Stac Pollaidh

Stac Pollaidh 613m Coigach, Section 16f
OS 1:50 000 Sheet 15 : NC107106

8th August 2004
Baggers Album ->Scotland->16f->polly

The classic Stac Pollaidh view, from below the carpark.

Another view , not often published, from the west.

The infamous path is now rebuilt and gives a fast ascent to the summit ridge.

A selection of pinnacles...

Some more pinnacles.

The summit. with the obstacle pinnacle to the left. This can be taken direct or by a slab on its south side. This is a bit of a stopper and I had to leave my pack behind due to the roof above the slab.

The slab. Its easy, honest. Down climbing it is hard, until you make the move, then instantly all exposure disappears when safely under the roof.

More pinnacles and a view north to Suilven.

A combination of fast access, small size and spectacular rock scenery makes this hill one of the most climbed in Scotland. This was a problem, a horrid eroded slog up the talus slopes from the car park rapidly became known as the worst path in Scotland. Today, a well graded path runs around the slightly less steep north side of the hill and quickly deposits the hordes on the ridge.

The summit is a different matter as a committing scramble is needed to get past a pinnacle. Most dont get that far, and it does not matter as nearly all the fine rock scenery is visible through only easy scrambling. Going for the top I opted for the slab, over the direct route (too windy). It was fun, and although intimidating on return, easy. The down climb is OK, once you take the plunge and lower yourself off an exposed ledge all problems disappear, the slab is not exposed and has lovely big holds.

A fun hill worthy of its immense popularity.

After my brief foray up the hill, I enjoyed anafternoon swimming in Loch Sionascaig.

Another view , not often published, from the west.
The infamous path is now rebuilt and gives a fast ascent to the summit ridge.
A selection of pinnacles...
Some more pinnacles.
The summit. with the obstacle pinnacle to the left. This can be taken direct or by a slab on its south side. This is a bit of a stopper and I had to leave my pack behind due to the roof above the slab.
The slab. Its easy, honest. Down climbing it is hard, until you make the move, then instantly all exposure disappears when safely under the roof.
More pinnacles and a view north to Suilven.
	A combination of fast access, small size and spectacular rock scenery makes this hill one of the most climbed in Scotland. This was a problem, a horrid eroded slog up the talus slopes from the car park rapidly became known as the worst path in Scotland. Today, a well graded path runs around the slightly less steep north side of the hill and quickly deposits the hordes on the ridge. The summit is a different matter as a committing scramble is needed to get past a pinnacle. Most dont get that far, and it does not matter as nearly all the fine rock scenery is visible through only easy scrambling. Going for the top I opted for the slab, over the direct route (too windy). It was fun, and although intimidating on return, easy. The down climb is OK, once you take the plunge and lower yourself off an exposed ledge all problems disappear, the slab is not exposed and has lovely big holds. A fun hill worthy of its immense popularity. After my brief foray up the hill, I enjoyed anafternoon swimming in Loch Sionascaig.

Stac Pollaidh 613m Coigach, Section 16fOS 1:50 000 Sheet 15 : NC107106

Stac Pollaidh 613m Coigach, Section 16f
OS 1:50 000 Sheet 15 : NC107106