Old Man of Stoer
A dramatic sea stack and stunning coastal walk offering breathtaking views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, abundant wildlife
Old Man of Stoer
Best Time
Pleasant weather, abundant wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic sea stack and stunning coastal walk offering breathtaking views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
"The hike out there is the best part. Birds, sea life, and terrain variances are all so neat and dynamic."
waterproof boots are essential :athletic_shoe:
The path can be very boggy, even without recent rain. Waterproof footwear is a must for a comfortable walk.
Park at the lighthouse :car:
This is the primary starting point for the walk to the Old Man of Stoer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Old Man of Stoer
Coastal sea stack
Marvel at this colossal sea stack, a truly magnificent natural sculpture against the dramatic coastal backdrop.
Breathtaking Coastal Vistas
Along the cliff path
Enjoy spectacular views of the coastline, with opportunities to spot whales and dolphins.
Wildlife Encounters
Coastal waters and cliffs
Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife like fulmars and gannets, and potential marine life sightings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Mind the Terrain: Footwear is Key
Parking & Trail Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
waterproof boots are essential :athletic_shoe:
The path can be very boggy, even without recent rain. Waterproof footwear is a must for a comfortable walk.
Park at the lighthouse :car:
This is the primary starting point for the walk to the Old Man of Stoer.
Consider the dirt road access :road:
If you have a high-clearance vehicle, driving up the dirt road can shorten your hike significantly.
Look for whales and dolphins :whale:
The waters around Stoer Head are known for marine life sightings.
Tips
from all over the internet
waterproof boots are essential :athletic_shoe:
The path can be very boggy, even without recent rain. Waterproof footwear is a must for a comfortable walk.
Park at the lighthouse :car:
This is the primary starting point for the walk to the Old Man of Stoer.
Consider the dirt road access :road:
If you have a high-clearance vehicle, driving up the dirt road can shorten your hike significantly.
Look for whales and dolphins :whale:
The waters around Stoer Head are known for marine life sightings.
Explore the trig point :camera_with_flash:
Visit the Ordnance Survey monument for 360-degree panoramic views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Old Man of Stoer for its magnificent sea stack and breathtaking coastal views. The walk itself is often highlighted as a beautiful and engaging part of the experience, with opportunities for wildlife spotting. However, the boggy and sometimes unclear path can be a challenge, making appropriate footwear essential.
"Please be careful reading some of these reviews, they are for an INLAND SIGHT named Old Man Storr, but this sight is a costal sight named Old Man Stoer. We did both. They are both great but very different.
Mind your feet for way-finding but if you use All-Trails there are a few options for trekking out there.
We parked on the side of the dirt road which heads up to the site. The trail started very close to the small parking lot that was there. I would say you could park 3 to 4 cars total on the side without causing any issues but it’s a small road and really no one going up and down it so I would recommend anyone with a high clearance vehicle to take up the road and shave a mile and a half off your hike.
The view of Old Man Stoer is absolutely marvelous. It’s huge. The hike is amazing and beautiful as well and if you happen to get out there on a sunny day, the views of the coast up and down are spectacular.
Don’t often say this, but the hike out there is the best part. Birds, sea life, and terrain variances are all so neat and dynamic."
Jaltz 32
"Great walk from the lighthouse. Go on for the great view from the top, a short uphill from Old Man of Stoer. The path can be wet, but great views. Remember also to look for whales and dolphins."
Jannik Bay
"Windy, sunny bracing 6.5 mile walk along undulating cliff and boggy ground (easy to follow path) one afternoon in May 2025. Parked at the lighthouse. Fulmars, gannets, shags and gulls aplenty. Worth the walk to see the Old Man and the views are breathtaking."
Lucy Baxter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common access point is by parking at the lighthouse at Stoer Head. From there, a path leads towards the sea stack. For those with high-clearance vehicles, a dirt road offers a shortcut, reducing the walking distance.
Yes, parking is available at the lighthouse. It's a small area, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable, especially during peak season.
While you can drive part of the way up a dirt road, it's not a paved road and is best suited for high-clearance vehicles. The full experience often involves a walk from the lighthouse.
While the path is generally easy to follow along the cliffs, using a navigation app like All-Trails can be helpful. Be mindful of your footing due to the terrain.
Public transport options are limited in this remote coastal area. Driving is the most practical way to reach the Old Man of Stoer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit the Old Man of Stoer. It is a natural landmark accessible to the public.
The Old Man of Stoer is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee for the walk to the Old Man of Stoer. The experience is free to enjoy.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the uneven terrain, potential for boggy conditions, and lack of lighting, which can be hazardous.
As a natural site, there are no specific restrictions, but visitors are encouraged to respect the environment and stay on marked paths where possible.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The walk is generally considered moderate. It involves undulating terrain and can be boggy, so good footwear is essential. The path is usually easy to follow along the cliffs.
The walk from the lighthouse can take around 1.5 to 2 hours for a round trip, depending on your pace and how much time you spend admiring the views.
Waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended due to the boggy conditions. Layers of clothing are also advisable as coastal weather can change quickly.
Restroom facilities are typically not available directly at the Old Man of Stoer site. It's advisable to use facilities at the lighthouse or before you begin your walk.
The walk can be suitable for children, but they should be supervised closely due to the uneven and potentially boggy terrain. Ensure they have appropriate footwear.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunny days offer spectacular coastal views, while the 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can provide dramatic lighting for the sea stack and surrounding landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast coastal scenery and the imposing sea stack. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on wet surfaces and enhance sky colors.
The entire cliff path offers excellent viewpoints. Don't miss the perspective from the Ordnance Survey monument (trig point) for panoramic shots.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your frame to give a sense of scale against the massive sea stack.
Weather can be unpredictable, with wind and rain common. Be prepared for dramatic skies, which can add to the atmosphere of your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel: Old Man of Stoer
Visitors often remark on the sheer scale and presence of the sea stack. The walk to reach it provides an immersive experience in this rugged coastal environment. The dynamic interplay of sea, wind, and rock has sculpted this iconic landmark over millennia, making it a fascinating subject for both nature lovers and geology enthusiasts.
Navigating the Coastal Path
Some reviewers suggest taking the bottom path towards the Old Man and then ascending towards the Ordnance Survey monument (trig point) for a loop with varied views. This route provides 360-degree vistas and an easy path back to the lighthouse. The dynamic terrain, coupled with the chance to spot sea life and diverse birdlife like fulmars and gannets, makes this coastal trek memorable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit