Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX climbs the 719 m summit of The Storr from the main car park on the A855. It is 7.5 km long with 731 m of ascent. The route uses the maintained path past the Old Man of Storr, then travels north around Coire Scamadal to gain the broad northern side of The Storr before turning back south for the summit. It avoids tempting but unsafe shortcuts through the cliffs.
Leave the car park on the main uphill trail and continue towards the Old Man, ignoring informal side paths. Pass between the Old Man and Cathedral Rock, then turn above Cathedral Rock and cross the fence at the established point. A short rocky step leads onto easier ground and the path makes a wide arc around Coire Scamadal. Farther north, a small cairn marks the turn onto grassy slopes leading up to the broad ridge. Once safely above the broken ground, turn south and climb to The Storr's summit. Return by the same northern approach, not directly down the eastern cliffs.
This goes well beyond the busy Old Man viewpoint and enters proper mountain terrain. The basalt can be greasy when wet, the corrie edge is serious and cloud can hide both the safe turn and the cliff bands. Carry a map and compass, keep well back from drops and do not copy people taking direct-looking lines. The car park can be crowded, so allow time for parking and begin with enough daylight for the quieter upper section.
The view back from here to the Old Man and the Cathedral rock, backed by the Storr Lochs, is a classic.
Walkhighlands
Route Waypoints
Start from the main car park beside the A855. Use the information board and take the broad maintained trail uphill.
Continue on the main ascent, ignoring smaller erosion lines and viewpoint shortcuts on either side.
Pass between the Old Man on the left and Cathedral Rock on the right, then follow the path turning above Cathedral Rock.
Cross at the established fence point. Beyond it, choose the clearer line through a short rocky step and avoid the cliff edge.
Follow the near-level path north around the grassy bowl. Do not climb steeply into the crags or drop towards the corrie floor.
Near a small cairn, turn sharply uphill on the gentler grassy slope to gain the broad northern side of The Storr.
Turn south on the broad crest and climb to the 719 m summit. Keep well away from the eastern cliffs, especially in cloud or wind.
Reverse the northern approach around Coire Scamadal and descend past Cathedral Rock and the Old Man on the maintained path.
Turn south and follow the broad ridge towards the trig point, keeping well away from the cliff edge.
Reach the trig point at 719 m. Stay back from the cliffs and the rim of the large scree gully, especially in cloud or strong wind.
Return north to the cairned turn, follow Coire Scamadal and descend the rocky step before retracing the busy Sanctuary path.
Essential Tips
The safe line gains the summit from the north via Coire Scamadal. Direct-looking eastern slopes are broken by steep crags.
Crowds and a built path near the car park can make this feel like a short attraction walk. The Storr summit is a separate mountain outing.
Wet basalt is slippery. Use the established crossing and turn back if the step or the wind feels uncomfortable.
The path around Coire Scamadal continues beyond the point where this route climbs. Use the GPX and compass to identify the correct grassy slope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Old Man of Storr the same as the summit of The Storr?
No, the Old Man is just a pinnacle below the main cliffs. The actual summit of The Storr is higher up at 719 m, requiring an additional hike around Coire Scamadal to reach the trig point.
How long does it take to hike to the top of The Storr?
The full route to the summit is 7.7 km with 559 m of ascent and takes about 2 hours 28 minutes of walking time. Most people only go to the Old Man viewpoint, which is shorter, but continuing to the actual summit takes the full time.
Where does the Storr walk start?
The walk starts at the Storr car park on the A855. Go through the gate at the top of the paid car park and follow the broad uphill path through the woodland.