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Old Man of Stoer Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Easy Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
3h15 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
7.1km
Elevation gain
280m
Type of route
Loop
Maximum altitude
155 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
Slightly
Marked
No
Popularity
Low
Region
Ullapool
Start point
58.23811, -5.40090
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The Old Man of Stoer hike takes you along the wild coastline of the Assynt region to a spectacular 60-meter-high rock stack that rises out of the waves and is battered by the Atlantic Ocean.

Starting from the Stoer Head Lighthouse, this coastal loop offers superb panoramic views of the rugged Sutherland coastline: steep cliffs, abundant birdlife, and the iconic silhouettes of the Assynt Mountains are visible along the route.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Old Man of Stoer Hike

Difficulties of the hike

This seven-kilometer loop has no technical difficulties and a total elevation gain of only 280 meters. The route mainly follows grassy terrain that is sometimes uneven. The path gradually fades away, leaving only sheep tracks, especially after the first viewpoint of the Old Man of Stoer, where most walkers stop.

The trail becomes difficult to see at times, so progress is made by following the coastline. On the way back, the ascent to the 161-meter-high summit of Sìthean Mòr crosses a few marshy areas that are best avoided.

What you'll love

  • The imposing sight of the Old Man of Stoer: A 60-meter-high pillar of Torridonian sandstone rising majestically above the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The magnificent coastal panoramas along the route.
  • The seabird colonies: The cliffs of the Point of Stoer are home to many species, such as northern fulmars and guillemots.
Rugged coastline from trailhead
Rugged coastline from trailhead
Stoer Head Lighthouse
Stoer Head Lighthouse
Stoer Head Lighthouse
Stoer Head Lighthouse
Old man of Stoer
Old man of Stoer
Old man of Stoer
Old man of Stoer
Old man of Stoer
Old man of Stoer
Old man of Stoer
Old man of Stoer
The cliffs of Point of Stoer are home to numerous bird colonies.
The cliffs of Point of Stoer are home to numerous bird colonies.
Point of Stoer
Point of Stoer
Point of Stoer
Point of Stoer
Northern Fulmar colony
Northern Fulmar colony
Sithean Mor
Sithean Mor

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/scotland/old-man-of-stoer/