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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near The Storr #
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.
January
January is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (257 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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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.
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (219 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (232 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (263 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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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.
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (263 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.