The Old Man of Storr

June 2011

Just north of Loch Leathan on the A855 (the main, indeed only road) on the east of the Trotternish peninsula on the Isle of Skye.

Very dense

It was still earlier in the day and fortunately we found a parking space at the footpath entrance leading to the Storr. The first mile was through forestry, very dense and shrouded in shadows and shafts of sunlight as the well trodden path constructed in parts of helpful stepping stones wound gradually up hill. It's uneven though and sensible shoes (children) are a must. 

Emerging into a wide open landscape the rock pinnacles appearing in front of us. 
There were a number of different side tracks but we followed the steady procession on the obvious route beneath the Storr.

As we approached the Old Man the mist descended (see picture) and then it began to drizzle causing us to employ a head scarf (Margaret) and a flimsy jacket hood (me). Undaunted by these fashion statements we boldly ventured upwards to the ridge, which was level with the Old Man of Storr, so had to be nearly 2,000 feet above the sea. 

The view southwards, whence we came

We were rewarded with an all round view. The Storr some 300 feet higher to the west had a firm grip on the clouds. To the north of Skye and beyond it was sunny. While in the east on Western Ross you could see beaches seemingly bathed in sunshine and past Raasay island the mountain ranges piled up away into the distance. Photos could never quiet capture all the layers of colours you could see and happily we could now also see the rain ceasing to fall for the potential slippy hike back down.

It wasn't difficult if you took it slow and we had all day if we wanted. So we dinnae care, yer ken?

Hike took us around 2 hours and cost us approximately 600 calories each, otherwise it was FREE.

Places of note closeby:

'The Small and Cosy Tea Shop', Digg just north of Staffin.

More a spiritual infusion than simple afternoon tea. Relaxing and a full menu of teas.

"Whitehirst' Bed and Breakfast, Portree.

Lovely, friendly and the best breakfast ever. Great Value.