Old Man of Storr

As a focal point of one of the most photographed landscapes in the world, the Old Man of Storr is one of the Isle of Skye’s most famous sites. Today, it is regularly walked to by locals and tourists alike who enjoy taking in the breath-taking views that the Scottish island offers.

History of Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is part of the Trotternish ridge. It was formed following the erosion of The Storr, a peak on the Isle of Skye, because of an ancient landslide. The rocky peak dominates the area and its summit is a touchpoint along The Skye Trail, a popular walking route that can take anything from 5-10 days by foot.

The name ‘Old Man of Storr’ is a toponym which literally translates to ‘old man of the Storr’ in French. In Scottish Gaelic, which is spoken in parts of Skye, it is known as ‘Bodach an Stòrr’.

Standing at 55 metres high, the ‘old man’ component of the name derives from the fact that when seen from the front, the rocky pinnacle and The Storr behind it create the face of a haggard and craggy old man.

Old Man of Storr today

Today, the Old Man of Storr is a very popular site for those exploring Skye. It offers views out over the Sound of Raasay and to the mainland.

Other popular activities include having swimming in the fairy pools, taking a boat tour to see the sea eagles, visiting Dunvegan Castle (which is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland) and trying some of the Isle’s deliciously smoky whisky.

Getting to Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is located on the north of Skye in the area known as ‘Trotternish’. The start of the walk is by the main road from Portree to Staffin. The carpark is located right by the main road around 7 miles from Portree, which takes about 10 minutes to drive. Getting to the ‘Old Man’ takes about 45 minutes by foot.