We had to do it. After four days of wandering around deserted peninsulas and remote coasts, observing seals and peregrine falcons, we finally embarked on the most popular walk on Skye—the Old Man of Storr.
Even an early start couldn’t help us avoid the crowds, as everyone flocked to the rocky knoll that provided the most picturesque viewpoint of the needles. Determined to capture a unique perspective, I climbed an additional 300 feet or so but didn’t summit The Storr mountain itself.
Nevertheless, the view was cracking, with the Isle of Raasay and the Cullin serving as a stunning backdrop.
The Old Man of Storr stands as the tallest pinnacle among several others, all situated beneath the massive rock face of The Storr. The northern side, missed by most of the visitors, is grassy and sheep-cropped.
The needles themselves are sturdy basalt rock formations that have detached from the cliff surface, which is susceptible to landslides1Information Board at NG 509 529.
According to one source, the name “Storr” is derived from “Fiacaill storāch,” which translates to “buck tooth” and is inspired by the shape of the pinnacles2MacCulloch, J.A. “The Misty Isle of Skye”. Page 33. Eneas Mackay. 1936.. Another source suggests that the name has Norse origins, meaning “big” or “prominent.”3Information Board at NG 509 529
- 1Information Board at NG 509 529
- 2MacCulloch, J.A. “The Misty Isle of Skye”. Page 33. Eneas Mackay. 1936.
- 3Information Board at NG 509 529
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