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The Storr
The Storr
from Wikipedia

The Storr (Scottish Gaelic: An Stòr)[1] is a mountain on the Trotternish peninsula of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The hill presents a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of Raasay, contrasting with gentler grassy slopes to the west.

Key Information

Geology

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The Storr is a prime example of the Trotternish landslip, the longest such feature in Great Britain. It is the type locality for the mineral gyrolite.[2]

The area in front of the cliffs of the Storr is known as the Sanctuary. This has a number of weirdly shaped rock pinnacles, the remnants of ancient landslips.

Ascent routes

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A well-constructed path, used by many sightseers, leaves the A855 just north of Loch Leathan. It heads up through a clearfell area that was formerly a conifer plantation. Most day-trippers are content simply to wander around the Sanctuary, admiring the pinnacles and gazing up at the Storr's eastern cliffs. Walkers can easily ascend to the summit, however, by skirting below the cliffs whilst heading north from the north end of the Sanctuary. After passing over a fence at a makeshift stile and climbing a brief steep section of loose rock, the recommended route for walkers heads north-west as far as Coire Scamadal, 1 km north of the summit, then doubles back and heads southwards along the north side, climbing towards the summit. From this route, visible breaks in the cliffs offer tempting short cuts, but these are steep, may not save time and may not be safe. An alternative route, involving some mild scrambling, follows the rim of the south-east-facing cliffs from the top of the aforementioned steep section.

Another route to or from the summit starts 500 metres (14 mile) south-west of the car park and heads north-west to Bealach Beag, about 1 km (58 mi) south-west of the summit, following the course of a stream which breaches the cliffs. A steep section of this course is slippery and requires care.

The Storr is often climbed as part of a much longer expedition, following the full length of the Trotternish landslip.

Media and the arts

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From 1 August to 17 September 2005 one of Britain's single largest environmental artworks was staged on the walk up to Coire Faoin at the base of the Old Man of Storr and the Storr cliffs. Created by NVA, a Scottish environmental arts company, directed by Angus Farquhar (formerly of Test Dept) and designed by a team including "<slight>" and David Bryant from Midnight Design, the work contained music by Geir Jenssen, Paul Mounsey, live performance by Gaelic singer Anne Martin and recordings of the works of Gaelic poet Somhairle MacGill-Eain (Sorley MacLean). This was David Bryant's last major environmental creative work as he died from cancer in 2007. He won a Plasa Lighting Design award in 2006 for his work lighting the Storr.

In October 2009, a photograph taken of the pinnacles looking towards Raasay and South Rona won the "Take a view: Landscape photo of the year 2009".[3]

In January 2012, production of the science-fiction film Prometheus moved to the Isle of Skye, with filming taking place at the Old Man of Storr.

British composer Matthew Taylor composed the orchestral piece Storr, which takes its name and inspiration from the rock formation, which the composer found awe-inspiring on a visit there. Storr was commissioned and premièred by the Essex Symphony Orchestra conducted by Tom Hammond, and given its London première by the Kensington Symphony Orchestra and Russell Keable on 24 June 2013.

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Storr (: An Stòr) is a rugged mountain and landmark on the peninsula in the northern part of of Skye, , rising to a height of 719 metres (2,359 ft) and renowned for its steep eastern of dramatic pinnacles and cliffs. Geologically, The Storr formed through massive landslides where thick layers of Tertiary lava, dating to approximately 55–60 million years ago during the opening of the North Atlantic, overlie softer sedimentary rocks (aged 190–150 million years), creating unstable slopes that slipped dramatically, especially after the last . This process produced the area's iconic features, including the Old Man of Storr, a 55-metre (180 ft) tall isolated pinnacle of weathered that resembles a figure and serves as the most photographed element of the landscape. Situated at the southern end of the 23-kilometre-long Ridge escarpment—the longest continuous zone in Britain—The Storr dominates the northeastern skyline of Skye, visible from miles away across the Sound of and the mainland. Other notable formations include the Needle Rock and the , a natural amphitheatre-like area surrounded by pinnacles, all contributing to a for rare arctic-alpine on the exposed, unstable terrain. As a key site in the Skye Iconic Sites Project, including a visitor centre opened in 2024, The Storr attracts around 300,000 visitors annually as of 2024 for its moderate trails, such as the 3.8-kilometre (2.4-mile) round-trip path from a car park near Loch Leathan to the Old Man, which takes about 1–2 hours and offers panoramic views, though it involves steep inclines and can be challenging in poor weather. Its cultural significance includes local associating the pinnacles with giants or ancient graves, while scientifically, it exemplifies volcanic and tectonic processes shaping Scotland's dramatic terrain.

Geography and Description

Location

The Storr is a 719-meter-high mountain situated on the peninsula, the northernmost part of the Isle of Skye in the archipelago of . Its approximate coordinates are 57°30′N 6°11′W, placing it within the Highland council area. The peak forms a prominent component of the Trotternish Ridge, which is the longest landslip in Britain and extends approximately 23 km in a north-south direction along the eastern side of the peninsula. From its summit, The Storr offers striking views, with a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of and gentler slopes descending westward toward Loch Leathan. Accessibility to The Storr is facilitated by the A855 road, which runs along the peninsula's eastern coast; the trailhead car park lies about 11 km north of , the island's main town. The nearest settlements include Staffin, roughly 14 km further north along the A855, and Uig, approximately 32 km to the north-northwest via the same route.

Physical Characteristics

The Storr rises prominently on the peninsula of of Skye, featuring a steep eastern face that ascends dramatically above the Sound of , forming a sheer visible from afar. In contrast, its western slopes are more gradual, sloping down to expansive that provides a softer transition to the surrounding lowlands. This topographic contrast contributes to the hill's rugged allure, encompassing cliffs, scree-covered inclines, and concealed —small, enclosed valleys that enhance the area's intricate and wild terrain. At the base of the eastern cliffs lies the iconic , a relatively flat plateau renowned for its cluster of bizarrely shaped rock pinnacles reaching up to 55 meters in height. This area serves as a natural gateway to the hill, dotted with surreal formations that evoke an otherworldly atmosphere, including the prominent Old Man of Storr ( an Stòr in ), a striking freestanding column that stands as the centerpiece amid the jumbled spires. The pinnacles create a labyrinthine environment of shadows and vantage points, drawing visitors to navigate the uneven ground and appreciate the interplay of light on these towering sentinels. The summit plateau, situated at 719 meters, crowns the hill with a broad, open expanse that rewards ascents with sweeping panoramic views. From this elevated perch, one can gaze across the jagged mountains to the south, the nearby island of and its sound below, and the broader expanse of strait stretching toward the mainland. On clear days, these vistas extend even farther, encompassing the intricate coastal outlines and distant highlands, underscoring The Storr's role as a visual anchor in Skye's northern landscape.

Geology

Geological History

The Storr is part of the Trotternish landslip, recognized as Britain's longest continuous landslide complex, spanning approximately 23 kilometers along the eastern escarpment of the Trotternish Peninsula on the Isle of Skye. This massive rotational landslide formed primarily due to the gravitational instability created when thick sequences of Palaeogene basalt lavas were deposited atop weaker Jurassic sedimentary rocks, leading to shearing along north-south oriented faults and rotational glide planes within the underlying strata. The foundational Jurassic sedimentary rocks, consisting of sandstones, shales, and clays formed in shallow marine environments, date to the Middle and Upper Jurassic periods, approximately 174 to 145 million years ago. These were subsequently overlain by Tertiary (Palaeogene) basalt lavas during intense volcanic activity associated with the opening of the North Atlantic around 60 to 55 million years ago, with the lava pile reaching up to 300 meters thick in the area and comprising around 24 individual flows. The weight of these lavas on the less resistant Jurassic sediments initiated the large-scale slope failure that defines the Ridge, including the dramatic cliffs and pinnacles at The Storr. During the period, spanning the last 2.6 million years, multiple phases of glaciation profoundly sculpted the landscape of The Storr and the broader area. Advances of the British-Irish , particularly during the Late Devensian (around 30,000 to 11,700 years ago), eroded the softer rocks preferentially while plucking and exposing the more resistant columns and rotated blocks from the earlier landslip. and further reactivated slope instabilities, with the major landslide at The Storr dated to approximately 6,500 years ago, enhancing the rugged topography through additional mass movements. Ongoing periglacial processes, including freeze-thaw and granular disintegration, continue to modify the exposed at The Storr, while small-scale active landslipping persists along the due to postglacial adjustments and . These contemporary dynamics, combined with chemical of the jointed lavas, contribute to the gradual evolution of the site's iconic landforms, such as the isolated rock pinnacles.

Key Formations

The Old Man of Storr is a prominent 55-meter-tall pinnacle composed of , standing as a detached stack of columns resulting from ancient landslips along the Ridge. This formation represents a remnant of lava flows, where the resistant basalt resisted erosion while surrounding softer materials were removed, isolating the structure. The pinnacle's columnar structure arises from the cooling and contraction of the original lava, producing vertical joints that define its prismatic shape. Adjacent to the main cliffs, the Sanctuary area features a cluster of eroded pinnacles, including tors and spires such as Needle Rock, which are remnants of massive landslips that detached blocks from the overlying plateau. These structures formed through differential , where the durable lavas overlie and protect weaker sedimentary rocks below, leading to selective that sculpts the jagged profiles over time. The 's rocky spires create a surreal, cathedral-like array, highlighting the contrast between the hard volcanic caps and the erodible substrates. The Storr serves as the type locality for gyrolite, a rare calcium silicate hydrate (NaCa₁₆(Si,Al)₂₃O₆₀(OH)₈·14H₂O) first identified here in 1851. This mineral occurs as radiating, spherical aggregates within amygdaloidal vesicles—gas cavities—in the Tertiary flows, formed during low-temperature hydrothermal alteration of the volcanic rock. Throughout the site, the exhibits characteristic hexagonal fracturing, a result of contraction during the slow cooling of thick lava flows, which generates systematic polygonal joints averaging 0.5 to 1 meter across. At the base of the cliffs and pinnacles, extensive fields accumulate from the mechanical and fracturing of these basalt columns, forming talus slopes of angular debris that extend downslope.

Biodiversity

Flora and Vegetation

The vegetation of The Storr is predominantly characterized by upland heathland and moorland communities, shaped by the area's acidic soils, exposure to Atlantic winds, and cool, oceanic climate. These habitats are dominated by dwarf shrubs such as common heather (Calluna vulgaris), bell heather (Erica cinerea), and cross-leaved heath (Erica tetralix), which form extensive carpets across the slopes and plateaus, particularly on the east-facing aspects of the Trotternish Ridge. Dry heath communities, classified under the National Vegetation Classification as H10 Calluna vulgarisErica cinerea heath, are limited in extent due to historical and ongoing pressures but persist in patches where grazing intensity is lower. The basalt-derived soils support specialized bryophyte-rich habitats, fostering a diverse assemblage of mosses and liverworts that thrive in the moist, base-enriched crevices and . This includes rare species such as the liverwort Anastrophyllum donnianum and Herbertus hutchinsiae, which favors shaded, rocky slopes in this oceanic setting. These bryophytes contribute to the site's status as a , with many nationally scarce and indicative of the unique microclimates in cliff ledges and blockfields. At higher elevations, alpine and arctic-alpine flora predominates in the montane grasslands and sheltered corries, including blaeberry () and crowberry (), alongside sedges like Carex bigelowii and woolly hair moss (Racomitrium lanuginosum). These species form resilient, low-growing communities adapted to wind-swept summits and thin soils, with occasional ferns such as parsley fern (Cryptogramma crispa) in block scree habitats. Grazing by sheep and deer significantly influences dynamics, suppressing regeneration and favoring open heath over scrub or tree establishment, with sheep densities around 0.6 per (as of 2010) contributing to on unstable slopes. A former conifer plantation of Sitka spruce (Picea ), established in the 1970s near the Old Man of Storr, was clearfelled around 2012, allowing initial regrowth of native scrub species like (Salix spp.) and rowan () in the absence of intensive browsing.

Wildlife

The Storr's rugged terrain and habitats support a diverse avifauna, particularly that breed in the area. Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) nest on the cliffs and are frequently observed soaring over the Trotternish Ridge, utilizing the open slopes for hunting. Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and merlins (Falco columbarius) also breed here, with the former known for high-speed dives targeting smaller birds and the latter favoring the for nesting. (Corvus corax) are resident year-round, often seen in pairs patrolling the ridges, while ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) inhabit the higher ground, their cryptic plumage providing camouflage against the rocky backdrop. Among mammals, (Cervus elaphus) form herds on the lower slopes of The Storr, on available and using the area for seasonal movements, particularly during rutting in autumn. European otters (Lutra lutra) are occasionally sighted near Loch Leathan, adjacent to The Storr, where they forage in the coastal waters and lochs for fish and . Mountain hares (Lepus timidus) appear sporadically on the higher, exposed areas, their white winter coat aiding survival in the harsh conditions. The exposed rock crevices and formations of The Storr host unique assemblages of , including beetles and spiders adapted to the windy, nutrient-poor environment, such as ground-dwelling that in fissures to evade predation and desiccation. Seasonal visitors enhance the area's wildlife dynamics, with birds arriving in summer to breed in the heather and grasses, contributing to the for resident raptors. No large mammalian predators inhabit The Storr beyond the avian , maintaining a balanced reliant on the underlying for habitat support.

History and Folklore

Historical Background

The area around The Storr formed part of the broader and landscapes on of Skye, with evidence of early human activity dating back over 8,000 years. hunter-gatherers occupied sites near Staffin Bay, close to The Storr, where excavations at An Corran rockshelter uncovered stone tools, shell middens, and other artifacts from approximately 6,500 BC, indicating seasonal coastal use for and . communities, marking the transition to farming, left cairns such as the at Cadha Riach in Staffin, which served as communal monuments for the dead and reflect settled agricultural practices around 6,000–5,000 years ago. While the broader area has rich archaeological remains, The Storr itself has limited direct evidence of ancient human activity beyond its natural geological features. activity is attested by nearby defensive structures on the peninsula, including brochs like Dùn Raisaburgh and Dùn Grianan, built as fortified towers around 2,000–2,500 years ago to protect against raids and symbolize local power. During the medieval period, the peninsula, encompassing The Storr, fell under strong Norse influence following Viking settlements from the late onward, which reshaped the region's culture, language, and land use. The name "Trotternish" derives from the "Tròndarnes," referring to a "Trond's " or nose-shaped , highlighting the Norse nomenclature that persists in many local place names. The land served as vital grazing pasture for livestock under the control of Gaelic clans, particularly the MacDonalds of , who held feudal rights over Trotternish from the 14th century and practiced , moving cattle to upland shielings during summer. In the 19th century, the profoundly affected communities around Staffin, as landlords evicted tenants to expand on the fertile slopes near The Storr, displacing families and consolidating land for commercial wool production. This period also saw limited quarrying of for local road-building and construction, though dominated the economic use of the terrain. The brought efforts to afforest parts of the Storr area, with plantations—mainly non-native Sitka —planted in the to combat and promote timber production, though these struggled in the harsh conditions. These plantations were systematically clear-felled from around 2012 onward by the Highland Council to restore native woodland habitats, allowing regeneration of broadleaf species and improving .

Legends

The Old Man of Storr features prominently in local folklore as the thumb of a giant buried beneath the Ridge. According to one enduring legend, giants once roamed the Isle of Skye, shaping its dramatic landscapes through their battles and wanderings. A particular giant, defeated in combat, was swallowed by the earth on the Peninsula, with his massive body forming the ridge and his thumb protruding as the iconic pinnacle. The Gaelic name Bodach an Stòr, meaning "Old Man of the Storr," derives from bodach, a term for an old man, sometimes associated in with spectral figures or bogeymen. This ties into tales where such entities were petrified at dawn, standing eternal vigil over sacred sites. Within broader mythology, The Storr is viewed as a threshold to realms and a haunt for hobgoblins, mischievous spirits that lure or aid wanderers. One story recounts a devoted couple who climbed the ridge daily until the wife could no longer ascend; fairies, in a twist of benevolence or trickery, transformed them into the stone pillar, ensuring they remained together forever. Similar narratives describe lost travelers guided through the mists by ethereal figures, echoing the island's rich tradition of otherworldly interventions. In the , Romantic-era visitors to Skye often romanticized The Storr as a remnant of Celtic druidic worship, interpreting its imposing form as an ancient or sacred stone revered in pre-Christian rituals. These accounts amplified the site's mystical aura, blending local lore with continental fascination for Celtic antiquity.

Access and Tourism

Hiking Routes

The primary route to The Storr commences at the car park along the A855 road near Leathan, providing access to the iconic pinnacles including the Old Man of Storr. This out-and-back trail covers approximately 3.8 km round trip, with an elevation gain of around 300 m, and typically takes 45-60 minutes to ascend through a former plantation area to the viewpoint, where the dramatic formations become prominent. The path is well-marked with signage and follows a steady uphill gradient on maintained hillwalking tracks, suitable for moderate fitness levels. From the Sanctuary, hikers seeking the true summit of The Storr (719 m) can continue along a 1 km extension featuring boggy and uneven terrain leading to the high point. This section involves technical amid the basalt pinnacles, with exposure to steep drops and loose , increasing the overall difficulty to strenuous. The full round-trip to the summit extends to about 8 km with 640 m of ascent, requiring 3.5-4.5 hours and navigation skills, particularly in poor visibility. Alternative ascents offer varied challenges for more experienced hikers. One steeper option approaches via Coire Scamadal, covering 4-5 km round trip and incorporating hands-on to reach the summit plateau, best suited for those comfortable with rocky terrain and potential rockfall risks. Another route utilizes the Bealach Beag path for a traverse, forming an 8 km loop that demands advanced fitness and route-finding across pathless sections of the Trotternish , reserved for seasoned walkers due to the strenuous nature and exposure.

Visitor Information

Access to The Storr is free, with visitors able to reach the site via a dedicated car park along the A855 road, which has a capacity of 140 spaces and charges £6 for up to six hours or £7 for up to 12 hours (as of 2025). Public transport options are limited, primarily consisting of buses from that stop near the car park, with fares around £3 each way. The best times to visit are or , particularly for , as these periods help avoid peak crowds, with the site attracting 293,000 visitors in 2024. In 2024, a new visitor centre opened at the site, providing improved facilities including toilets and retail, creating six permanent jobs, and generating surplus income to support path maintenance and efforts. Visits are highly weather-dependent, with frequent and strong winds that can reduce visibility and increase discomfort. Safety considerations are paramount due to the terrain: steep paths become slippery when wet, and there are no handrails near sheer cliffs, necessitating sturdy boots with good grip and the use of Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 411 for navigation. In emergencies, dial 999 for assistance. Tourism at The Storr has surged since 2010, driven by media exposure including its appearance in the 2012 film Prometheus, leading to increased foot traffic and resultant erosion on paths. This has prompted management efforts, such as a £220,000 footpath improvement project completed in 2023 to repair erosion damage and enhance sustainability.

Cultural Representations

In Media

The Storr has been prominently featured in cinema, notably as a stand-in for an extraterrestrial landscape in Ridley Scott's 2012 Prometheus. The production team filmed opening scenes at the Old Man of Storr, capturing its dramatic pinnacles to depict ancient alien ruins on a distant , which helped showcase the site's otherworldly rock formations to a global audience. In television and documentaries, The Storr appears in several productions highlighting Scotland's natural wonders. For instance, in the 2016 episode "Northern Skye: A Land of Giants and Fairies" from the series Grand Tours of Scotland's Islands, presenter explores the Peninsula and visits the Old Man of Storr, discussing its and amid the rugged terrain. Travel shows have also spotlighted hikes to the site, emphasizing its accessibility and panoramic views over the Sound of . The Storr features in modern literature, often as a evocative backdrop for mystery and adventure narratives. In J.M. Dalgliesh's 2023 novel The Dead Man of Storr, the protagonist, a on the Isle of Skye, investigates a at the foot of the Old Man of Storr, using the site's misty, isolated atmosphere to build tension in this atmospheric crime story set in the series. It is also extensively described in contemporary guidebooks, such as those on Walkhighlands, which detail walking routes to the pinnacles and underscore their iconic status in Scottish hiking literature. Since 2020, imagery of The Storr has gone viral on platforms like and , with dramatic photos and videos of the Old Man of Storr amid dramatic weather or golden hour lighting drawing millions of views and significantly boosting . This digital exposure has contributed to record visitor numbers, with over 250,000 annual arrivals reported by 2024, though no major new film or television productions featuring the site have emerged since the early 2010s as of 2025.

In Arts

The Storr has served as a compelling subject in , capturing the dramatic formations of the Ridge on the Isle of Skye. In 2009, a of sunrise over the Old Man of Storr by Emmanuel Coupe won the Take a View Landscape Photographer of the Year award, highlighting the site's ethereal interplay of light and mist among thousands of entries submitted from across the . Additionally, the collective NVA created The Storr: Unfolding Landscape in 2005, a large-scale nocturnal installation featuring projections, soundscapes, and fire elements across the cliffs, which drew approximately 6,500 visitors during its 42-night run and emphasized the landscape's ancient geological narrative. In music, The Storr has inspired compositions that evoke its rugged majesty. British composer Matthew Taylor drew from the site's pinnacles for his Storr, Op. 43, a 13-minute work for full orchestra whose London premiere was given by the Kensington Symphony Orchestra under Russell Keable on June 24, 2013, at in ; the piece uses swelling strings and to mirror the drama of the rock formations rising against the sea (world premiere: March 3, 2012, Essex Symphony Orchestra, Chelmsford). The location has also featured in performance and , integrating human expression with its terrain. Beyond NVA's project, The Storr has hosted temporary installations, such as site-specific sound and light works during festivals that blend environmental immersion with live elements. On Skye, the annual Skye Live Festival incorporates performances inspired by the landscape, including a 2021 audio-visual piece filmed at the Old Man of Storr featuring musicians like , which fused electronic and folk sounds to reflect the site's prehistoric aura. As a broader , The Storr symbolizes Scottish Highland identity in visual representations, appearing in postcards, prints, and paintings since the when tourism to Skye surged. Early photographic prints from the 1890s, such as albumen images of the pinnacles, popularized the site among Romantic travelers, while later works like William Douglas Macleod's The Old Man of Storr (early ) continue to embody its mythic presence in Scottish art collections.

References

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