Stac Pollaidh
Mountain Distinctive Torridon mountain with rocky crest views
Jagged coastal mountain in Scotland’s northwest Highlands valued by hillwalkers for its rocky crest and views across Assynt’s lochs and sea. Trails are steep; good footwear recommended.
Stac Pollaidh is a distinctive rocky hill with a serrated sandstone crest in the Coigach area of the north-west Highlands of Scotland, reaching 612 metres at its highest point.
The ridge is famed for its jagged Torridonian sandstone crest and compact, steep ascent that rewards climbers and walkers with panoramic views across Assynt and out to the Summer Isles.
The landform is the result of ancient sandstone laid down and subsequently sculpted by glacial erosion, producing the blocky tors and cliffs that characterise the crest.
The hill sits within the north-west Highlands of Scotland on the Coigach peninsula, part of the Wester Ross landscape.
- Height and difficulty: The summit reaches 612 metres and is classified as a Graham; the climb is relatively short but includes steep, rocky sections requiring simple scrambling in places.
- When to go: Best visited in clear weather for long-distance views; conditions can change quickly and the crest is exposed to wind and rain.
How to Get to Stac Pollaidh #
By road: from Ullapool take the A835 north and then the A837/A894 toward Lochinver; park at the small Stac Pollaidh car park (signposted off the A832/A894 area). The main walk to the summit ridge is 2-3 hours return for fit walkers; paths are clear but include sections of scrambling.
Tips for Visiting Stac Pollaidh #
- Start the ridge walk early to avoid the heat and afternoon cloud cap; the last ascent is rough granite and benefits from good daylight.
- Park at the Lochinver/A837 junction and follow the clearly marked path - the walk to the summit is about 3.5-4 km one-way depending on the chosen route.
- Bring a map and basic scrambling experience; sections require hands for balance and the granite top is slippery when wet.
Best Time to Visit Stac Pollaidh #
Best visited May-September for safer walking conditions; always check local weather and mountain forecasts before heading out.
Weather & Climate near Stac Pollaidh #
Stac Pollaidh's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 0°C to 15°C. Heavy rainfall (2117 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (235 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (206 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (234 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (249 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (235 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
