The Storr

The Storr is a mountain on the Trotternish peninsula of the Isle of Skye in Scotland’s Highlands. Its eastern face is a steep rocky cliff overlooking the Sound of Raasay, while the western slopes are gentler and grass-covered. The mountain sits above a dramatic landslip called the Trotternish ridge, the longest such feature in Great Britain. At the base of the cliffs lies the Sanctuary, an area filled with strange rock pinnacles left by ancient landslides. These pinnacles form some of the most photographed shapes on the island. The Storr’s geology makes it a recognised site for the mineral gyrolite, found nowhere else in such clear formations. The mountain has inspired artists, musicians and filmmakers for decades. In 2005 a large environmental artwork called The Storr was created here by NVA under Angus Farquhar, featuring music, Gaelic song and poetry. The pinnacles have also appeared in films like Prometheus and won a national landscape photography award in 2009. Composers such as Matthew Taylor have written orchestral works directly inspired by the mountain’s presence. Visitors follow a well-built path from the A855 road, passing through an old conifer plantation before reaching the Sanctuary. Most walkers stop here to admire the towering pinnacles and the sheer eastern cliffs. Those who continue can climb to the summit by heading north from the Sanctuary, crossing a fence and tackling a short steep section of loose rock. From the top there are wide views across Skye and the Sound of Raasay. Alternative routes follow streams or skirt the cliffs, but care is needed on slippery sections. The mountain is often included in longer walks along the full length of the Trotternish ridge.