If there’s one image that captures the Isle of Skye for travellers, it’s the jagged outline of the Old Man of Storr rising above the Trotternish Ridge. You’ve seen it in films, TV shows, guidebooks, and probably on your Instagram feed. It’s dramatic, otherworldly, and instantly recognisable.
But here’s the thing: the Old Man isn’t just a photogenic backdrop. It’s a living part of Skye’s story – geologically, historically, culturally, and even in how we welcome visitors today. And if you’re planning a trip, it’s one of those places where you want to go beyond just ticking the box. You’ll enjoy it far more if you understand the layers behind the rock.
So let’s dig into it. I’ll give you the background, some practical advice for climbing it, a few thoughts on how to do it responsibly, and – because I’m me – how you can finish the day with the right bottle of wine to celebrate your climb.
What Exactly Is the Old Man of Storr?
First, a bit of context. The Old Man is a tall pinnacle of rock, standing about 50 metres high, formed millions of years ago during massive landslides along the Trotternish Ridge. This whole area of Skye is shaped by volcanic activity and erosion, leaving those dramatic, sharp-edged cliffs and isolated pillars of stone.
The “Old Man” part comes from the shape – look at it from the right angle and you’ll see the outline of a bearded old man’s face, leaning against the hillside. Skye folklore, of course, goes further. One tale says a giant lived here with his wife. When he died, she buried him under the earth and his thumb – the Storr – was left sticking out of the ground. Another says the Old Man is a giant turned to stone, watching over the island.
What I love about these stories is how they reflect the human instinct to explain landscape through myth. On Skye, the land feels alive. It makes sense that people would look up at the Storr and think: that rock has a soul.
A Walk for Everyone – But With a Kick
If you’re visiting Skye, the Old Man of Storr is one of the most accessible hikes. It’s only a few miles from Portree, and the car park is right off the main road north. From there, the trail takes about 45 minutes to an hour to climb, depending on your pace and how many times you stop to take photos.
That said, don’t underestimate it. The path is steep in places, and after rain (which, let’s be honest, is most of the time on Skye), it can be muddy and slippery. Good boots are a must. I’ve seen plenty of visitors start in trainers and regret it halfway up.
The reward, though, is spectacular. As you climb, the view behind you opens out across the Sound of Raasay, with the Cuillin mountains in the distance and the mainland beyond. Once you reach the base of the Old Man itself, you feel small in the best possible way – dwarfed by the rock spire and the cliffs around it. If you keep going, you can hike up higher behind the pinnacle, and that’s where the classic postcard shot is taken.
It’s a rare combination: an iconic landscape that’s genuinely easy to reach but still feels wild.
The Tourist Magnet
Here’s where it gets interesting for Skye today. The Old Man of Storr is, without question, the island’s number one tourist hotspot. On a busy summer day, the car park is overflowing, minibuses are dropping off groups, and the path can feel more like a procession than a wilderness trail.
And that’s the challenge. Skye thrives on tourism, but places like the Storr take the strain. The local council has had to expand the car park several times. There are ongoing efforts to manage the path, repair erosion, and balance access with preservation.
For me, it raises a bigger question: how do we keep Skye magical for visitors without spoiling the very things people come to see? It’s the same conversation happening across the Highlands. More campervans, more Airbnbs, more tour buses – but also a deep desire to keep the landscape unspoiled.
The Old Man of Storr is at the heart of that balancing act.
How to Do It Well – Sensible Visiting
So if you’re planning to visit, here are a few simple tips to make it a better experience for you and for Skye:
- Go early or late. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular at the Storr. You’ll also avoid the peak crowds.
- Wear the right kit. Good boots, waterproofs, and maybe even a walking pole if you’re less steady on slopes.
- Take your time. Don’t just rush up for the Instagram shot. Explore the ridge, notice the light changing on the rocks, and give yourself a moment to feel the place.
- Respect the land. Stick to the path, don’t leave litter, and remember this is a fragile environment.
- Think about your footprint. If you’re staying nearby, support local businesses – grab lunch in Portree, book with a Skye guide, or buy from local makers.
It’s about being part of Skye rather than just passing through it.
The Bigger Picture – Culture and Imagination
The Old Man of Storr isn’t just a walk; it’s an icon in popular culture. Filmmakers love it. You’ll spot it in Prometheus, The Wicker Man, and even The BFG. Its silhouette is instantly cinematic – alien yet ancient.
Artists and photographers are equally drawn to it. The sharp spires against the rolling hills and sea create that perfect combination of drama and stillness. It’s no wonder it’s become one of the most photographed landscapes in Scotland.
But beyond the images, the Storr represents something deeper: the sense of Skye as a place where nature and myth intertwine. When you stand there, you can feel why generations of islanders told stories about giants and spirits in the rocks. It’s the kind of landscape that demands imagination.
A Personal Perspective
I’ve climbed the Storr more times than I can count, and each visit feels different. Sometimes it’s bright and crisp, with views stretching for miles. Sometimes it’s misty, the rocks looming like shadows. I’ve been caught in sudden downpours and even snow at the top in April. That’s part of the magic – you never quite know what you’ll get.
One of my favourite memories is taking a group of visitors up there for the first time. They were expecting a short walk, nothing too special. But as we came over the ridge and the Old Man came into view, they stopped in their tracks. Silence, then: “Wow.” That’s the moment you want as a guide, host, or friend – when someone feels the power of place without you needing to say a word.
What Wine Matches the Old Man of Storr?
You knew this was coming. After all, if you’re going to climb a Skye icon, why not celebrate with the right bottle afterwards?
I’d suggest two approaches.
- Something bold and dramatic. Think of a Syrah from the Northern Rhône. Peppery, smoky, with that dark fruit edge – a wine that has the same brooding quality as the rock formations.
- Something sparkling for the summit. If you’re carrying a small bottle in your rucksack (carefully, of course), nothing beats an English sparkling wine. It’s crisp, celebratory, and very much part of the modern Skye tourist experience – local, sustainable, and world-class. I’d go with Silver Reign English Sparkling Wine.
Pair it with some local cheese – a chunk of Isle of Mull cheddar or Highland brie – and you’ve got yourself a post-hike feast.
Looking Ahead – The Future of the Storr
The Old Man of Storr will always be here. Geology moves slowly, even in Skye’s wild weather. But how we manage it as humans will shape the experience for generations to come.
The local community is working hard to balance access with sustainability – repairing paths, improving facilities, and guiding visitors to respect the land. Tourists, too, have a role. It’s about seeing Skye not just as a backdrop for a photo, but as a living place with people, history, and culture.
And maybe that’s the real lesson of the Old Man of Storr. It’s not just a rock. It’s a meeting point between nature, myth, and modern life. A reminder that the landscapes we treasure are fragile, and that part of travelling well is leaving them better than we found them.
Final Thoughts
If you come to Skye, you’ll see the Old Man of Storr. It’s unavoidable – and why would you want to avoid it? But don’t just see it. Climb it, experience it, and let it remind you that some places are famous for a reason.
And when you’ve made it back down, boots muddy and legs tired, treat yourself. Pour a glass of something worthy of the climb, raise it to the giant on the ridge, and enjoy that deep satisfaction that comes from connecting with a place in more than just a passing glance.
After all, isn’t that what travel is about?
So – are you ready for the climb? And, more importantly, what will you be drinking afterwards?
If you’re planning a trip to Skye and want to combine iconic landscapes with the perfect bottle, you know where to find me. Visit www.wineguyonskye.com or get in touch – I’ll help you pair the right wine with your adventure.