The Best Sunrise Spot on the Isle of Skye, Scotland

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Planning a trip to the Isle of Skye and hoping to catch an unforgettable sunrise? You’re in the right place.

Finding the perfect spot to watch the sunrise and knowing how to get there in the dark can be tricky, especially if it’s your first visit to the Isle of Skye. With so many stunning spots on the Isle of Skye, where do you start?

When I visited the Isle of Skye, I set my alarm for an early start and made the early morning hike to the Old Man of Storr, and trust me – it’s worth the 4 am start. Watching the sun light up the epic landscape below was one of the most magical moments of my trip. I’m excited to share everything you need to know to make it happen for yourself.

So, whether you’re after an adventurous start to your day or just want to experience a side of Skye that most tourists miss, this guide covers it all: how to get there, what to expect, and tips to make your sunrise hike smooth and memorable.

If you’re ready to trade a lie-in for a unique experience, let’s dive in!

Why Watching the Sunrise on the Isle of Skye Is a Must-Do

Most visitors stick to the classic highlights on the Isle of Skye – the Fairy Pools, the Quiraing, and Neist Point—and it’s easy to see why. These spots are famous for good reason!

But if you’re after something a little more special (and a lot less crowded), set your alarm early and hike to the Old Man of Storr for sunrise. It’s an experience few travellers get to enjoy, and one you’ll never forget.

Rising while most people are still asleep and enjoying the stunning landscapes without the crowds of people feels incredibly special. I don’t get up at 5 am very often, but when I do, I always feel like I’m seizing the day by the horns!

The Best Sunrise Spot on the Isle of Skye: Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr, part of the Trotternish ridge in the northern part of Skye, is one of the most visited places on the island. It is also one of the most photographed mountains in Scotland, which is why getting up early and hitting the mountain before the crowds descend has its benefits.

There are many beautiful places on the Isle of Skye to watch the sunrise, but the Old Man of Storr (in my opinion) is the best.

It’s easy to find parking, and a relatively short (but steep) walk to reach the top. Add to that the iconic pillars that frame the sunrise and the view of the lochs and mountains below, and you have yourself a pretty spectacular experience.

How to Get to the Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is on the North-East side of the Isle of Skye, only 15 minutes’ drive from Portree on the A855.

The easiest way to get to the Old Man of Storr is by car, but you can also reach it by bus from Somerled Square in Portree. The number 57a bus gets you from Portree to the Old Man of Storr in 18 minutes.

Parking at the Old Man of Storr

There is a dedicated parking lot at the start of the trail. The car park costs £5 for up to 6 hours and £7 for up to 12 hours. 5 hours should be more than enough time if you’re only planning to hike up the mountain to see the sunrise.

The car park gets very busy during the day, and parking on the grass verges is discouraged. But if you arrive early enough for the sunrise, there should be plenty of parking available before the crowds arrive later in the morning.

Hiking to the Old Man of Storr for Sunrise

Setting out from the car park about 1 hour before sunrise, follow the clearly defined trail up the mountainside. It’s very difficult to go wrong on this trail as the path is clearly marked, but in the dim light of dusk, it’s best to carry a torch to ensure you have good visibility and can stay on the path.

When we started walking, it was still very dark, so torches were a necessity. But as we hiked up the mountainside, it started getting lighter as the sun reached the horizon, and it was much easier to see the trail. Make sure you tread carefully in the dark as the path is gravelly and uneven.

You’ll follow the same path there and back, starting from and returning to the car park. The trail covers a total distance of 2.4 miles (1.2 miles each way), which means you’ll need around 45 minutes to reach the stop at a steady pace and another 45 minutes to return to the car park.

The trail from the car park heads uphill on a gravel path and passes through several deer gates. Continue uphill and you’ll eventually reach the famous pinnacles that make up the Old Man of Storr. Head to the right-hand side of the pinnacles to ensure the Old Man himself is in your sunrise photos!

We were the only people on the mountain at 6 am as the sun appeared above the horizon, and we had the entire area to ourselves, which in this part of the Isle of Skye is a rarity.

What a show nature put on for us on that morning. We reached the top just in time to see the sky burst with flaming coral tones that changed and evolved by the second, leaving the mountains silhouetted on the horizon. What a backdrop. What a show! The stunning Isle of Skye strikes again leaving us spell-bound and lost for words.

We sat on one of the large boulders on the hillside and enjoyed the epic views over the valleys and lochs below us. Fortunately for us, the sunrise was one of the most beautiful I’d ever witnessed.

On our way down at about 9 am, the car park was already starting to fill up, with crowds of people streaming up the mountainside. So if you want to escape the tourists and enjoy the epic scenery in peace, the earlier you get there, the better.

What to Take on Your Sunrise Hike

Essential items for your sunrise hike on the Isle of Skye include a headtorch, warm layers, waterproofs, sturdy walking boots, a camera, snacks, and plenty of water.

Even if you’re visiting the Isle of Skye in summer, the weather in Scotland can be very temperamental, so it’s important to be prepared with waterproofs and warm clothes, especially as you’ll be stopping at the top for a while to watch the sunrise!

The path is uneven, so make sure to wear comfortable, sturdy walking boots. A headtorch is also essential for hiking in the dark before sunrise.

Here are my recommendations for my favourite items and hiking gear…

Salomon X-Ultra Hiking Boots – I’ve used these hiking boots for 5 years and love them.

Ladies Berhaus waterproof coat – my favourite lightweight coat that I have used for years. It’s easy to carry and packs away in a bag.

Peter Storm down jacket – I take my down jacket everywhere as it keeps me really snug and warm.

Osprey Backpack – this is a great daypack, not too huge but big enough to carry everything I need for a day hike.

Top Tips for Watching the Sunrise on the Isle of Skye

• Always check the weather before you hike in the mountains in Scotland. The forecast can change rapidly, and it’s important to heed any warnings to stay safe.
• Make sure the sky isn’t completely overcast to ensure you do actually see the sunrise!
• No matter the season, be sure to dress in warm, comfortable clothing and wear comfortable, supportive hiking shoes.
• Tread carefully on the uneven path in the dark.
• Take a good camera – you’ll want to capture this!
• But also remember to take it in with your own eyes, rather than purely through the lens of a camera or phone screen.
• Arrive at the car park at the base of the Old Man of Storr at least 60 minutes before sunrise.
• Take a head torch, as you’ll be climbing the mountain in the dark/half-light of dawn.

Amenities and Facilities at the Old Man of Storr

You’ll find public toilets in the main car park at the base of the mountain, which, according to Google Maps, are open 24 hours.

There is a small gift shop in the car park and electric vehicle charging points.

Further along the main road, you’ll find a coffee shop called Storr View Coffee, which serves hot drinks and cakes.

Apart from this, the nearest shops, restaurants and facilities are located in Portree, about a 15-minute drive from the Old Man of Storr.

Is The Old Man of Storr at Sunrise Worth It?

It’s fair to say that I am not a morning person, so seeing a sunrise doesn’t happen very often for me. But there are times when you have to sacrifice a few hours of sleep to experience something as amazing as a sunrise from the top of a mountain on the Isle of Skye.

This was one of my favourite experiences on the Isle of Skye as it felt adventurous and exciting to hike up the mountain in the dark and see the sunrise from the top! It requires an early start, but it’s absolutely worth the effort.