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Last Thursday was a fine day and we were lucky to have time off, so there came time to start season 2011. Maybe not with a big bang, as Stac Pollaidh is a leg warmer rather than a proper climb. Nevertheless, as views are second to none, this little hill is certainly worth visiting more than once!
Stac Pollaidh is a sentimental trip for me - it was the first mountain I climbed in Scotland. I remembered that first climb as painfully steep and the made-up path to the top seemed so narrow... I can't believe now, looking back to it, how could I have been so scared? Well, I guess I got used to heights. The very same path after three years felt more like a track
If I keep my course, maybe in 10 years time I'll gather enough courage to conquer the In Pinn
- Stac pollaidh in the morning sun
My favourite view from Stac Pollaidh is to the north, with Suilven and Canisp both seen face-on.
- Suilven and Canisp
But there are beautiful panoramas wherever you turn...
- Cul Mor
- Cul Beag and Loch Lurgainn
At some point a thin layer of clouds appeared around the top of Suilven:
- Clouds over Suilven
We spent some time climbing the rocks...
...and enjoying the sunny day
Finally, we walked around the hill, admiring its unusual shape from every direction.
- Stac pollaidh from south-west
Just around the corner from Stac Pollaidh, there is a nice, little walk along the cliffs of Knockan Crag. As we still had a couple of hours of daylight, we added it to our trip, together with some more good views
- Looking west from Knockan Crag
- Suilvan from the viewpoint
There is something unique about Assynt, the shapes of mountains, the vast space with very few signs of civilisation, the moon-like character of the landscape. It feels like for a short time we travelled to another planet...