Stac Pollaidh ridge and circuit

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Summary

This circuit heads around spectacular Stac Pollaidh (often anglicised to Stac Polly) with an optional ascent up to the ridge. The whole walk has great views over Assynt to the north and the Summer Isles and Achiltibuie to the south and west. Reaching the true summit of Stac Pollaidh involves a tricky scramble.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.06818/5

Rating

Terrain

An excellent pitched path makes the going good underfoot; the return path around the west side is boggier and more eroded. The climb up to the ridge is steep. The route described does not reach the true, western summit of the mountain which requires a high level of scrambling expertise.

Public Transport

Infrequent bus (811) from Ullapool.

Start

Stac Pollaidh car park - charge. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km / 2.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 2 - 4 hours
Ascent: 510m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC107095

Summits Climbed

Fiona: Stac Pollaidh

Mapping and GPS

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WARNING

Very limited parking until end Dec 24 as car park expansion work is underway. Parking charge will then be put in place - toilets to be constructed Jan 25

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

From the car park cross the road and head north along the path, soon passing through a gate. The path climbs uphill through shrub and young woodland before reaching open moorland. The path is well constructed and takes a new route around the mountain to try and stop the erosion on the relatively soft sandstone. The route of the old path which headed straight up the face of the mountain is now grassing over well.

Stage 2

Continue uphill with good views of Sgùrr Tuath across Loch Lurgainn below, and of Cul Beag to the east. Ignore a path off to the left (this is the return route) and continue climbing as the path contours round the main mass of Stac Pollaidh. Pass through another gate in the deer fence and continue up the open moorland.

Stage 3

The path curves round to the far side of Stac Pollaidh. Cul Mòr soon joins Cul Beag, and eventually there are stunning views of Suilven across the wilderness of Assynt. Soon you reach the junction where the circuit path continues around the base of the mountain and the main path climbs to the ridge. If walking to the ridge, keep to the left at the fork and follow the well-made path as it climbs steeply to the lowest point of the ridge.

Stage 4

As Stac Pollaidh stands alone in a relatively flat landscape, the views from here are breathtaking. To the south-west the summer isles are easily visible and to the north the Point of Stoer with Suilven and the expansive waters of Loch Sionascaig to the north west. The high point at the eastern end of the ridge can be easily reached with only a short easy scramble

Stage 5

The true summit of Stac Pollaidh is at the western end and is more difficult to reach, and out of bounds for normal walkers. There are a succession of rocky towers requiring climbing or scrambling skills to ascend; most of these can be avoided to the north side but the final tower - which has to be reversed - is a short but steep pitch above a big drop. It requires a high level of scrambling expertise, making the summit at 613 metres rank alongside the Cobbler as the most difficult mainland summit in Britain.

Stage 6

Descend back down the path back to the junction with the circuit path. The easiest route would be back the same way, but if you don't mind a rougher path with a few wetter sections, turn left to continue the circuit around the base of Stac Pollaidh. There are good views of the tower at the western end of the ridge and then of the pinnacles as you head back.

Stage 7

Eventually you pass through a gate in the deer fence and rejoin the same outward path which is followed back to the car park.