The Old Man of Storr is a 55-metre-high basalt rock pinnacle on the Trotternish Peninsula of the Isle of Skye, reached via a 3.5-mile hiking trail. This 2026 guide covers opening hours, parking charges, access routes, trail information and practical tips for planning your visit.
Should you just wish to photograph it rather than climb up it, the Old Man of Storr is one of the key stops on a one day Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour from Inverness.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours daily, year-round |
| Entry price | Free admission. Car parking charge applies |
| Address | A855, near Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9HX |
| Nearest town | Portree (7 miles south) |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours for the return hike to the main viewpoint |
| Distance from Portree | Approximately 7 miles (15 minutes’ drive) |
Old Man of Storr opening hours
The trail and viewing areas are open 24 hours a day, year-round. There are no gates or restricted access times.
A small ranger station and shop operate in the car park during daytime hours (typically 9am–5pm), though opening times vary seasonally. The site is managed by Highland Council.
Why book the Isle of Skye Explorer day tour from Inverness?
- Full-day Highlands adventure: Travel from Inverness through dramatic mountain scenery, lochs and coastal landscapes on a comprehensive Isle of Skye day trip.
- Eilean Donan Castle photo stop: Pause at one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, set where three sea lochs meet.
- Explore Portree: Enjoy free time in Skye’s colourful harbour town, with cafés, shops and coastal views.
- Natural highlights of Skye: See landmarks such as Kilt Rock and sweeping sea cliffs, with multiple scenic stops built into the route.
- Driver-guide and transport included: Learn about Highland history and folklore while travelling comfortably by coach from central Inverness.
Old Man of Storr ticket prices
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in January 2026.
Entry to the Old Man of Storr trail is free. There are no admission charges for walking the trail.
Car parking charges apply:
- Up to 6 hours: £5
- Payment required at ticket machines (cash or contactless card) or via Ringo app
- Parking cannot be reserved in advance
Parking revenue funds maintenance of the car park, trail network and toilet facilities.
How to get to the Old Man of Storr
The car park is located on the A855, 7 miles (11 km) north of Portree at the northern end of Loch Leathan.
From Portree: Take the A855 north towards Staffin. The car park is clearly signposted on the left-hand side after approximately 7 miles. Journey time is approximately 15 minutes.
From Staffin: Take the A855 south towards Portree. The car park is on the right-hand side. Journey time is approximately 20 minutes from Staffin village.
The postcode IV51 9HX will bring you to the general area of the car park.
Public transport: Stagecoach bus routes 57A and 57C operate between Portree and Staffin, stopping near the Old Man of Storr car park. Services are infrequent (typically 3–4 buses daily), with reduced frequency on Sundays. Check Stagecoach Highland timetables before travelling.
Without your own wheels, the best way of getting there is on a day tour from Inverness that covers multiple sites, including Eilean Donan Castle, Kilt Rock and the Kyle of Lochalsh.
Parking at the Old Man of Storr
The main car park accommodates approximately 140 vehicles. Parking charges apply (see ticket prices section above).
Payment methods:
- Ticket machines in the car park (cash or contactless card)
- Ringo parking app (download before arrival as mobile signal can be weak)
The car park includes motorhome waste disposal facilities (free to use) and bike shelters. Motorhomes cannot access the main car park due to height restrictions but can use designated roadside parking spaces. Overnight parking is not permitted.
The car park fills quickly between 10am and 3pm during summer months (June to September). Arrive before 8am or after 4pm to guarantee a space. Do not park on grass verges or roadside passing places, as this damages the peat moorland and obstructs traffic.
Facilities: Public toilets are located in the car park. A small café (Storr View Coffee) operates across the road, selling hot drinks, cakes and ice cream.
How long to spend at the Old Man of Storr
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours completing the hike to the main viewpoint and returning to the car park.
The trail to the main viewpoint (often called the Storr Lookout Point) is approximately 1.75 miles (2.8 km) one way with 300 metres of elevation gain. Allow 45–60 minutes for the ascent and 30–40 minutes for the descent.
Visitors who continue to Photographer’s Knoll and the trig point at the summit require an additional 15–20 minutes. The full loop trail, which includes exploring Needle Rock and other rock formations, is 3.5 miles and takes 2–3 hours.
Photography and exploring the rock formations may extend your visit to 2.5–3 hours.
Accessibility at the Old Man of Storr
The trail to the Old Man of Storr is not wheelchair accessible. The path includes steep gradients, uneven gravel surfaces, stone steps and rough, rocky terrain, particularly in the upper sections.
The trail is graded as moderate difficulty. Reasonable fitness is required due to the sustained uphill climb. The path can be muddy and slippery after rain, and exposed tree roots are present in the lower forested section.
Public toilets in the car park include accessible facilities. The car park surface is tarmac and level.
Visitors with limited mobility cannot access views of the Old Man of Storr, as all viewpoints require hiking uphill from the car park.
What to see at the Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr is a 55-metre-high (180 feet) basalt pinnacle, the remnant of an ancient volcanic plug left standing after a massive landslip approximately 60 million years ago. The pinnacle stands in front of towering cliffs that form part of the Trotternish Ridge, the longest escarpment in Britain.
The trail begins through a gate at the rear of the car park, climbing steadily through an area of felled conifer forest. After approximately 30 minutes, the path emerges onto open moorland, revealing the Old Man of Storr and surrounding rock formations against the cliff face.
The main viewpoint (Storr Lookout Point) is located on a rocky promontory approximately 1.75 miles from the car park. From this viewpoint, the Old Man of Storr is visible with Loch Leathan, the Sound of Raasay, and the Isle of Raasay in the background. Views extend to the Scottish mainland mountains and south towards Portree and the Cuillin Mountains.
Beyond the main viewpoint, visitors can explore Needle Rock (also called The Needle or The Cathedral), a slender basalt spire rising to a sharp point. The trail continues to Photographer’s Knoll and the trig point at the summit of The Storr (719 metres), offering panoramic views across the Trotternish Peninsula. This section includes narrower paths and rockfall hazards.
The Old Man of Storr was first climbed in 1955. The site attracts over 220,000 visitors annually and has been featured in films including Prometheus (2012).
Weather conditions change rapidly. Mist and cloud often obscure the mountains, though these conditions create atmospheric photography opportunities. Sunrise is the optimal time for photography, with early morning light illuminating the pinnacle from the east.
Practical tips for visiting the Old Man of Storr
| Tip |
|---|
| Start the hike before 8am to avoid crowds and secure car parking. The trail is busiest between 10am and 3pm during summer. |
| Wear sturdy walking boots with good ankle support. The trail includes loose gravel, rocky sections and exposed tree roots that can cause ankle injuries. |
| Bring waterproof clothing and layers. Weather changes rapidly on Skye, and the exposed hillside offers no shelter from wind or rain. |
| The upper sections of the trail include rockfall hazards. Stay on marked paths and do not climb on the Old Man of Storr or surrounding rock formations. |
| Download offline maps before travelling, as mobile phone signal is weak or absent on the trail. The Ringo parking app should be set up before arrival. |
| If weather conditions deteriorate, wait 15–20 minutes. Rain and mist often pass quickly on Skye, revealing clear views. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Old Man of Storr suitable for children? | The hike is suitable for children aged 8 and above with reasonable fitness. The trail is steep and includes rough terrain. Younger children may find the sustained uphill climb challenging. Supervise children carefully near cliff edges and rocky sections. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No. The trail is open to all visitors without booking. Parking cannot be reserved in advance and is available on a first-come basis. |
| Is the Old Man of Storr open in winter? | Yes. The trail is accessible year-round, though winter conditions include snow, ice and shorter daylight hours. The path can be treacherous when icy. Check weather forecasts before travelling. |
| Are dogs allowed? | Yes. Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be kept under control. Be aware of sheep grazing in the area. The rocky terrain may be difficult for small dogs. |
| How difficult is the hike? | The hike is graded as moderate. The trail climbs steeply for the entire ascent, gaining 300 metres of elevation. Most people of average fitness can complete it, though the sustained uphill requires stamina. |
| Can you see the Old Man of Storr from the road? | Yes. The Old Man of Storr is visible from the A855 as you approach from Portree. However, the best views require hiking to the viewpoint, approximately 1.75 miles from the car park. |
Things to do near the Old Man of Storr
The Quiraing (12 miles north): Dramatic rock formations and cliffs formed by a massive landslip, accessed via a 4-mile loop trail. Car parking charge (£3 for 3 hours, £5 for 6 hours).
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls (8 miles north): A coastal viewpoint featuring basalt columns resembling a kilt and a 90-metre waterfall dropping into the sea. Free parking. 5-minute walk from car park.
Dunvegan Castle and Gardens (25 miles west): The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, ancestral home of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. Admission charge applies. Gardens, woodland trails and seal-watching boat trips available. Open seasonally (April to October).
Fairy Pools (30 miles south): A series of clear blue pools and waterfalls in Glen Brittle, below the Cuillin Mountains. Popular for wild swimming. Free admission. Car parking charge applies.
Talisker Distillery (35 miles southwest): The oldest working distillery on Skye, producing single malt whisky since 1830. Guided tours with tastings available. Admission charge; advance booking recommended.
Portree (7 miles south): Skye’s main town with colourful harbour, restaurants, shops and accommodation. Free parking in some areas; charges apply in harbour car parks.
More Scotland travel
Other Scotland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Plan your visit to Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness.
- Live out your Outlander fantasies at Beauly Priory and the Clava Cairns.
- Explore Scottish history on Culloden Battlefield.
- How – and why – to get to the Commando Memorial in the Scottish Highlands.
- The logistics of stopping at the Loch Tulla Viewpoint.
