An Stac

Hill, Mountain in Inverness-shire

Scotland

An Stac

Allt na Dunaiche and Blaven Credit: Steven Brown

An Stac is a prominent hill located in the county of Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated near the village of Newtonmore, it forms part of the Cairngorms National Park, renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Rising to an elevation of approximately 814 meters (2,670 feet), An Stac offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is characterized by its steep slopes and rocky terrain, making it a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers seeking a challenging climb.

The hill is known for its diverse flora and fauna, with heather-covered moorlands, scattered birch trees, and patches of wildflowers adorning its slopes. It is also home to a variety of bird species, including ptarmigan, red grouse, and golden eagles, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

An Stac is often incorporated into longer hikes and trails within the Cairngorms National Park, such as the popular route known as the Newtonmore Round. This circular trail takes visitors on a journey through stunning landscapes, including forests, rivers, and open moorlands, culminating in a rewarding ascent of An Stac.

Due to its location within the Cairngorms National Park, An Stac offers visitors the opportunity to observe and appreciate Scotland's unique and unspoiled natural beauty. Whether seeking a challenging climb or simply wishing to immerse oneself in the tranquility of the Scottish Highlands, An Stac is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

An Stac Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.215635/-6.0731184 or Grid Reference NG5421. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Allt na Dunaiche and Blaven

Steven Brown

Steep craggy slopes on Blaven

Steven Brown

On BlÃ bheinn

The Blàbheinn summit with a group of mountain walkers there, seen from the mountain's south-west top.

Trevor Littlewood

Waterfall on the Allt na Dunaiche

One of the many waterfalls on the Allt na Dunaiche tumbling over the rocky bed. Bla Bheinn is at the head of the glen looking magnificent in early summer sunshine.

Adam Ward

Rum View

The island of Rum as seen from high up on the south east ridge of Bla Bheinn. Part of the small island of Soay can also be seen.

Adam Ward

Black and Red Cuillin

From the summit of the Munro of Bla Bheinn is this fine view of the 11 Munros of the main Black Cuillin ridge while to the right are 2 Corbetts and 2 Grahams in the Red Cuillin. A grand place to chill and have some lunch.

Adam Ward

Bla Bheinn South Summit

The south summit of Bla Bheinn as seen from the main summit which is 2m higher. 2 figures are at the top of the south east ridge while behind them can be seen the island of Rum.

Adam Ward

Bla Bheinn and Garbh-bheinn

Blue Mountain and Rough Mountain are the English translations of these 2 fine mountains. Bla Bheinn on the left is one of the finest hills in Scotland. The traverse between the 2 over Clach Glas is a rock climb with serious exposure in places.

Adam Ward

Black Cullins and Loch Slapin, Isle of Skye

Leanne Roden

On the way to Blaven summit

Didier Silberstein

Clach Glas from Blaven slope

Didier Silberstein

'Panorama' to the south

A true panorama is 360º, and this is only part of such a view, so not a true panorama. It takes in the whole of the Cuillins on Skye, and the southern part of Raasay

Anne Burgess

Blaven and Clach Glas from summit of Garbh Bheinn

Didier Silberstein

Entering the John Muir Trust car park for Blaven

The John Muir Trust own much of the Cuillin Hills on Skye, as well as other important, but remote areas in Scotland. In my personal view, they are the leading charity protecting wild land in Scotland while at the same time working with local interests as far as possible. For more information, see Link

. The car park (and path work on the hill) for Blaven is just one example. For some years they were reluctant even to mention their involvement, but they are a bit more relaxed now. The car park notice reads: Welcome to Bla Bheinn Please leave no trace The nearest toilets are a short drive down the road at Elgol [I might quibble about the 'short', which may be true in distance but not always in time] No overnight parking Thank you for helping keep Skye beautiful The JMT logo Still fairly low-key, I think.

David Purchase

Footbridge by the car park at the head of Loch Slapin

There is a small car park south of the bridge over the Allt na Dunaiche, although the track to access it is a little rough. A path leads southward via this footbridge across a stream Link and gently up through woods Link towards the abandoned village of Keppoch Link .

Rudi Winter

Tributary of the Allt na Dunaiche

Looking upstream from the footbridge Link crossing it.

Rudi Winter

Track from Keppoch

Looking back up to the head of Loch Slapin Link , with the pyramidal Beinn na Crò on the right and the steep southeastern flank of Glas-Bheinn Mhòr on the left. The water body beyond the trees isn't Loch Slapin but rather Loch na Sguabaidh, a freshwater loch just inland from the tip of the sea loch.

Rudi Winter