Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is Skye's most photographed rock pinnacle, a jagged basalt finger rising from the Trotternish ridge above Loch Leathan. From the air the whole landslip amphitheatre opens up: serrated pinnacles, green terraces, and the loch and Raasay Sound beyond. It is a stunning subject, but it comes with real caveats. The site is extremely popular and the car park and lower path are often packed, so early morning or late evening is essential both for the light and to avoid flying over crowds. There is no airport FRZ here, but the ridge generates strong, turbulent updraughts and rotor on windy days, so choose calm, stable conditions and keep well clear of the pinnacles themselves. Launch from open ground off the main path rather than among walkers. The land is common grazing and there is no blanket ban, but the sheer footfall means you must fly responsibly and never over people. Golden hour, especially a clear winter sunrise, gives the pinnacles their trademark long shadows and warm side-light. Mist and cloud inversions are common and can make for dramatic footage if you time a break in the weather. Park at the official pay-and-display car park and walk in before the coaches arrive.