WALK: Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
Island of spires
Visible throughout most of the Isle of Skye, the Old Man of Storr is one of the most iconic rock formations in the British Isles, says Dave Hamilton
The rocks of Trotternish, including the staggering Old Man of Storr, are volcanic. This outcrop of, 800-million-yearold basalt was carved into its distinctive rocky form by a landslip shortly after the last glaciers retreated.
Its Scots-Gaelic name is Bodach an Stor. ‘Bodach’ means ‘old man’, the male version of the legendary hag, and ‘Storr’ means ‘big’ or ‘giant’. In Celtic mythology, Skye was once the island of warring giants. After a particularly vicious fight, an enormous giant was slain on the Trotternish ridge. Over time, the land came to swallow him up, leaving only a thumb (or in some versions of the story, quite a different body part) protruding from the land.
A 2.7-mile walk on good paths takes you right up to the rocks, but these trails can be subject to bad weather and rockslides, so inexperienced walkers should only venture as far as they feel comfortable.
INTO THE MOUNTAINS
The walk begins at the back of the main car park beside the A855, following a well-marked trail south and then west to circle a tiny lochan.
There are spectacular views of Loch Leathan below and the
Trotternish Ridge above. Eventually, you will intersect with the main path.
Turn right here for a slight detour to a viewpoint, before continuing up the hill. The view of the Old Man of Storr and the ridge dominates the scene as the path becomes more rugged. Expect uneven stone steps and patches of bare ground.
MEET THE OLD MAN
Take the path as it splits to the left and follow it around Cathedral Rock and the Old Man. This section can get steep, wet and very windy, so some walkers may decide this is enough of a climb and choose to turn back here.
VALLEY RETURN
With the sea to your left and the Old Man to your right, the path will begin to descend. The trail becomes more and more defined as it drops down, eventually linking back up with the car park below.
Dave Hamilton is the author of Wild Ruins BC and The Explorer’s Guide to Ancient Britain.