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Lovely walk up a great wee mountain!

Lovely walk up a great wee mountain!


Postby MusicalHiker » Tue Dec 27, 2011 9:06 pm

Route description: Stac Pollaidh ridge and circuit

Fionas included on this walk: Stac Pollaidh

Date walked: 21/09/2010

Distance: 4.5 km

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I had wanted to climb this mountain for a while, it is so recognisable with its rugged, rocky top. We were down on holiday from Orkney and staying in Kylesku for a week, so here was the perfect opportunity! Graham is my other half, but his knees are not good and we had walked about ten miles the previous day. Being a man, however, he insisted he could do Stac Pollaidh as well..... and as we approached the car park, the top was clear :)
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We set off up the path to the right, and it was immediately quite steep. We saw just one other couple on the way. After a while Graham had to admit defeat and headed back to the car to read a book while I carried on alone. I kept passing/being passed by the other couple, who doubtless wondered what on earth I'd done with Graham!! The path is very straightforward and carries on up and round the back where you can take the extremely steep route to the top, which I did, while stopping regularly to admire the incredible views! Suilven looks very enticing from here!
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I bounded enthusiastically up the path, although I did not make the true summit as I was alone and it involves a tricky scramble I believe. I was alone at the top and it was a very exposed and remote feeling. The car park was a tiny speck far below! I hoped Graham was having a nice nap!
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One step in the wrong direction and you'd be off the edge, it was exhilarating. The mountains and lochs all spread around below look so gorgeous.
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After a while wandering about on the windy "summit" I went back down the path and carried on round the mountain. From here is was very easy and more great views. I was very lucky with the weather; dry, cool and breezy. I was back to the car in about 3 hours and would love to do it again!
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MusicalHiker
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Re: Lovely walk up a great wee mountain!

Postby gammy leg walker » Tue Dec 27, 2011 10:19 pm

Very nice indeed.
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Re: Lovely walk up a great wee mountain!

Postby dooterbang » Wed Dec 28, 2011 11:19 am

I love this wee mountain.

Was on this for my 40th this year.

Stunning views in all directions.

Thanks for posting.
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Re: Lovely walk up a great wee mountain!

Postby mountain thyme » Thu Dec 29, 2011 8:30 pm

dooterbang wrote:I love this wee mountain.

Was on this for my 40th this year.

Stunning views in all directions.

Thanks for posting.


thought you were 40 10years ago!
ive always fancied this wee hill too
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Re: Lovely walk up a great wee mountain!

Postby colgregg » Thu Dec 29, 2011 9:18 pm

I too never made it to the true summit even with scrambling experience and I reckon more don't than do. Gave it a try and possibly could have done it with a struggle but thought sod it, why risk an injury and spoil things. I'd had three great days on my first ever trip in the Scottish mainland mountains and was totally satisfied soaking up the sun on the second top just before the Rock tower.
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=13158
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Re: Lovely walk up a great wee mountain!

Postby MusicalHiker » Fri Dec 30, 2011 9:59 pm

What amazing weather you had there - lovely blue skies! I am not experienced at scrambling but don't feel the need to reach the summit of mountains, and I'm not an obsessive summit bagger (yet)!! It did look a bit scary though. Not worth the risk, indeed!
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