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Stac Pollaidh and Knockan Crag

Stac Pollaidh and Knockan Crag


Postby BlackPanther » Fri Jan 28, 2011 8:59 pm

Route description: Stac Pollaidh ridge and circuit

Fionas included on this walk: Stac Pollaidh

Date walked: 27/01/2011

Distance: 5 km

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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 :D :D :D If I keep my course, maybe in 10 years time I'll gather enough courage to conquer the In Pinn :roll:
stac pollaidh 028.JPG
Stac pollaidh in the morning sun

My favourite view from Stac Pollaidh is to the north, with Suilven and Canisp both seen face-on.
stac pollaidh 069.JPG
Suilven and Canisp

But there are beautiful panoramas wherever you turn...
stac pollaidh 051.JPG
Cul Mor

stac pollaidh 095.JPG
Cul Beag and Loch Lurgainn

At some point a thin layer of clouds appeared around the top of Suilven:
stac pollaidh 116.JPG
Clouds over Suilven

We spent some time climbing the rocks...
stac pollaidh 091.JPG

...and enjoying the sunny day :D
stac pollaidh 104.JPG

Finally, we walked around the hill, admiring its unusual shape from every direction.
stac pollaidh 129.JPG
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 :D :D
stac pollaidh 174.JPG
Looking west from Knockan Crag

stac pollaidh 153.JPG
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...
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BlackPanther
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Re: Stac Pollaidh and Knockan Crag

Postby Paul Webster » Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:48 pm

Cracking report. This was Thursday - wow - it almost looks summery up in the NW!
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Re: Stac Pollaidh and Knockan Crag

Postby malky_c » Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:57 pm

Second great thursday in a row! I know what day I'm going to try and get off next week...

Lovely photos. Amazingly little snow left over there. I was briefly over in Ullapool on Wednesday, but it wasn't as nice as this :)
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Re: Stac Pollaidh and Knockan Crag

Postby kevsbald » Fri Jan 28, 2011 10:00 pm

That looks like a great wee hill - I got to get me up there. Lovely report.
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Re: Stac Pollaidh and Knockan Crag

Postby davgil » Sat Jan 29, 2011 12:28 am

Beautiful photos BlackPanther.

I can't wait to visit the area and do Stac pollaidh, hopefully this year :)

David
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Re: Stac Pollaidh and Knockan Crag

Postby blanchie » Sat Jan 29, 2011 11:09 am

Stunning place and great photos of it. I must spread my wings a little more and head up there this year.
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Re: Stac Pollaidh and Knockan Crag

Postby ChrisW » Sat Jan 29, 2011 8:58 pm

Great report and stunning pics - loved this :D
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Re: Stac Pollaidh and Knockan Crag

Postby soulminer » Sun Jan 30, 2011 8:07 pm

Visit Assynt at least twice a year as it is the best walking area in Scotland. Great report and pics, esp 'clouds over Suilven' and shot from Knockan Crag - lurvli :)
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Re: Stac Pollaidh and Knockan Crag

Postby dooterbang » Sun Jan 30, 2011 8:24 pm

nice report.

i love this little mountain - like an adventure playground :)

I'll be in Ullapool weekend may 28th - i shall involve this, again, when i cycle.
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