Old Man of Storr, Needle Rock, Coire Scamadal and The Storr Loop

This demanding loop explores one of Skye’s most famous landscapes well beyond the standard out-and-back to the Old Man of Storr. Over roughly 8 km / 5 miles, with about 500 m / 1,640 ft of ascent, it combines a steep engineered climb, close views of the great rock pinnacles, rougher hill terrain around Coire Scamadal, and wide views over the Sound of Raasay toward the Scottish mainland. The route is short on paper, but the ground, exposure to weather, and the need for sound route-finding on the upper section make it feel much more serious than many hikes of a similar distance. (isleofskye.com)

The walk starts at the Old Man of Storr car park on the A855, about 6.8 miles / 11 km north of Portree on the Isle of Skye. A practical nearest landmark and address reference is Old Man of Storr Car Park, A855, near Portree IV51, Scotland, which is the usual access point for the trail network on the Storr. By car, follow the A855 north from Portree; by public transport, buses and tour services on the Portree–Staffin/Uig corridor can provide access in the Storr area, though schedules can be limited and should be checked carefully before setting out. (isleofskye.com)

The opening section is straightforward to follow. A well-built path rises immediately from the roadside and wastes no time gaining height. The first 1.5 to 2 km / 0.9 to 1.2 miles account for much of the day’s climbing, and the gradient can feel relentless, especially in wind or rain. Lower down, the path is broad and obvious, but it is still a sustained uphill effort, so pacing matters from the start. As height is gained, the views open quickly behind you across crofting land, sea lochs, and the broken coastline of northeast Skye. (isleofskye.com)

What the terrain is like

The best-known viewpoint near the Old Man arrives after the main climb, where the huge basalt pinnacles suddenly dominate the hillside. The Old Man itself is the most famous spire, with Needle Rock and other jagged remnants of the ancient landslip scattered around the slope. This is the point where many visitors turn around, but the loop continues into wilder ground. Beyond the main viewpoint, the route becomes less like a tourist path and more like a hill walk, with rougher surfaces, boggier patches, and sections where the line is less obvious. (outaboutscotland.com)

As the route bends around toward Coire Scamadal, expect a more remote feel. The corrie and upper slopes can be misty, wet, and confusing in poor visibility, and this is where navigation becomes much more important. Even on a relatively short hike, low cloud can erase landmarks quickly. If using navigation, plan the route in advance on HiiKER, especially for the upper loop where paths can fade and intersect with sheep tracks. The official Storr visitor guidance specifically notes that the ground beyond the upper reaches of the main site requires navigation skills and proper equipment. (thestorr.com)

The descent on the loop can be uneven and tiring on the knees. Mud is common after rain, and the higher path has a known rockfall hazard in places, so sticking to the established line is important. Waterproof footwear, full windproof layers, and extra insulation are sensible even in summer, because the Storr is very exposed and weather can change rapidly. A dry, calm day makes this route feel dramatic and exhilarating; a wet, windy day can make it feel significantly harder than its distance suggests. (isleofskye.com)

Landmarks, geology, and atmosphere

The defining feature of the hike is the great landslip landscape of the Trotternish Ridge. The Storr and its pinnacles were created by massive ancient slope failure, leaving detached towers and shattered cliffs that look almost architectural. The Old Man is often described as a basalt pinnacle around 48 to 55 m / roughly 160 to 180 ft high, depending on the source, and it stands as the most recognizable remnant of this geological drama. The wider ridge is one of Skye’s signature landforms and gives the whole walk an unusually wild, broken character. (highland.gov.uk)

Needle Rock adds another striking point of interest, and the cirque-like hollow of Coire Scamadal gives the loop a more enclosed, mountain-basin feel before the route swings back out toward open views. On clear days, hikers can expect sweeping panoramas over the Sound of Raasay, the Applecross hills on the mainland, and the layered escarpments of the Trotternish peninsula. The