Hiking Old Man of Storr-A Must Do Adventure on the Isle of Skye

If there's one hike that encapsulates the wild, rugged beauty of Scotland's Isle of Skye, it's the trek to the Old Man of Storr. This iconic rock formation towers above the Trotternish Peninsula, and draws visitors from all around the world. People are mesmerized by its dramatic pinnacles, sweeping views, and a sense of untamed wilderness that's hard to match anywhere else. Hiking here is something many people have on their bucket list, and not everyone completes, but if you have the chance to get here, it feels like stepping into an ancient and otherworldly place and it's worthy of being added to your bucket list.

Hiking Old Man of Storr-A Must Do Adventure on the Isle of Skye

What is The Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is a massive pinnacle of rock that rises sharply from the hillside, part of the Trotternish Ridge on the Isle of Skye. Its jagged silhouette is visible from miles away and is often featured in films, travel magazines, and Instagram posts for its dramatic shape. Legend has it that the "Old Man" is the thumb of a giant who was buried in the earth, a little folk tale that adds just a little bit of mystique to the hike. The area is also a bit of a geological marvel as the pinnacles are remnants of ancient landslides. Once you get to the top, you are treated to the most magnificent views. 
To be totally honest with you, there are a few different jagged rocks and I still am not sure exactly which one is the Old Man, so if you figure it out will you tell me?
The hike isn't for everyone! You'll hear often of people attempting the hike and then turning around never making it to the top. While it is steep and rocky in places, it's very doable for casual hikers if you take your time and wear sturdy footwear. You will see people using hiking poles. I feel like they'd get in the way and be more of a nuisance, but this is nature, there are no hand rails and there are lots of steps, so you may feel more comfortable with them.

Getting There

The Old Man of Storr is located on the northeastern part of Skye, about a 30 minute drive from Portree, the island's main town. Most visitors drive or take a tour bus to the car park, which is right at the base of the hike. The car park can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so it's wise to arrive early in the morning or much later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. If you're visiting in the summer months, aim for a sunrise hike. The light hitting the pinnacles is truly magical and gives you a more serene experience before the tour buses start to arrive.

Everything You Need to Know about Renting a Car in Scotland

Public transport options are limited on Skye, so renting a car is the most flexible way to explore. The roads on Skye are generally narrow and winding, but the drive to Storr is beautiful, with views of the coastline and rolling hills along the way. 
We came to Skye after staying in Fort William and then took the Mallaig ferry to Armadale.

You can read more here: Hiking Steall Waterall in Scotland

Pro Tip: If this hike is high on your list, make sure you have a few days to stay on Skye. We wanted to make sure we took this hike on a clear day and because we were staying for several days, we had the option of being particular about the weather. I'm sure you've seen those social media posts about this hike on severely windy days, but also with the view completely socked in. 

Staying in the Isle of Skye

Options for lodging on the Isle of Skye are limited and often quite expensive. If you want to be close to not only Old Man of Storr but also other popular Skye attractions like the Quiraing, the Fairy Glen, Kilt Rock and Lealt Falls, then choosing something in or around Portree is your best bet. Portree is a colorful harbor town and the largest town on Skye. Its central location makes it the perfect base for exploring the island.
Portree has a charming, small-town feel but offers everything you need from cozy cafes, local pubs, small shops and restaurants serving fresh seafood and local produce. You can find accommodations from boutique hotels and quaint bed and breakfasts. There are also hostels and self-catering cottages. 
Pro tip: Book early! And be prepared to pay a bit more for staying on Isle of Skye. If you are planning a trip from May-September, book as early as you can for the most options!

A few great options include:

Burnbrae Apartment: A comfortable one bedroom apartment with a fully equipped kitchenette. Also includes free breakfast and parking.
Portree Youth Hostel: There's nothing fancy about the accommodations, but it is located in downtown Portree. There are private rooms available and a shared kitchen. Parking is free from 8 pm-8 am.
Cuillin Hills Hotel: Perched above the town with panoramic views of Portree Bay and the Cuillin mountains. It's a favorite for travelers looking for comfort with a view.

Where we stayed:

Storr Apartments: If you ask my husband where his favorite place was to stay, it was at these apartments. It was also one of the most expensive! Our options were limited, and this place was beyond what I generally like to pay, but it turned out to be a great option for us.
We had the whole home to ourselves and it came with a fully stocked kitchen! It had everything from eggs and milk to bread and meat for sandwiches as well as fresh fruit. It had a beautiful outdoor area and the views were lovely from the windows. If you peek out the window you can see the Old Man and easily check the weather conditions. 
At the midpoint of our trip, it was also nice to have a washer and dryer and a full kitchen to prepare meals in. The boast that it's one of Scotland's only 5 stay accommodation's, and it really does live up to the hype. You do pay for it though!

Check out my guide for What to Pack for Scotland {and How to do it in a Carry On!}

Staying Beyond Portree

If you want to stay beyond Portree for a more secluded experience, or maybe for more lodging options, check into Staffin, Uig, or Dunvegan.

Hiking Old Man of Storr

I created this video from our hike and included a HUGE tip on how to get to the most serene part!

Starting the Trail

We arrived at 7:30 am and easily found parking. There is a paid lot, and payment can be made by credit card. 
From the car park, the hike begins along a well-marked path that gradually ascends into the hillside. You'll immediately notice the scale of the landscape with rolling green hills, the jagged rock formations, and the occasional grazing sheep. The path is wide and manageable at first, making it easy to find your footing, but it picks up in elevation pretty quickly and will have even the most in shape person huffing and puffing!
All that to say, my husband is 48 and I'm 47 and we hiked it with no problems, though there were times where we were quite winded.
It's tempting to stop along the way to snap photos as you go. The hills framing the Storr are pretty incredible!
There are a couple of different trail options and you'll spot your first one when you arrive at a deer gate. Most people choose the direct ascent which is an out and back trail from the car park. It is the quicker, steeper path, but it gets the job done. This path is on the right side as you cross through the fence. The other path is a bit more gradual and both lead to the same place.

The Ascent

As you climb higher, on the trail, you will find that it becomes steeper and rockier, with some loose gravel in places. It's about a 1300 foot elevation gain in about a mile and a half, so it will leave you huffing and puffing a bit. It's ok to go slow and enjoy the views.
About halfway up, you'll enter the area known as the "rocky scree" where large boulders and smaller stones dominate the landscape. This is the most dramatic section, as you'll see the Old Man of Storr coming into view. The pinnacle looks most impressive and the surrounding hills and lochs make a perfect photo opp.

Reaching the Top

The final push to the top involves a steeper incline with a mix of rocks and grass. It can get quite soggy and slippery and very windy at the top! But your efforts are rewarded with some incredible panoramic views over the Isle of Skye. From here you can walk closer to the Old Man itself, though climbing directly on the pinnacle isn't recommended for safety reasons. Don't be dumb, the photo isn't worth it!

The Descent

Downhill is always easier, but you will want to make sure you are paying attention to your footing. Loose rocks can make the path slippery! 
There are several paths that snake around the Old Mann, don't be afraid to follow them! Check out my video to see how we returned and I have zero regrets!
We ended up on the opposite side of the rocks and despite it being a high traffic hike, ended up completely on our own with an incredible back view of the Old Mann. We took in the quietness and enjoyed climbing up and down rocks and around trails finally sitting for a bit to enjoy the silence. 

Tips for Hiking the Old Man of Storr

1. Wear proper footwear – Hiking boots with good grip are a must, especially for the rocky sections. Avoid athletic shoes with smooth soles, they won’t provide enough traction on loose gravel.

2. Check the weather and be prepared – Skye is known for sudden weather changes. A sunny morning can quickly turn to mist or rain, which can make the trail slippery. Layers, waterproof jackets, and hats are essential.

3. Bring water and snacks – There are no facilities on the trail, so carry enough water to stay hydrated and some snacks to refuel, especially if you plan to linger at the top.

4. Arrive early or late – The Old Man of Storr is one of the most popular spots on Skye. Arriving outside of peak hours gives you a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities.

5. Don’t rush – The hike is only about 3–4 miles round trip, but the ascent can take an hour or more depending on your pace. Take breaks and enjoy the scenery.

6. Capture the moment – Bring a camera or smartphone, but be mindful of safety when taking photos near steep drops. Sunrise and sunset are ideal for dramatic lighting.

7. Respect nature – Stick to the paths to avoid erosion and disturbing wildlife. Sheep and birds are common, and the landscape is delicate, so tread lightly.

For a full packing list for Scotland, check out this post

Nearby Attractions

After your hike, you might want to continue to explore the area. Here are some other places of interest nearby.
Lealt Falls: A short drive from Storr, this waterfall is a peaceful spot to stretch your legs.
Kilt Rock: Famous for its striking cliffs and waterfall, it's an easy drive and a quick stop accessible from the parking lot.
Untethered Skye: Have coffee with a Highland coo! This little roadside cafe has a great selection of toasties, treats and coffee and you can get up and close to a Highland cow!
Portree: The island's main town is perfect for lunch of dinner after your hike. You can even pop into the local shops while you're there.
Quiraing: We hiked this area after hiking Storr and despite being tired, it was a great hike! It was a longer hike, with unique rock formations and incredible views. The only problem is, parking can be an issue, and since you can't be early at two places at once, you might run into an issue getting a parking space if you come after Storr.
Fairy Glen: This is a short hike that we almost skipped and I am so glad we didn't! It has the most dramatic landscape and is only about a mile round trip!
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Hiking the Old Man of Storr is destined to be one of the top ten hikes in your lifetime. I know it is mine! You get everything from rugged terrain, to sweeping views with jaw dropping views the whole hike. 
You aren't going to want to miss putting this hike on your travel bucket list!


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