Stac Pollaidh, Wester Ross

Mountain near Wester Ross

Stac Pollaidh from Loch Lurgain
Stac Pollaidh from Loch Lurgain
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Richard Webb

Stac Pollaidh rises abruptly from the roadside in Coigach, a small but dramatic hill with a jagged crest of Torridonian sandstone that looks far more alpine than its modest height suggests. The steep slopes lead up to a line of pinnacles and gullies, and the sense of “instant wilderness” is part of the magic-you can go from car park to wide-open Highland views in well under an hour.

It’s one of the things to do in Ullapool if you want a classic Northwest Highlands hike that feels adventurous without needing a full mountain day. Even if you’re mainly here for the coast and villages, it slots neatly into a walking tour of Ullapool as the obvious half-day escape: quick to reach, straightforward to follow, and genuinely memorable in every direction.

History and Significance of the Stac Pollaidh

Stac Pollaidh’s character comes from geology and ice. The ridge is Torridonian sandstone, sculpted into pinnacles and steep gullies that stand out sharply against the smoother surrounding slopes. During the last Ice Age, the ridge was exposed above the ice sheet and weathered into a rough, broken crest, while ice flow carved and scoured the flanks into the rounded forms you see today.

What makes it significant for walkers is that it offers a “mountain feel” without the same commitment as larger Assynt peaks. You get the drama of rock architecture, a real sense of height, and a panorama that stretches from inland ridges to island-dotted sea-yet the route is short enough to fit between other plans.

It’s also a good example of how popular Highland hills are evolving: the main path is now well-made and pitched in steeper sections, helping protect the fragile ground from erosion while keeping the route accessible to confident beginners.

Things to See and Do in the Stac Pollaidh

Most visitors follow the circular route that wraps around the base of the pinnacles, with an optional ascent up to the ridge. The circuit is satisfying on its own because it constantly shifts the angle of the ridge, revealing different gullies, rock towers, and viewpoints as you move.

If you take the ridge option, the reward is the classic Stac Pollaidh moment: breath-taking views over Assynt to the north and the seaward sweep toward Achiltibuie and the Summer Isles to the south and west. The ridge walk feels airy and dramatic, and it's one of those places where you can watch weather systems moving across the landscape in real time.

Strong walkers sometimes aim for the true summit, but the final section involves exposed scrambling that is not for everyone. A good rule of thumb is that the ridge viewpoint already delivers the “best of Stac Pollaidh” experience-if the rock looks greasy, winds are strong, or visibility is poor, it's perfectly sensible to enjoy the circuit and skip the trickier tower.

How to Get to the Stac Pollaidh

The nearest airport is Inverness Airport (INV), then continue northwest by road toward Ullapool and Coigach. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Wester Ross on Booking.com.

If you're arriving by train, the practical rail hub is Inverness, then you continue by bus toward Ullapool and onward connections in the area. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Buses run between Inverness and Ullapool, which can work well if you're basing yourself in town and building day trips around it, but you'll still need to plan the “last mile” to the trailhead carefully. If you're travelling by car, Stac Pollaidh is a straightforward drive from Ullapool on the main road toward Coigach, and it's the easiest way to control timing around weather and daylight.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Stac Pollaidh

  • Entrance fee: Free (parking charges apply at the Stac Pollaidh car park: £6 per car; £8 for small campervan/motorhome/minibus; £3 per motorbike).
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website:
  • Best time to visit: Choose a clear day if you want the full Assynt-and-islands panorama, but don’t fear a moody forecast-broken cloud can make the light and atmosphere extraordinary.
  • How long to spend: Allow 2-3 hours for the full circuit at a relaxed pace, longer if you plan extra ridge time for photos and breaks.
  • Accessibility: This is a steep hill walk with rough, rocky sections; it’s not suitable for wheelchairs and can be challenging for anyone unsteady on uneven ground.
  • Facilities: Facilities are limited at the trailhead, so bring water, layers, and a warm/waterproof outer shell; treat it as a self-sufficient outing.

Where to Stay Close to the Stac Pollaidh

For a culture-heavy itinerary with restaurants, shops, and easy onward connections, base yourself in Ullapool so you can mix hikes with village time; if your trip’s main focus is remote beaches and Coigach scenery, staying nearer Achiltibuie gives you a quieter, landscape-first base. For an easy, central Ullapool stay, Caledonian Hotel is convenient for dinner options and quick starts. If you want a friendly waterfront base with a pub atmosphere and strong location, The Arch Inn puts you right by the harbour. For a more off-the-beaten-track option closer to the Coigach side of the area, Summer Isles Hotel suits travellers building a coastal-and-hills loop.

Is the Stac Pollaidh Worth Visiting?

Yes-Stac Pollaidh delivers an outsized experience for the time and effort. You get a dramatic ridge, standout geology, and panoramic views that feel genuinely “Northwest Highlands,” without needing a full-day mountain plan.

It’s especially worth it if you value flexible days. You can make it a quick morning hike before beach-hopping, or a late-afternoon climb when the light turns golden and the landscape feels at its most cinematic.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Stac Pollaidh can be a great family hill if your children are used to walking and you treat it as an adventure rather than a summit mission. The pitched path helps, and the circuit option gives you a clear goal without committing to exposed scrambling.

The key is pacing and conditions. Choose a calmer day, bring extra layers and snacks, and frame the pinnacles as the “destination” so no one feels pressure to tackle the trickier ridge sections if the weather turns or energy drops.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this is a perfect “shared achievement” hike: short enough to fit into a relaxed trip, but dramatic enough to feel like you’ve earned the view. The ridge makes a spectacular spot for a quiet break with the kind of scenery that encourages you to slow down and actually look.

If you want to lean into the romance of the Highlands, aim for late-day light when the sandstone warms in colour and the sea views toward the Summer Isles feel especially expansive. Just be conservative with time if you’re descending in fading light, because steep ground is always slower on the way down.

Budget Travelers

Stac Pollaidh is high value because the hike itself is free and the main cost is simply getting there and parking. With smart planning-self-catered food, the right clothing, and a clear weather window-it can be one of the best “big day” experiences in the region for minimal spend.

To stretch your budget further, build a tight loop: Stac Pollaidh plus one nearby viewpoint or beach, then back to Ullapool for a simple meal. That keeps fuel costs down and avoids “extra driving” that eats up both time and money.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.9 (190)

Stac Pollaidh, on the Highlands near Ullapool, is a 2,008 ft rocky summit reached by a well-built but steep path from a nearby carpark; hikers describe a few hours round trip with sections of scrambling and a couple of exposed, technical moves near the true summit that need care (and rope skills if attempted). The route rewards steady climbers with wide, picturesque views across nearby peaks and lochs from a saddle and the back of the crag; arrive early or later in the day to avoid a full carpark and enjoy quieter paths.

Albert Herteliu
3 months ago
"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!"
Pieter Verheij
7 months ago
"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 mountainback to the carpark . The views are fantastic at the top. Be sure to bring a good camera...."
Lucy Baxter
7 months ago
"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...."

FAQs for Visiting Stac Pollaidh

Getting There

It’s in the Coigach area a short drive from Ullapool, with a signed trailhead and a dedicated car park. It’s one of the most straightforward hill starts in the region, which is part of why it’s so popular.
The simplest plan is to arrange a taxi in advance and set a pick-up time, because public transport won’t reliably drop you at the trailhead. If you’re travelling with others, sharing a lift is often the most practical option.
Yes, the main path is clear and the circuit option is intuitive in good visibility. In poor weather, navigation becomes more serious, so keep the route conservative and avoid committing to exposed ridge sections.

Tickets & Entry

No, there’s no entry ticket for the hill itself. Your main cost is parking, so it’s worth having a payment method ready before you set off.
There are no usual “closed season” restrictions, but conditions change dramatically by season. Winter ice and high winds can turn a short hike into a mountaineering-style outing.

Visiting Experience

No-most people get a brilliant experience from the circuit and the lower ridge viewpoints. Treat the exposed scrambling as optional, not as the definition of success.
Turn the outing into a circuit-only visit and prioritise a safe descent. Stac Pollaidh is exposed, and the smartest decision is often to enjoy what you’ve already seen rather than pushing higher into wind or low cloud.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s a common choice for guided days because it offers big views with a manageable time commitment. A guide is most valuable if you want ridge confidence, geological context, or a safer plan in mixed conditions.
Do the circuit, add the ridge viewpoint if it feels comfortable, then leave the true summit for a future visit. This keeps the day rewarding without letting ambition override conditions.

Photography

Yes, especially because the pinnacles add strong shape and texture to wide landscape shots. Even if the distant views are hazy, the ridge itself photographs beautifully in changing light.
Late afternoon often gives the richest light on sandstone and the most atmospheric skies over the sea. Early morning can be quieter, which helps if you want clean compositions without other walkers in frame.

Accessibility & Facilities

It’s challenging because the terrain is steep, rocky, and uneven, even on the improved path. If mobility is a concern, consider lower-level viewpoints and short coastal walks in the same region.
Treat it as a bring-your-own stop. Plan breaks and food back in Ullapool or at other nearby villages rather than expecting services at the hill.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Ullapool is the easiest place to refuel, with the best concentration of cafés and casual food. If you’re heading toward the coast afterward, pack something simple so you’re not dependent on limited rural options.
A beach or viewpoint stop works well because it gives your legs a rest while keeping the scenery high-impact. The Coigach coastline is ideal for this kind of “hike then unwind” rhythm.

Safety & Timing

The main circuit is suitable for confident beginners with decent fitness, good footwear, and sensible weather choices. The ridge and true summit scramble are a different category and should be treated with caution.
Early morning is calmer and often less busy, while later in the day can be more dramatic for light and colour. The right choice is the one that gives you comfortable daylight for a slow, safe descent.

Nearby Attractions to the Stac Pollaidh

  • Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, a superb geology stop with viewpoints and short trails that help you “read” the landscape.
  • Achnahaird Beach, a wide, white-sand beach near Coigach with huge skies and a real sense of remoteness.
  • Achiltibuie and the Summer Isles viewpoints, a coastal run of sea lochs and island views that pairs perfectly with a short hill day.
  • Ullapool Harbour, a scenic waterfront for an easy stroll, cafés, and ferry-and-fishing-boat atmosphere.
  • Corrieshalloch Gorge, a dramatic river gorge with a suspension bridge viewpoint that makes an excellent quick stop on the Inverness-Ullapool route.

The Stac Pollaidh appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Wester Ross!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free (parking charges apply at the Stac Pollaidh car park: £6 per car; £8 for small campervan/motorhome/minibus; £3 per motorbike).

Address: Stac Pollaidh, Ullapool, UK
Wester Ross: 43 km

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