Stac Pollaidh

Stac Pollaidh is one of the most popular and busy summits in the North Highlands/Assynt region. Its short length makes the steep climb an easy choice. The incredible views from the summit and well-defined trail also add to its appeal. The trail is very easy to follow, even in inclement weather, as it is always well defined. 

The parking lot is fairly obvious, about a 20 minutes' drive north of Ullapool. Turning at the junction to Reiff/Achiltibuie, it is a very short drive down to a parking lot beside the lake. The trail is a very steep mix of well-trod trail turning quickly into stairs. As you climb, you'll notice many opportunities to explore multi-pitch climbing routes on the rock walls of Reiff/Achiltibuie.

The trail curves around back, getting increasingly steep as you approach the top. It's a short jaunt to a big flat open area at a false summit. The standard trail stops here, but you can follow the ridge west and ascend a bit. This passes over a brief exposed step that requires two fourth-class scrambling moves to overcome, a narrow ridge, and then the true summit. Descend the way you came onto the trail, but continue counter-clockwise for a full circuit.