If you’re looking for a breathtaking hike in the Scottish Highlands, look no further than Stac Pollaidh. One of the most popular walks on the Northcoast 500, hiking Stac Pollaidh is not one to be missed with its stunning 360-degree views across Sutherland’s beautiful landscape. Its sandstone rock has been heavily weathered over the years creating a jagged ridge, which coupled with its deep gullies and scree slopes makes the hike a unique spectacle.
The hike up Stac Pollaidh (or Stack Polly as it’s commonly pronounced) is not as long as other Scottish mountains which makes it ideal for a half-day adventure. Despite Stac Pollaidh’s height, it still offers stunning views throughout, looking over Loch Lurgainn, Suilven, and Inverpolly. It is one of few hikes with a path on the Northcoast 500, making it accessible for most hikers. But also provides a challenge for more experienced hikers if you’re willing to complete the scramble to the second peak and ‘true summit’.
About Stac Pollaidh
Height in Metres: 612m
Height in Feet: 2008 feet
Prominence: 438m
Prominence in Feet: 1437 feet
Location: Assynt, Sutherland
Translates to: Pinnacle of the pool river
Hike Time: 2-4hours
Getting to Stac Pollaidh and Parking
The start of the Stac Pollaidh hike is located just off the single-track road between Drumrunie and Achnahaird. There is a small car park at the foot of the mountain where you can park for free. Search for Stac Pollaidh car park when routing to the start of the walk.
The car park is free. There are no toilets, but there are waste bins. It also contains an interesting information board about Stac Pollaidh.
Stac Pollaidh car park is a popular spot for campers wishing to do the hike for sunrise. Though there are several other park-up spots along the road overlooking Loch Lurgainn.
Hiking Stac Pollaidh: Route
You can hike Stac Pollaidh both clockwise or anticlockwise around the summit as it forms a loop.
Hiking Stac Pollaidh should take around 3 hours in total. Fast hikers can complete it closer to 2 hours. However, with slower walking, photo stops, rests, or scrambles, allow yourself up to 4 hours to be safe.
Ascending Stac Pollaidh
The start point of the hike is visible from the car park. It’s a wooden gate leading to a man-made trail of rocks. It’s a moderately steep incline of uneven steps but soon turns to a more sturdy dirt path.
Follow the path upwards and you will have an option to turn left or continue right. I would recommend following the path to the right which will lead you to the summit much faster.
You will have the option to circle around the back of Stac Pollaidh and come back via the other path on the route down.
As you follow the path to the right, you will go around the other side of the mountain. You can either continue to loop around the mountain by following the path straight OR you can make your way up to the summits. And let’s be honest, that’s why you came here!
You will ascend from the back of Stac Pollaidh, reaching a flatter area between the two peaks. I have seen people camping up here believe it or not!
From this point, there isn’t one distinct path leading to either of the peaks. The lower peak (pictured) is relatively easy to hike up.
The highest peak is a short but technical scramble that should only be attempted by experienced scramblers.
Descending Stac Pollaidh
Once you’ve admired the views from the top, it’s time to continue the walk back down to the start.
Make your way back to the flat area between the two peaks where you came up. You should be able to see the path that you hiked up. You can make your way down by either the same route you or by continuing the path around the ‘back’ of Stac Pollaidh (leading west).
The path will loop around the mountain and gradually lead you back down towards the car park. Near the bottom, as you’re getting closer to the gate again, the ground can become boggy, particularly if it has rained recently. Eventually, this path should link up with the original path you started on, thus completing the circuit.
Things to note
Weather
The best conditions for hiking Stac Pollaidh would be on a clear and dry day. Your best chances of getting this would be in the UK summer between June and August. You can check the weather forecast for Stac Pollaidh here.
Remember, you’re in Scotland so the weather can change quickly.
If it rains, the rocks can become slippery and dirt paths can become muddy. Visibility can also drop quickly.
Stac Pollaidh is quite exposed meaning that high winds can also come into play.
Terrain
The majority of the hike is a well-trodden path that is easy to follow and firm underfoot. At the bottom, there is an uneven cobbled path which can be slippery when wet so is worth taking caution (particularly if tired after a long walk). On the western side, it can become a little boggy on the trail back down.
Navigation
Though this route is relatively simple to follow without needing additional directions, it is always better to be prepared.
If you don’t have a map and compass to navigate, you can follow the circular hiking route of Stac Pollaidh by saving this post and following the steps. Equally, you can follow the route using maps.me or by downloading a route in advance using Komoot or AllTrails.
Before you go
Thank you for reading my travel guide on hiking Stac Pollaidh in the Scottish Highlands. If guides and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
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Happy hiking!
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