Vive la LIFE: I took a hike up to the Old Man of Storr

From Kilt Rock, it was a short drive down to The Old Man of Storr. I had not ever heard of it, but in my B&B they had a travel book and it mentioned that it was one not to miss and I am very glad that I didn't. I didn't know what to expect which was good and bad, as I would have planned better, but I did have enough time to make the hike and enjoy the unique scenery. This was a high light.

Driving down from Kilt Rock...this was outside my window.

The Storr is the highest point on the Trotternish Ridge on the Isle of Skye. The Trotternish Ridge is the longest geological landslip in Britain and exposes the innards of an ancient landscape sculpted by volcanic activity. Below The Storr is The Sanctuary, home to the extraordinary rock pinnacles the Old Man of Storr and the Needle Rock. http://www.trekkingbritain.com/thestorrviatheoldmanofstorr.htm

There was a little parking spot but it was full, so I ended up parking on the side of the road (there was an area for parking along the road). When I started I had no idea how long it would take me. I thought it would be just a quick hike and I would be there, but no. I started out going up a well made crisscross path for about 1/2 a mile (give or take). It looked almost like a lumber yard so I wasn't sure I was going the right way but I just kept going and then I entered a wooded area....

My camera actually makes this look lighter than it was. There was no light coming through the trees and the thought crossed my mind of Little Red Riding Hood going to Grandma's house. I was waiting for the wolf to just walk across the path in front of me (it was rather unnerving). After I walked out of this main bit of trees, I continued through the woods another mile or so on my way to the base of The Storr.

The path took me to the forestry boundary fence. Once I passed through gate the rest of the land is open and amazing. It is here that I had my first good look at the Old Man of Storr.

I took a moment to take some pictures of the view that I could get from that height (I had gone about hundred and fifty metres in height). The view across from the base is the Sound of Raasay to the Isle of Raasay and the Scottish mainland. Lovely, isn't it?

I actually considered stopping at the fence for about 5 seconds as it looked like I had a bit more to climb but I knew that I would regret it so I continued along the path towards the Old Man of Storr.

I found out that I went up another three hundred metres until the path turns left and I headed up to the foot of the Old Man of Storr. It was really cool and so much taller than I had first imagined.

I looked up how the Old Man of Storr got its name and there are some interesting stories surrounding the rock formation. One legend (and the most popular) "is that the Isle of Skye was once over run by giant beings. The old man of Storr is one of these beings, who was buried with earth when he died, but his thumb was left sticking out." Another popular legend is that "the old man of Storr, along with his wife, were fleeing from the giants when they made the mistake of turning round to look at them - they were both turned to stone. There was another rock thought to be the old man's 'wife' but it toppled over many years ago." http://seeker7.hubpages.com/hub/Supernatural-Mythical-Stones-of-Scotland However it came to be, it is really impressive. The Old Man of Storr showed up in a couple of movies this year, Prometheus and Snow White and the Huntsman so now you will know what you are looking at if you watch either of them.

Just a little way from the Old Man of Storr is Needle Rock. It also is called "The Cathedral".