Stac Pollaidh

One of Scotland’s most distinctive peaks, Stac Pollaidh (Stac Polly) rises in jagged sandstone pinnacles above Loch Lurgainn, offering one of the most rewarding short hillwalks in the Northwest Highlands. Though just 612 m high, its dramatic ridge and far-reaching views make it one of the finest small mountains in Scotland. A well-constructed path forms a circuit around the mountain, climbing steadily to the eastern ridge. From here, a short detour leads to a high point with stunning vistas of Assynt and Coigach—a wild landscape of rocky peaks, moorland, and lochs, with Suilven, Cul Mor, and Ben More Coigach all on show. The jagged crest of Stac Pollaidh is lined with sandstone pinnacles and tors; reaching the true summit requires a short but exposed scramble, best tackled only by confident scramblers. Even without the final scramble, the walk offers one of the best “effort-to-reward” ratios in Scotland. In just a couple of hours, you’re immersed in some of the most dramatic scenery the Highlands has to offer.