Old Man of Storr, Skye: How To Hike The Storr Trail (In 2025)
Walking the Old Man of Storr is one of our favourite things on the Isle of Skye - we make a beeline for this viewpoint on every Skye trip. In this guide, I’m sharing how to walk the popular route, the best viewpoints, and practical tips.
By: Lesley Stewart | April 2025
The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye is one of the island’s most popular attractions. After hiking the steep trail numerous times, I’ve put together this guide, sharing exactly how to hike the Old Man of Storr, what to expect and wear, and how long it’ll take.
Hiking to the Old Man of Storr is a must-do on any Skye itinerary.
We make a beeline for this trail every time we visit, usually at sunrise, normally from a hotel in Portree, and always with a pitstop at the Hungry Gull for brunch afterwards. Of course, the nearby Quiraing is the next stop on our favourite Skye road trip.
But for those planning to visit the rocky pinnacle this year, there are a few things to consider. I remember the first time I hiked the Old Man of Storr—I was honestly surprised by how steep the trail was, the rough terrain, the changeable weather, and the crazy busy parking situation.
There have also been important changes to the trail in 2025, such as roped-off areas and an improved trail.
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After my most recent spring trip, I was reminded how magical the scenery is here. Most importantly, I figured out how to avoid the crowds, what to expect, and what to wear and pack. So, I focused on those exact things when crafting this guide.
So, as you plan your Skye trip, make time to walk the Old Man of Storr. While this attraction is only one of Skye’s incredible natural attractions, it gives a wonderful taste of the island’s dramatic landscapes.
Is the Old Man of Storr walk worth it?
Dominating the northeast Skye landscape, the Old Man of Storr beckons thousands of visitors every year in search of the iconic viewpoint, and it is well worth visiting.
Despite living in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, the landscapes around The Storr are, simply put, another level. No matter how often we visit, it never loses its magic - we ooh and aah over the spectacular landscapes every single time.
It’s a reasonably short hike (we’ll discuss timings below) offering some of Scotland's best and most dramatic views. It’s also part of the island’s most popular road trip, making it an easy place to visit as you explore the island.
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):
Park at designated roadside parking (£5).
Use the amenities and visit the range station / store.
Start the trail via the metal gate.
Continue uphill on the gravelly, steep 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.
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.
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 absolutely want to stop and take photos, so be sure to factor this into your planning.
How to Hike the Old Man of Storr, Skye
Where is the Old Man of Storr
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.
There are a handful of off-road areas to stop and take photos, but be warned: they are rough and rutted and require careful navigation to avoid damaging your car.
Public transport
There are buses 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 would be easy to slip on the gravelly path or twist an ankle on the boulders.
Avoiding the crowds
Being one of Skye’s most popular places, the Old Man of Storr gets really, really busy. This is especially true in summer, when the crowds arrive.
To avoid the crowds, be on the trail for sunrise or certainly before 8am. Yes, it’s an early start, but the morning light and empty path are well worth it!
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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