The Storr

Mountain Iconic Trotternish rock formation popular for hiking

Rising from the Trotternish Ridge on Skye, the Storr features the Old Man of Storr rock pinnacles and exposed geology; hikers and photographers come for rugged walking routes and long coastal views.

Main image

The Storr is a dramatic rocky outcrop and hill on the Trotternish peninsula of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, notable for its tall rock pinnacles and high ridge. The summit of The Storr reaches 719 metres above sea level.

A small network of well-used paths leads from a car park on the A855 to the famous pinnacles including the Old Man of Storr and to higher viewpoints on the ridge. Much of the attraction is the scale and shape of the rock formations and the panoramic views across the Sound of Raasay and the surrounding moorland.

The Storr is a natural feature created by the Trotternish landslip - a major geological collapse that formed the steep escarpment and needle-like pinnacles. The landscape has long been used for grazing and, more recently, for hillwalking and photography, which has increased visitor numbers.

Sitting on the northeastern side of the Isle of Skye, The Storr lies on the Trotternish peninsula, a short drive north from Portree. The main access is from the A855 road, with the Isle of Skye’s principal town, Portree, the nearest service centre.

  • Best time for photography: Best light is often early morning or late afternoon when low sun highlights the pinnacles and ridgeline, and winds are usually lighter than mid-day.
  • Access and walking time: A roadside car park on the A855 provides the usual start point; routes from the car park to the pinnacles take under two hours for typical walkers depending on the chosen return path.

What to See #

  • Old Man of Storr: A jagged cluster of rock pinnacles and a mountain summit on the Trotternish Ridge, dominated by the distinctive pinnacle known as the Old Man of Storr. Popular paths and viewpoints lie within a short walk of the roadside car park on the A855.
  • The Storr summit / Trotternish ridge: The Storr summit reaches 719 metres and forms part of the Trotternish landslip - a long steep escarpment of folded basalt and scree. Routes link the summit, the pinnacles and lower viewpoints, offering varied walking lengths and terrain.
  • Viewpoints and lower slopes: Lower viewpoints and scree slopes provide photo angles of the pinnacles and surrounding moorland; these are accessible from the main car park and short footpaths that climb toward the ridge.
The Storr
The Storr, Isle of Skye, Scotland (near Staffin)
57.5071, -6.1831

How to Get to The Storr #

Drive the A855 on the Trotternish Peninsula; the main car park for the Storr walk is just off the road near the turn to Staffin. Public buses to Portree and Staffin serve the area seasonally; a car or tour is most flexible.

Tips for Visiting The Storr #

  • Start the hike early-weather on the Quiraing and Storr can change fast and paths are exposed.
  • If aiming for the Old Man of Storr viewpoint, follow the main path from the car park at the A855; allow 2-3 hours return.
  • Bring windproof clothing and a map; phone reception is spotty on parts of Trotternish.

Best Time to Visit The Storr #

Late spring through early autumn is best for access and day-length; aim for early starts to avoid crowds and afternoon weather.

Summer
June-August · 8-15°C
Long daylight and busier trails; peak visitor season.
Spring-Autumn
April-May, Sept-Oct · 4-12°C
Cooler, fewer crowds, dramatic light for photography.

Weather & Climate near The Storr #

Climate

The Storr's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 1°C to 15°C. Heavy rainfall (2335 mm/year), wettest in November.

Best Time to Visit
MayJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (257 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

28 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

257 mm
Rainfall
10.3 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.1h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

174 mm
Rainfall
10.2 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (219 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

28 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

219 mm
Rainfall
9.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
8.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.1h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
16.4h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
13°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

123 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.2
UV Index
High
17.6h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
10° 15°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
17.0h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
14°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

157 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
15.0h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (232 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
12°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

232 mm
Rainfall
7.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (263 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

263 mm
Rainfall
9.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (271 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

271 mm
Rainfall
9.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.8h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (263 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

28 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

263 mm
Rainfall
9.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.4h daylight

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