Stac Pollaidh
Iconic Scottish peak with a dramatic, spiky ridge offering breathtaking views after a rewarding hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for clear skies
Stac Pollaidh
Best Time
Best chance for clear skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Scottish peak with a dramatic, spiky ridge offering breathtaking views after a rewarding hike.
"Breathtaking views! A steep climb but worth every step for the scenery."
🚗 Arrive Early or Late
Car park fills fast! Aim for early morning or late afternoon to secure a spot and enjoy cooler temps.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The path can be steep and rocky. Good hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pinnacled Ridge Views
Eastern Viewpoint
Spectacular panoramic vistas over rugged landscapes, lochans, and neighboring mountains like Suilven.
The 'Porcupine' Ridge
The summit area
The iconic, steep, and spiky sandstone ridge that gives Stac Pollaidh its distinctive and dramatic appearance.
Golden Hour Magic
Summit area
Experience breathtaking sunsets or sunrises from the summit, painting the landscape in warm, ethereal light.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Summit Smarts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early or Late
Car park fills fast! Aim for early morning or late afternoon to secure a spot and enjoy cooler temps.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The path can be steep and rocky. Good hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support.
📸 Camera Ready!
The views are incredible! Bring a good camera to capture the dramatic landscapes and unique ridge.
⚠️ Summit Scramble Caution
The true western summit is for experienced scramblers only. Stick to the eastern viewpoint for safety. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early or Late
Car park fills fast! Aim for early morning or late afternoon to secure a spot and enjoy cooler temps.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The path can be steep and rocky. Good hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support.
📸 Camera Ready!
The views are incredible! Bring a good camera to capture the dramatic landscapes and unique ridge.
⚠️ Summit Scramble Caution
The true western summit is for experienced scramblers only. Stick to the eastern viewpoint for safety. +1
💰 Parking Fee
Be aware there's a parking fee, around £6. Consider biking if you're looking to save.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Stac Pollaidh is celebrated for its breathtaking, otherworldly views and unique, spiky ridge, offering a rewarding hike for many. While the main path is accessible, the final ascent to the true summit is a serious scramble not recommended for casual hikers. The car park can fill quickly, and a parking fee applies.
"It was an easy/moderate grade round trip hike up to a point then it became rather difficult once you close to the top. Breathtaking views!"
Albert Herteliu
"The hike itself is a rather steep climb. It takes about 2 hours of climbing at a slow pace to reach the mountain and about 1 hour from the mountain back to the carpark . The views are fantastic at the top. Be sure to bring a good camera."
Pieter Verheij
"We climbed it in May with a calm high pressure weather to ease the way. Car park fillls up so get there early - or late as we did cos it was cooler. Good move as we had the path to ourselves. Lots of easy/moderate (grade2) scrambling involved to shimmy around the towers closer to the tip. Need to take care in some places as although the moves are easy, the consequence of a fall is very serious. The last tricky crux to reach the actual westerly summit requires climbing skill with a rope and protection."
Lucy Baxter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stac Pollaidh is located in the Assynt region of the Northwest Highlands, Scotland. It's a popular stop on the North Coast 500 route. The nearest major town is Ullapool, about a 30-minute drive away. The drive to the mountain itself is scenic and often described as 'something else'.
Public transport options to Stac Pollaidh are limited. It's best accessed by car, especially if you're exploring the wider Assynt region or the North Coast 500. Consider renting a car for flexibility.
There is a dedicated car park for Stac Pollaidh. It's important to note that this car park can fill up very quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early or late in the day is highly recommended.
Absolutely! The road leading to Stac Pollaidh is often highlighted as being incredibly scenic, adding to the overall adventure of visiting the area.
Yes, Stac Pollaidh is a fantastic stop along the North Coast 500 (NC500) route. Many travelers include it in their NC500 itinerary for its stunning views and relatively short hike. +2
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance tickets required to hike Stac Pollaidh. The main cost associated with visiting is the parking fee at the designated car park.
The parking fee at Stac Pollaidh is approximately £6. It's advisable to have cash or check for any updated payment methods upon arrival.
Stac Pollaidh is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, for safety and the best experience, hiking during daylight hours is recommended.
There is no entry fee for the hike itself. The cost is primarily for parking at the trailhead.
While there aren't official guided tours for Stac Pollaidh, many local tour operators and guides offer excursions that include this hike as part of a larger Highlands or NC500 tour.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to the main viewpoint typically takes about 1-2 hours round trip, depending on your pace. Reaching the true summit involves more challenging scrambling and takes longer.
The initial part of the hike is generally considered easy to moderate with a well-built path. However, the final ascent to the true summit involves significant scrambling and is considered difficult and potentially dangerous for inexperienced hikers. +1
Basic facilities like a car park are available. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks, as amenities are limited at the trailhead.
The lower, well-trodden path to the main viewpoint is manageable for families with children. However, the scrambling sections closer to the summit are not suitable for young children due to safety concerns.
Expect breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Assynt landscape, including lochans, rugged mountains like Suilven, and the dramatic coastline. The views are often described as otherworldly and spectacular.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers magical light for photography, casting a warm glow over the landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the rugged terrain or for wildlife spotting, like the red deer mentioned.
Drone usage regulations can vary. Always check current local guidelines and restrictions before flying a drone. Some creators have captured stunning aerial footage.
The mountain's unique spiky ridge, the surrounding dramatic scenery, and the ever-changing Scottish light make Stac Pollaidh incredibly photogenic.
Yes, it's possible to spot wildlife such as red deer in the surrounding areas, offering unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's crucial to be aware of the scrambling sections closer to the true summit. These are not suitable for young children due to the serious risks involved. Focus on enjoying the accessible parts of the hike, where kids can marvel at the unique rock formations and expansive views. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and make it a fun adventure!
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Adventurers
If you're seeking a bit more challenge, the scramble to the western summit is an option, but it's strongly advised to be experienced and well-equipped, or to go with someone who is. Solo hikers should always inform someone of their plans and expected return time, especially when venturing into more remote areas.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The mountain's unique geology and its appearance in Ahsoka also offer unique content angles. Consider visiting during different seasons to capture varied moods. The accessibility of the main viewpoint makes it relatively easy to get impressive shots, while the more challenging summit offers a different perspective for experienced adventurers. Remember to check drone regulations if you plan on capturing aerial footage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Ridge: Safety and Scrambling
The consequence of a fall near the summit can be very serious, so it's crucial to assess your abilities honestly. For most, the accessible viewpoints provide more than enough reward for the effort. The mountain's sandstone composition adds to its unique geological character, making it a standout peak in the Assynt landscape.
If you are an experienced scrambler looking for a challenge, the western summit can be rewarding, but it's essential to be prepared with appropriate gear and knowledge. For the vast majority of visitors, enjoying the panoramic vistas from the safer, eastern viewpoints is the highlight of a trip to Stac Pollaidh.
Best Times for Photography and Views
Many visitors recommend timing their hike to catch these moments, though it requires careful planning regarding daylight and weather. Beyond the golden hours, clear days offer unparalleled visibility, allowing you to fully appreciate the vastness of the Assynt region and the iconic shapes of neighboring mountains like Suilven. The dramatic, spiky ridge itself is a photographer's dream, offering countless angles and compositions.
Even on cloudier days, the moody atmosphere can lend a dramatic feel to your photographs, showcasing the wild and untamed nature of the Scottish Highlands. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the sweeping panoramas and a telephoto lens to focus on the intricate details of the ridge or any wildlife you might encounter, such as the red deer spotted in the area.
Remember to check weather forecasts, as conditions can change rapidly in the Highlands, and always prioritize safety when seeking that perfect shot. Stac Pollaidh's Place in Popular Culture
The distinctive, almost alien landscape of Stac Pollaidh's ridge makes it a compelling backdrop for cinematic storytelling. Its rugged, otherworldly appearance perfectly complements the fantastical settings often depicted in science fiction.
While the Ahsoka connection is a recent highlight, the mountain's striking visual appeal has long made it a favorite for photographers and hikers seeking dramatic scenery. Its inclusion in the show further solidifies its status as an iconic Scottish landmark, attracting visitors eager to experience the real-life locations from their favorite media.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit