Hiking The Storr on the Isle of Skye: Old Man of Storr Guide, Views & Trail Tips

The Old Mann Storr Scotland

There are hikes that challenge your body, and there are hikes that quietly stay with you long after your boots come off. The Storr belongs firmly in the second category.

Located on the Isle of Skye, The Storr is one of Scotland’s most recognizable landscapes. Its jagged ridgeline and the towering Old Man of Storr have become symbols of the island itself. But what makes this hike so memorable isn’t just the view it’s the way the experience unfolds.

A Hike That Meets You Where You Are

One of the most compelling things about hiking The Storr is how adaptable it is. The trail allows you to choose your own rhythm. Some visitors hike only to the Old Man viewpoint, while others continue higher toward the summit at 719 meters. Either way, the sense of reward begins early.

The path is well-defined, but never boring. Each pause offers a different perspective,

lochs below catching the light, clouds rolling across the ridge, rock formations shifting shape as you circle them. It’s a hike that naturally invites reflection, even if you didn’t arrive looking for it.

Built by Landslides, Shaped by Time

Geologically, The Storr is part of the Trotternish landslip, one of the largest landslide formations in the UK. Over tens of thousands of years, softer sedimentary layers beneath the ridge slowly slid seaward, while harder volcanic basalt remained standing. What hikers see today tilted slabs, broken pinnacles, and sheer cliffs are the visible results of that slow, ongoing process.

This matters because it explains why The Storr feels so alive. The landscape isn’t frozen in time. The ridge is still subtly shifting today, reminding visitors that Skye’s beauty isn’t static it’s evolving.

Why The Storr Resonates So Deeply

The Storr has appeared in films, photographs, and travel guides for decades, but its real power is experiential. The climb asks for effort without punishment. The views feel earned but not exclusive. And the scale of the land naturally recalibrates your sense of time and importance.

It’s also one of those rare hikes where turning around is just as rewarding as moving forward. Many hikers find themselves stopping repeatedly, not from exhaustion alone, but from the pull of what’s unfolding behind them.

Planning Your Hike

• Distance: ~3.8 km round trip to the Old Man viewpoint

• Elevation gain: ~300–340 meters

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Best time to go: Early morning for fewer crowds and softer light

• What to bring: Water, snacks, sturdy footwear, and a rain jacket — Skye’s weather changes quickly

What to Bring for Hiking The Storr

The Storr may look approachable from the car park, but the landscape and conditions demand respect. Being thoughtfully prepared allows you to move with the land instead of reacting to it.

Bring with intention:

• Footwear with real grip, not just “trail shoes” The terrain shifts from compact path to loose stone and slick sections after rain. Ankle support and solid tread matter, especially on the descent when fatigue sets in.

• Layered clothing you can adjust quickly Wind exposure increases fast as you climb. A breathable base layer, a lightweight insulating layer, and a waterproof shell let you adapt without stopping your momentum.

• Wind-aware outerwear This isn’t just about rain. Gusts near the Sanctuary and higher ridges can be strong enough to chill you quickly. A jacket that cuts wind makes a noticeable difference.

• Water plus electrolytes The climb quietly works your legs and lungs. Hydration matters more than expected, especially if you’re stopping often to take in the views.

• Compact, energy-dense snacks Think fuel that won’t weigh you down: nuts, bars, or dried fruit. The summit and upper viewpoints make natural pause points where refueling feels earned.

• A secure pack and zipped pockets Wind at the top is no joke. Anything loose hats, wrappers, even phones can disappear quickly if not secured.

• Gloves or a light beanie (even in warmer months) Hands cool fast when exposed to wind. This small addition can make lingering at viewpoints far more comfortable.

• Offline maps or downloaded trail info - Signal can be unreliable. Even on a well-trodden path, it’s grounding to know exactly where you are without relying on reception.

• Camera readiness, not just a camera - Extra battery, lens cloth, and patience. The light changes constantly here often the best moments come when you slow down and wait.

• A mindset that allows pauses - This might be the most important thing to bring. The Storr rewards those who stop, turn around, and look back. Rushing through misses half the experience.

Prepared this way, the hike becomes less about “getting to the top” and more about moving in rhythm with a landscape that’s been shaping itself for thousands of years.

Hiking The Storr isn’t about ticking off a landmark. It’s about presence. About standing inside a landscape shaped by movement, time, and patience and realizing that those same forces are at work within us too.

If you want to see what that experience feels like in motion, we’ve shared the full hike in our accompanying video. But whether you watch or walk it yourself, The Storr has a way of staying with you.