Stac Pollaidh

Hill, Mountain in Cromartyshire

Scotland

Stac Pollaidh

A section of minor road between Loch Lurgainn and Loch Bad a' Ghaill Looking westward.
A section of minor road between Loch Lurgainn and Loch Bad a' Ghaill Credit: Peter Wood

Stac Pollaidh is a prominent hill located in Cromartyshire, a county in the Scottish Highlands. It is part of the North West Highlands Geopark and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Standing at a height of 612 meters (2,008 feet), Stac Pollaidh offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The hill is composed mainly of Torridonian sandstone, a red-brown rock that gives it a distinctive appearance. Its rugged and steep slopes, coupled with its unique shape, make it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the region. The hill's name, Stac Pollaidh, is derived from the Gaelic language and translates to "Peak of the Pool."

The ascent to the summit of Stac Pollaidh is challenging but rewarding. There are several well-marked trails that lead hikers through the rocky terrain, offering opportunities to observe the diverse flora and fauna of the area. The hill is home to a variety of plant species, including heather, mosses, and lichens, which add to its natural beauty.

From the top, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Loch Lurgainn, a nearby freshwater loch, as well as the surrounding mountains and glens. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The hill's strategic location and commanding views have made it a popular spot for photographers and artists, who seek to capture its beauty in various forms.

Overall, Stac Pollaidh is a remarkable hill in Cromartyshire, offering both a physical challenge and a visual feast for those who venture to its summit.

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Stac Pollaidh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.044128/-5.2085463 or Grid Reference NC1010. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A section of minor road between Loch Lurgainn and Loch Bad a' Ghaill Looking westward.
A section of minor road between Loch Lurgainn and Loch Bad a' Ghaill
Looking westward.
Minor road towards Achiltibuie
Minor road towards Achiltibuie
Moorland by Loch Lurgainn A fair bit of rough ground between the road and lochs.
Moorland by Loch Lurgainn
A fair bit of rough ground between the road and lochs.
Loch Lurgainn and hills View over the loch towards Ben More and Beinn an Eòin (left).
Loch Lurgainn and hills
View over the loch towards Ben More and Beinn an Eòin (left).
Achiltibuie road View eastwards towards Cùl Beag
Achiltibuie road
View eastwards towards Cùl Beag
Loch Bad a Ghaill
Loch Bad a Ghaill
Stac Pollaidh North West Highlands in Assynt, north of Ullapool
Stac Pollaidh
North West Highlands in Assynt, north of Ullapool
Stac Pollaidh The west end, where the summit is.
Stac Pollaidh
The west end, where the summit is.
Summit ridge of Stac Pollaid, view to Cul Mor, 1968 The mountain "Stac Polly" has a castellated ridge of Torridonian sandstone. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6436983">NC1010 : The airy summit ridge of Stac Pollaidh (Cul Mor beyond)</a> of 1982 for a similar view.
Summit ridge of Stac Pollaid, view to Cul Mor, 1968
The mountain "Stac Polly" has a castellated ridge of Torridonian sandstone. See NC1010 : The airy summit ridge of Stac Pollaidh (Cul Mor beyond) of 1982 for a similar view.
The Lobster Claw, rock pinnacle on Stac Pollaidh, 1968 View from the summit ridge down to Loch Lurgainn. Part of the pinnacle has eroded  and fallen away since the photo was taken.
The Lobster Claw, rock pinnacle on Stac Pollaidh, 1968
View from the summit ridge down to Loch Lurgainn. Part of the pinnacle has eroded and fallen away since the photo was taken.
Sandstone rocky cliffs of Stac Pollaidh, 1968 Cliffs and castellated ridge.
Sandstone rocky cliffs of Stac Pollaidh, 1968
Cliffs and castellated ridge.
Stac Polly reflecting setting sun
Stac Polly reflecting setting sun
Stac Pollaidh and Loch Lurgainn Stac Pollaidh is an instantly recognisable mountain and popular with hillwalkers even though it is only 612m (2009ft) high. There is a good path which leads onto the ridge, but to gain the actual summit (on the left as seen here) requires some awkward and exposed moves. The narrow road to Achiltibuie can be seen in a number of places just above the loch.
Stac Pollaidh and Loch Lurgainn
Stac Pollaidh is an instantly recognisable mountain and popular with hillwalkers even though it is only 612m (2009ft) high. There is a good path which leads onto the ridge, but to gain the actual summit (on the left as seen here) requires some awkward and exposed moves. The narrow road to Achiltibuie can be seen in a number of places just above the loch.
Cairn on Stac Pollaidh Looking across Loch Sionasgaig to Suilven with its top hidden in mist.
Cairn on Stac Pollaidh
Looking across Loch Sionasgaig to Suilven with its top hidden in mist.
Climb from the col, Stac Pollaidh This is the adventure awaiting those who attempt the summit of this mountain. There are routes to the left and to the right.
Climb from the col, Stac Pollaidh
This is the adventure awaiting those who attempt the summit of this mountain. There are routes to the left and to the right.
Stac Pollaidh from Loch Lurgainn The distinctive inselberg (612m) of Torridonian Sandstone towers above the loch and heather moorland below.
Stac Pollaidh from Loch Lurgainn
The distinctive inselberg (612m) of Torridonian Sandstone towers above the loch and heather moorland below.
Stac Pollaidh Ridgeline The weathered and jagged ridge of Torridonian Sandstone on the Stac Pollaidh inselberg (612m) as seen from the car park by Loch Lurgainn.
Stac Pollaidh Ridgeline
The weathered and jagged ridge of Torridonian Sandstone on the Stac Pollaidh inselberg (612m) as seen from the car park by Loch Lurgainn.
Stac Pollaidh from Cul Beag summit Stac Pollaidh seen from Cul Beag summit changeable April day .
Stac Pollaidh from Cul Beag summit
Stac Pollaidh seen from Cul Beag summit changeable April day .
Show me another place!

Stac Pollaidh is located at Grid Ref: NC1010 (Lat: 58.044128, Lng: -5.2085463)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///pioneered.question.pranced. Near Ullapool, Highland

Nearby Locations

Coire Gorm Stac Pollaidh

Related Wikis

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.044128,-5.2085463
Stac Pollaidh
Corbett: no
Description: The pinnacle of the pool river
Ele: 612
Graham: yes
Marilyn: yes
Munro: no
Natural: peak
Prominence: 441
Source: survey
Source Ele: npe
Wikidata: Q3396239
Wikipedia: en:Stac Pollaidh
Lat/Long: 58.0441506/-5.207476
Stac Pollaidh (East Summit)
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 58.0432062/-5.2027038
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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