one of Skye’s most visited places - but for good reason. The landscapes around The Storr are, simply put, another level. No matter how often we visit, the rocky basalt column and unique rock formations never lose their magic and, combined with its location on the Trotternish Peninsula, the Old Man of Storr is well worth visiting.
You’ll need around 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete the trail, which is easy to follow, but steep in parts.
What is the Old Man of Storr
Part of the ancient Trotternish Ridge that includes the equally dramatic Quiraing and its renowned road, the Old Man is a 55-meter-high pinnacle of basalt rock. Today, it is all that remains of an almost three-billion-year-old volcanic plug.
This entire area, a sweeping rampart of rock, was formed around 60 million years ago by a massive landslip - and a succession of landslides caused by hot volcanic lava.
How long is the Old Man of Storr walk
The Old Man of Storr is an out-and-back walking trail, around 1 mile / 1.7km in each direction. In terms of how long it takes to walk, the Old Man of Storr will take you roughly 45 minutes each way. However, you’ll want to stop and take photos, so be sure to factor this into your planning.
Practical Details
Driving
The Old Man of Storr is a 6-mile / 15-minute drive north of the harbour town of Portree. Getting there is straightforward on the A855 coastal road, though there are sections of single-track road to contend with and some tyre-buckling potholes you’ll definitely want to avoid.
As you exit Portree, the Old Man comes into view in the distance. Honestly, it’s awe-inspiring.
A handful of off-road areas let you stop and take photos, but be warned: they are rough and rutted, and you'll need to navigate carefully to avoid damaging your car.
Public transport
Buses run from Portree to the Old Man, but the direct service (57A) runs infrequently. Check the bus timetable before setting off. Or you might want to book a private Portree taxi for your return journey, which costs around £18 (one way).
Old Man of Storr car parking (& amenities)
There are two areas to park at the Old Man of Storr: the small car park and the larger roadside parking. Both cost £6 and are at the foot of the trail starting point. You can pay with coins, a card, or the Ringo app.
Personally, I like to park at the roadside because it avoids the busy car park and is easier to manoeuvre.
You’ll also find public toilets and, slightly further up the hill, a small souvenir shop worth visiting. The staff here includes rangers, who’ll happily answer any questions or concerns about the walk.
How difficult is the trail
In the last few years much much has been carried out by Highland Council to improve the trail at the Old Man of Storr and what was once a muddy track is now primarily a gravel trail. It is steep, there are boulders, however, those with good mobility and a decent level of fitness will find the Old Man of Storr trail straightforward.
I’m a big fan of using photography breaks as an excuse to catch my breath!
What to wear
This is West Coast Scotland, and the weather is, at best, unpredictable. Do yourself a favour and bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and a rucksack to shove unwanted jackets and jumpers into. I also highly recommend hiking shoes or boots, because it's easy to slip on the gravelly path or twist an ankle on the boulders.
The Old Man of Storr walk
Stage 1
Start the trail via the metal gate at the back left of the car park. At this point, the path is gravelly and steepens as it heads uphill. Prepare to feel the burn in your legs! The dramatic cliff face is clear ahead, though the Old Man vanishes into the background.
There is a less steep option with gentler gradients forking off to the left—watch out for the signpost pointing out the “moderate” route.
A short way up, the hill plateaus, and an unofficial, muddy viewpoint is the perfect spot to catch your breath. The views over Raasay, Rona, and the Scottish mainland are spectacular, and Loch Leathan to your left makes for a pretty photo.
Stage 2
The route flattens briefly and passes through a small wooden gate. Further ahead, the trail turns into a bouldery staircase that those with limited mobility may struggle with. It’s also reasonably steep but otherwise straightforward.
Stage 3
As you continue uphill, you’ll pass beneath the Old Man pinnacle, and he’s still reasonably hidden. The best views at this point are the other iconic rocks: the Cathedral (look out for the windows) and the Needle.
Stage 4
The gently undulating trail heads towards the now obvious viewpoint ahead. This is absolutely the best place to photograph the Old Man of Storr and is worth the extra steps. However, be sure to turn around and check out the view behind—the Old Man is now very much in view.
Pay attention to signposts and ropes warning you not to veer off the trail. The Outdoor Access Trust are attempting to protect the delicate area from overtourism, so stick to the official path.
Stage 5
A final uphill section takes you to the grassy knoll and the best Old Man of Storr viewpoint. Have your camera ready; the views are sensational. This area is exposed on a windy day, so be prepared to handle the weather!
Stage 6
Return via the same path. I found heading downhill easier, and the journey takes around 40 minutes.
Old Man of Storr eateries & gift store
You can grab a coffee in the gift shop during the winter months. And there is a coffee shack across the road during summer (weekdays only). My favourite option, however, is to head north to the Hungry Gull at nearby Staffin for a fantastic brunch. Or south to Birch Bakery in Portree for excellent coffee and cakes./
If you have time, pop into the gift shop. They have fantastic gifts and foodie treats from independent Skye producers and makers, plus Storr-inspired souvenirs.
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