The Storr Mountain

Address: The Storr, Isle of Skye, Scotland (near Staffin)

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.

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.

• 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.