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Stac Pollaidh Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Easy /
Moderate Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
3h Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
3.8km
out and back
Elevation gain
490m
Type of route
Out and back
Maximum altitude
551 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
Slightly
Marked
No
Popularity
Moderate
Region
Ullapool
Start point
58.03472, -5.20717
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The Stac Pollaidh hike takes you to the summit of an iconic Assynt mountain famous for its Torridonian sandstone pinnacles and spectacular views of the region's lochs and isolated peaks.

This short, relatively accessible route has become very popular due to its exceptional effort-to-reward ratio: In less than two hours of hiking, you can enjoy one of the most impressive 360-degree panoramas in Scotland. Views stretch from Suilven to Cùl Mòr and take in the countless lochs scattered across the wild northwestern Highlands landscape.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Stac Pollaidh Hike

Difficulties of the hike

The route described here leads to the eastern summit of Stac Pollaidh. The western summit, which is the highest point, requires climbing skills. The well-maintained but unmarked trail is easy to follow thanks to its popularity and the constant visibility of the summit. The slopes are fairly steep but do not present any major technical difficulties.

What you'll love

  • The spectacular panorama from the ridge: A breathtaking 360-degree view of the iconic Assynt mountains (Suilven, Cùl Mòr, and Canisp) and the countless lochs and lochans dotting the surrounding wilderness.
  • An excellent effort-to-reward ratio: In just three hours and under four kilometers, you reach one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Scotland.
  • The spectacular Torridonian sandstone ridge: explore this unique environment with its jagged rock formations and distinctive pinnacles.

Practical information

Parking

There is a large paid parking lot at Loch Lurgainn, at the foot of the trail (indicative price in 2025: £6 for a car and £8 for a camper van).

Please note

This hike only leads to the eastern summit of the mountain. Climbing skills are required to reach the true summit of Stac Pollaidh (612 m).

Loch Lurgainn from Stac Pollaidh
Loch Lurgainn from Stac Pollaidh
Stac Pollaidh
Stac Pollaidh
Cùl Mòr
Cùl Mòr
Panorama from Stac Pollaidh: Suilven, Canisp, Cùl Mòr and the many Lochs and Lochans
Panorama from Stac Pollaidh: Suilven, Canisp, Cùl Mòr and the many Lochs and Lochans
Loch Lurgainn and Sgorr Tuath
Loch Lurgainn and Sgorr Tuath
Sgorr Tuath and Ben More Cogaich
Sgorr Tuath and Ben More Cogaich
Panorama from Stac Pollaidh: Suilven, Canisp, Cùl Mòr and the many Lochs and Lochans
Panorama from Stac Pollaidh: Suilven, Canisp, Cùl Mòr and the many Lochs and Lochans
Sgorr Tuath and Ben More Cogaich
Sgorr Tuath and Ben More Cogaich

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/scotland/stac-pollaidh/