logo Walking Britain
Home About Holidays FAQ Email MENU ☰

The Storr Sanctuary from Loch Leathen

Highland Walk

County/Area - Highland - Isle of Skye

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 3.2 miles / 5.2 km    Ascent - 1000 feet / 303 metres

Time - 2 hours 40 minutes    Grade - easy/mod

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer 408Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer 408Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Explorer 409Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer 409Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 23Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 23Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - The Storr Sanctuary from Loch Leathen
Click image to visit gallery of 5 images.

There is a small car park opposite Loch Leathan (grid ref. NG509529) on the west side of the A855 heading north from Portree. This provides a perfect place to start this walk. Originally the intention had been to climb to the summit of the Storr, the highest point on the Trotternish ridge, but low cloud ruled this out and we had to be satisfied with exploring the spectacular pinnacles in the Sanctuary. As the Storr and the Old Man are in sight from much of the west coast of Skye, unless visibility is abysmal finding the place to start is an easy proposition.

Some guide books suggest the path through the forest is very muddy and should be avoided. However recent work has meant this path now provides an easy and direct way to the Old Man of Storr. Climbing starts straight from the road and you quickly gain height soon arriving near the foot of the Old Man himself. Approximately 165 ft (50 m) high, this spectacular lump of rock soars skyward with its base undercut by differential erosion. First climbed in 1955 it is easy to see why the climb id graded as very severe - in fact you stand back wondering how on earth it was climbed!

Although the Old Man is the dominant pinnacle there are others of which The Needle with its two eyes is probably the easiest to recognise. It is worth allowing time to explore as the Sanctuary is a wonderful location. There are extensive views across the sea to the Scottish mainland as well as a charming panorama below where Loch Leathan dominates. With cloud swirling just above our heads, we headed along the clear path which follows the escarpment north from the Old Man with the intention of gaining the main ridge. Here after an easy scramble, you double back to reach the summit. However with visibility unlikely to improve we aborted and returned to spend more time in the Sanctuary.

The descent to the road can be made by using the outward route. However a more interesting way is to head south maintaining height as you navigate your way along the many paths. Quite quickly you emerge from the Sanctuary where you have a good view east to the main road. Descend carefully to the path which follows the southern edge of the forested area to reach a stile in the fence on the main road. Turn north and follow the road back to your transport.

If you have reached the summit of the Storr then head north until you reach the first obvious col. A short steep descent leads to easier ground and aiming for the fence alongside the southern edge of the forest you follow the path mentioned in the previous paragraph back to the car park.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1165 The Quirangeasy3.2 miles
Walk 2002 Dun Caan, Isle of Raasaymoderate10.6 miles
Walk 3760 Glamaig (Sgurr Mhairi & An Coileach)mod/hard4.5 miles
Walk 2589 Marsco from the Sligachan Hotel, Isle of Skyemoderate8.7 miles
Walk 3216 Sgurr a'Ghreadaidh and Sgurr na Banachdichvery hard5.5 miles
Walk 2197 The Inaccessible Pinnacle and Sgurr Mhic Choinnichvery hard6.0 miles
Walk 1167 Glen Brittle & Coire Laganmoderate4.6 miles
Walk 3753 Blabheinn via south ridgemod/hard8.0 miles
Walk 1344 Beinn Alligin & Sgurr Mormod/hard6.0 miles
Walk 1166 Loch Coruiskeasy4.0 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

Skye's Cuillin Ridge Traverse

Skye's Cuillin Ridge TraverseThis 2-volume set provides all the information required to complete the main ridge traverse on Skye's Black Cuillin. Strategy, gear, training, navigation and logistics are covered, and 10 classic scrambles are described. A lightweight second guidebook gives the scrambler detailed maps, topos and route description for the ridge traverse itself.
More information

Walking the Munros Vol 2 - Northern Highlands and the Cairngorms

Walking the Munros Vol 2 - Northern Highlands and the CairngormsGuidebook to walking the northern Munros, covering the northern Highlands, the Cairngorms and the Isle of Skye. 70 routes are described, including those up Ben Macdui, Braeriach and Cairn Gorm. Routes range from 7 to 46km, requiring a fair level of fitness. The second of two guidebooks to walking Scotland's Munros: peaks higher than 3000ft.
More information

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Facebook  Twitter

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.