The Old Man of Storr, a 48 metre rocky peak on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, is much more than just a striking rock outcrop. It is steeped in history, shrouded in legend and an unforgettable natural experience. With its rugged beauty and imposing presence, it attracts thousands of visitors each year who are captivated by its majestic appearance and the surrounding landscape. The Old Man of Storr is located on the Trotternish peninsula, about ten kilometres north of Portree, the island’s capital.
Geology and formation
The Trotternish peninsula, like most of Skye, consists of Tertiary basalt rocks overlying older Jurassic sediments. Approximately in the centre of the peninsula there is a clearly visible north-south trending fault which dips to the east. In this area, the lower sediments gave way under the weight of the basalt, resulting in huge landslides. In the area of the highest point of the escarpment, the 719 metre high Storr, various rocks and boulders have formed, the most prominent of which is the Old Man of Storr. The rocky area below the escarpment up to the Old Man is also known as The Sanctuary.
Legends surrounding the Old Man of Storr
There are several legends associated with the Old Man of Storr. One of them says that the top is the thumb of a giant buried in the ground. Another legend is that an old man and his wife were searching the area for a lost cow. They came across giants and fled from them. As they fled, they looked back and turned to stone. This story gave the rock its name.
Hike to the Old Man of Storr
For the adventurous and nature lover, the Old Man of Storr offers a number of walks that allow you to experience this breathtaking landscape at close quarters. With spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, the most popular walk takes you right to the foot of the rocky outcrop. It is generally easy and follows wide, tarmac paths and small, sometimes stony tracks. The start of the walk is 15 minutes north of Portree on the A8553. Allow around three hours for the walk. The paths can be muddy, especially in wet weather, so ankle high waterproof walking boots are recommended. The best time to walk is between May and November.
The Old Man of Storr as a film set
The Old Man of Storr and its surroundings have also been used as a film set, most recently in 2012 for Ridley Scott’s science fiction film ‘Prometheus – Dark Signs’ and the fantasy film ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’. These films have helped to raise the profile of the Old Man of Storr and emphasise its cultural importance.
The Old Man of Storr symbolises not only a natural wonder of unparalleled beauty, but also the history and mystique of Scotland. Steeped in legend and shaped by nature, it invites visitors on an unforgettable journey through time and landscape.
