Last Updated on November 12, 2025
The Old Man of Storr hike is a highlight, or downright must-see, on anyone’s Isle of Skye itinerary.
When I stood before these enormous rock pinnacles, it was the first time I felt like I was somewhere otherworldly. And most hikers will tell you the same thing about their experience seeing the Storr. Riddled with tourists? Yes. Illegal to miss? Also yes.
It’s one of the most iconic sites on the Trotternish Peninsula, but to access it, you’ll need to take the short but steep hiking trail to get to all the best views you see floating around the web.
This blog outlines everything you need to know about the hike, what to expect, the parking situation, useful tips, and what you need to bring with you for a comfortable hike.
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Old Man of Storr Hike at a Glance
The Old Man of Storr hike is one of the most popular walking trails you can take in the Isle of Skye. It is a short, but insanely scenic route to stunning monoliths of basalt. Here is a quick review of what to expect, then we’ll get into more details about how to complete the hike.
Old Man of Storr Hike Length
2.34 miles or 3.8 km round-trip; there are ways you can make the Old Man of Storr hike longer, which I cover in the “route” section of this blog further down.
Is the Old Man of Storr a difficult walk?
It’s moderate; it’s a short hike, but very steep.
How long does it take to walk the Old Man of Storr?
Getting to the foot of the Old Man of Storr takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour one way for the average person. If you’re not used to steep climbs and need to take more breaks, it can be longer.
Old Man of Storr Hike Elevation
There is 1,115.49 feet (340 meters) of elevation gain in just under 1.17 miles (1.8 km) one way to the Old Man of Storr (translation for the non-trail savvy: that’s really steep). It’s a bit of a slog to the top, but luckily, the way back is all downhill.
Parking at the Storr
There is a 140-vehicle car park just off the A855 north of Loch Leathan.
It has restrooms, motorhome waste facilities, bike parks and plenty of space for larger vehicles with a height over 6.5 feet (2 meters).
It costs £6 ($8) per car for up to 6 hours and £7 ($9) for up to 12 hours. Ticket machines are dotted around the parking lot, and they take coins or contactless payment. This also applies to the larger roadside parking, which you can also take advantage of for Storr parking.
Only use the parking lot spaces and do not park on the grass or in parking places along the A855. My advice is to get to the Old Man of Storr parking lot early to ensure you get a space. The lot fills fast.
Trail Map
The trail to the Old Man of Storr is very well-worn, and therefore it’s difficult to get lost. However, if you want a proper map, Gaia GPS is my favorite offline hiking map. AllTrails is another good option.
Can you see the Old Man of Storr without hiking?
Yes, you can see the Old Man of Storr without hiking, but the view isn’t nearly as good as if you hike.
You can see it from the road or the car park, but most of the rock formation will be obstructed by trees and the lower terrain. You can get a better look at Loch Fada, but it’s from a distance, and you can only see the very tops of the rock columns.
The Legend of the Old Man of Storr
Many different legends tell the story of the Storr, but the most famous one tells us that Skye was once a land roamed by giants.
From the Cuillin Mountains to the Quiraing, these enormous figures walked, and it’s said that the sound of their constant fighting filled the air. During one of these battles, a particularly large giant was slain on the Trotternish Peninsula.
He was abandoned where he fell, and eventually the land swallowed his body— all but one point. Depending on who you ask, this point is either the giant’s thumb… or a more intimate part of his body. The guide I had during my trip to the Isle of Skye chose the latter.
Some people say that the Old Man of Storr’s original Gaelic name translates to the “penis of Storr”, but modern historians translated it to “The Old Man of Storr” to be more polite. They even say that the ancient Gaelic people worshipped this rock formation as a symbol of fertility.
There are many theories, but this one, whether it’s his thumb or other extremity, is the most well-known.
Old Man Of Storr Trail Hike Guide
Over the last few years, the Highland Council has completed many different projects to improve the walking trail at the Old Man of Storr.
The muddy track I slogged up on my first visit to Skye is now a mostly gravel route that is doable for anyone with a moderate fitness level and good mobility.
Before you head out, you must check the weather in the area. Skye is notorious for sudden mists and heavy rainfall, which can make certain portions of the hike more difficult.
If the weather is acting right, this is what you can expect along the Old Man of Storr hike:
How early should you get to the Old Man of Storr?
Because the Storr is one of the most iconic places in the Isle of Skye, it gets really, really busy. Especially during the summertime, which is peak season in Skye.
To avoid a majority of the crowds, aim to be on the trail for sunrise or before 8 a.m. The sun rises as early as 4:30 a.m. in Skye during the summer months, which gives you a large hiking window before the crowds roll in.
The Skye Iconic Sites Project
The Old Man of Storr sees close to 250,000 visitors annually, and the Skye Iconic Sites Partnership and Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland are actively trying to protect the site from erosion and degradation from increased foot traffic to the Storr.
Biodegradable netting is being used along the trail to recolonize the vegetation and minimize erosion around the trail. Stick to only marked trails to the Old Man of Storr. Do not create your own trail or follow social trails.
Leave No Trace: Be mindful of free-roaming livestock, keep all dogs on leashes, no fires, and pack out all your trash (including fruit remains!). Drones are not allowed without a UK flyer and operator ID issued by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Old Man of Storr Trailhead
The trailhead is just left of the An Stòr gift shop in the Storr car park. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Portree. The drive is straightforward. Take the A855 north for 6.9 miles (11.1 km).
If you don’t have a rental car, the 57A and 57C Stagecoach bus services stop off at most main sites along the Trotternish Loops, but service can be spotty, so double-check the service times before you leave.
Old Man of Storr Hike Details
Start the trail by going through the first wooden gate. Always close the gates you pass through along this hike. They’re there to keep deer out of these areas.
Walk a little way up and you’ll see a fork. The left will take you up a “less steep”, more gradual gradient to the Storr. This is labeled as the “moderate route” if you want to choose this option, but know that it is a little bit longer than if you go right.
The other is the famously steep route, which plateaus a bit of the way in and offers a dramatic view of Raasay, Rona, Loch Leathan, and the Scottish mainland.
You’ll pass through another small wooden gate, and the trail begins to make another gradual climb. Continue up the rolling trail, then you’ll come across wooden gate #3. As the trail undulates, you get closer, passing under the Storr, to get to the main surrounding rock formations.
Once you pass through the 4th gate, the trail gets a bit more rugged. Make sure you stay on the established trail to get to the Storr.
Most hikers aim to make it to the Storr Lookout, where everyone takes the iconic photos you see of the Old Man of Storr.
Throughout the hike, you should make it second nature to turn around and admire the view behind you. Along the way, there are endless places to stop and take a break to admire the view.
All the rock formations are enormous, and the photos you see really don’t do it justice. Hiking around the area almost feels alien, especially when you add a bit of fog to the mix. It’s just unreal, and I have to leave it at that. It’s something you absolutely need to see for yourself.
You’ll take the same route back to the car park. Luckily, it’s all downhill. Give yourself 30-40 minutes to get back down there.
Hiking Essentials for the Old Man of Storr
The most important thing you need to be comfortable when making the Old Man of Storr hike is comfortable, sturdy shoes. Many visitors underestimate the terrain of the hike and show up in improper footwear.
That’s one of the 10 Day Hiking Essentials you need to hike this trail safely. Keep in mind the weather can change in an instant in Scotland, so it’s best that you’re prepared for a bout of rain or other inclement weather. Bring your rain jacket and warm layers, too.
If you have any other questions about visiting Scotland, please feel free to reach out! Otherwise, have a look at my other Scotland guides to help you plan your trip:
Tips For Traveling Scotland On A Budget
How To Get From Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye
Best Coffee Shops In Edinburgh
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GORGEOUS pictures!!! Found your post through Pinterest as we are headed to Scotland to do the NC500 in a few weeks and I am trying to map out our itinerary – DEFINITELY added this to my list & have your link so I’ll be back when we get closer! Thanks for all the helpful info!
I am so jealous!! That’s the next adventure I want to take when I visit Scotland again!!! You’re going to have an amazing time! Consider camping at the Storr and seeing it at sunrise!! (: