This spectacular ridge of hills that run for about 30km and form the backbone of the Trotternish Peninsula contains one of the islands most recognizable landmarks, the Old Man of Storr. Taking its name from the escarpment on which it stands, the Old Man of Storr is the most famous of the rocky basalt pinnacles which dot the landscape.  Standing at an elevation of 2,359 feet and at a height of about 160 feet, its prominent position and strange shape have, over the centuries, given rise to a number of stories which even today imbue the landscape with a sense of mystery and romance. My favorite is the story of The Brownie & The Broken Heart. Brownies are common in Scottish and English folklore and are said to resemble a hobgoblin. During the day brownies are believed to hide in the house and at night come out to do jobs for the family they have chosen to serve.  The slightest attempt to reward them for their services will result in the brownie disappearing forever. The story goes that a villager by the name of O’Sheen saved the life of a brownie and never asked for anything in return.  Over time the two became good friends.  One day whilst the brownie was away, O’Sheen died of a broken heart following the death of his wife.  When the brownie returned and heard of his friend’s death, he was so upset that he chiseled two rocks, a larger one in honor of his friend which became known as the Old Man of Storr, and a smaller one for O’Sheen’s wife. I just love these kinds of old stories and they do make the places seem more magical and mysterious. Anyhow, due to time constraints, we didn’t take the 1½ hour hike to the top but took a few great photos from afar.