Highlight • Summit
Stac Pollaidh East Summit
Hiking
4.9
(100)
Running
5.0
(1)
A magical, ancient upthrust in a fairytale landscape
Assynt is a land of eccentric inselberg peaks that rise like leviathans from the magical lochan speckled landscape. Some of the oldest exposed land on the planet, it has a primeval character that feels ever so slightly otherworldly. Stac Pollaidh’s bristling rocky crest makes it one of the most ostentatious of all these oddball monsters and one of the most beguiling to explore.
Walking routes to Stac Pollaidh usually begin from the lochside car park to the south. A short approach on a good path brings you to a saddle between the east and west summits. Once on the ridge, the immense fun can commence on a quirky array of rounded sandstone pinnacles; it is a scrambler’s playground. Be prepared to engage in grade two moves to successfully reach either of the summits.
The view from the ridge to the big, weird shapes in the north is magnificent. Suilven, as ever, steals the show beyond the rumpled knock and lochan terrain. On a sunny day, the island-studded lochs sparkle magically.
In terms of accommodation options, there’s a youth hostel at Achininver, a campsite at Achnahaird Bay and the freedom and invigoration of an Assynt wild camp.
Stac Pollaidh misses the Munro tables by a hefty 1000 feet (300 m) and is close to the sea, so it catches winter conditions less frequently than some. When there is snow and ice on the ridge, it is best left to equipped mountaineers.
Routes leading to this Highlight may be dangerous
Routes may comprise technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.
Tips
December 13, 2019
Hiking
August 16, 2017
Hiking
Route: From the parking lot, head for the newly rising path to the north …
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Stac Pollaidh East Summit
4.8
(197)
1,512
hikers
4.24km
01:57
440m
440m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 470 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
no
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
no
Weather
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Today
Tuesday 5 May
11°C
-2°C
55 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
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