Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
Highlands
The Old Man of Storr is a 55-metre basalt pinnacle that stands sentinel above the eastern Skye coastline and has become one of the most photographed natural features in Scotland. The walk from the Storr Woodland car park climbs through commercial forestry before breaking out onto the open hillside below the main pinnacle complex, known as The Storr. The route to the base of the Old Man involves significant ascent and the path has been substantially improved in recent years to handle the volume of visitors it receives. The views east across the Sound of Raasay and towards the mainland from the upper section are among the finest on the island.
This is a dog friendly walk with good off-lead potential on the open hillside sections above the tree line. The plantation woodland section asks for leads given the proximity of deer fencing and forestry gates, but the open moorland above is generally clear of livestock and gives dogs genuine freedom to explore. The path climbs steeply in sections and the ground around the pinnacles is uneven basalt rock, so paw condition is worth monitoring on the descent. The car park is one of the busiest on Skye in summer; early morning or late afternoon visits offer a noticeably different experience. Portree has a good range of dog-friendly options for post-walk food and drink.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.4 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Woodland, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye dog friendly?
Yes, the Old Man of Storr is a dog friendly walk with a rating of 8 out of 10. The open hillside sections above the tree line are well suited to dogs, and Portree, the nearest town, has a good range of dog-friendly options for food and drink after your walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye?
There's good off-lead potential on the open moorland sections above the tree line, which are generally free of livestock. Dogs should be kept on lead through the plantation woodland lower down, where deer fencing and forestry gates make it the safer option.
What should I know before visiting Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye with my dog?
The path climbs steeply in places and the ground around the pinnacles is uneven basalt rock, so it's worth keeping an eye on your dog's paws on the way back down. The car park at Storr Woodland is one of the busiest on Skye during summer, so an early morning or late afternoon visit will make for a much more relaxed experience for you and your dog.
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