The Old Man of Storr: Skyeās Towering Sentinel of Stone and Story
In August 2019, I stood beneath the looming silhouette of the Old Man of Storr, one of Scotlandās most iconic natural landmarks. Rising dramatically from the rugged landscape of the Trotternish Peninsula on the Isle of Skye, this jagged pinnacle of rock is more than a geological marvelāitās a symbol of Skye itself, steeped in myth, history, and cinematic allure.
šļø What Is the Old Man of Storr?
The Old Man of Storr is a towering rock formation that reaches approximately 50 meters (160 feet) into the sky. Itās part of a larger landslip area on the Trotternish Ridge, a geological phenomenon caused by ancient volcanic activity and subsequent erosion. The entire ridge is the result of the largest landslide in the UK, and the Old Man is its most famous feature.
The formation is composed of basalt and dolerite, remnants of volcanic eruptions that occurred around 60 million years ago during the Paleogene period. Over time, the softer sedimentary rock beneath the volcanic layers shifted and collapsed, leaving behind dramatic cliffs, pinnacles, and plateaus. The Old Man itself is a spire of resistant rock that has weathered the ages, standing like a sentinel over the Sound of Raasay.
š§āāļø Legends and Folklore
According to local legend, the Old Man of Storr is the grave marker of a giant who once lived in the area. When he died, his grieving wife asked the gods to preserve his resting place, and they turned the rocks into the shape of his face gazing skyward. Another tale suggests the formation is the petrified remains of the giant himself, caught in stone as he fled from the wrath of the fae.
These stories, passed down through generations, add a layer of mysticism to the site. Itās easy to see whyāthe landscape feels otherworldly, especially when shrouded in mist or bathed in the golden light of a Highland sunset.
š¶ Hiking to the Old Man
The hike to the Old Man of Storr is one of the most popular on Skye. The trail begins just off the A855 road, about 6.5 miles north of Portree, the islandās largest town. The path winds through forested slopes before opening up to sweeping views of the surrounding moorland and coastline.
Though the hike is relatively shortāabout 3.8 kilometers round tripāit can be steep and muddy, especially after rain. The reward is immense: panoramic vistas of the Sound of Raasay, the Cuillin Hills, and the dramatic rock formations that make the area feel like a natural amphitheater.
šļø Surrounding Communities: Portree and Beyond
Portree, the capital of Skye, is the gateway to the Old Man of Storr. With its colorful harbor, lively pubs, and thriving arts scene, Portree offers a warm Highland welcome. The town is home to local galleries, seafood restaurants, and traditional music sessions that echo the islandās Gaelic heritage.
Further north, the village of Staffin offers a quieter, more rural experience. Known for its dinosaur footprints and crofting culture, Staffin is a place where the past feels close. The communities along the Trotternish Peninsula are deeply connected to the land, with many residents still speaking Gaelic and practicing traditional farming methods.
š¬ The Old Man on the Silver Screen
The Old Man of Storrās dramatic appearance has made it a favorite location for filmmakers. Its most notable cinematic moment came in Ridley Scottās 2012 sci-fi epic Prometheus, where it served as the backdrop for the filmās opening sequence. The stark, alien beauty of the landscape was a perfect match for the filmās themes of mystery and origin.
The formation has also appeared in promotional material for The BFG (2016), directed by Steven Spielberg, and in various travel documentaries and music videos. Its haunting presence and cinematic scale make it a natural choice for visual storytelling.
š A Place That Stays With You
Visiting the Old Man of Storr is more than a hikeāitās a pilgrimage. Whether youāre drawn by geology, folklore, photography, or film, the experience leaves a lasting impression. The way the rock towers above the land, the shifting light across the moors, and the silence broken only by wind and birdsongāit all feels timeless.
In August 2019, as I stood beneath the Old Man, I felt the weight of history and myth pressing in from all sides. Itās a place where nature speaks in ancient tongues, and where every visitor becomes part of the story.
If youāre planning a journey to the Isle of Skye, make time for the Old Man of Storr. Itās not just a landmarkāitās a legend carved in stone.
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