This mountain, Hill of the Bog, in Gaelic is not nearly such a formidable undertaking as it looks when seen from almost any angle, and in fine weather the summit ridge is within the capacity of a serious mountain walker, but in high wind, or low cloud it is best left alone. Even those who are daunted by the ridge itself can have a very enjoyable walk by climbing to the Col between the long stretch of western and shorter stretch of eastern towers.

Drive along the Ullapool road, passing Loch Oscaig and Loch Bad a’ Ghaill. When the road reaches Loch Lurgainn leave the car in the park on the right, and strike uphill through the path opposite, with Stac Pollaidh straight ahead. The cairned path bends eastwards and the best route is to keep to the right to pass below the eastern towers of the mountain. Once beyond these the view ahead is superlative with Suilven away beyond Loch Sionascaig to the north east and the complex of ridges of Cul Mor above Loch an Doire Dhuibh (the loch of the Dark Wood) to the east. Cul Beag is the dominating peak to the southeast.

On the north side of Stac Pollaidh there is a maze of paths some of them cairned, but strike upwards to the main col, perhaps on the way clambering up to the gateway between the eastern towers with a sheer drop beyond. To the south is Loch Lurgainn and beyond the twin peaks of Beinn an Eoin, Sgorr Tuath in front and Sgorr Deas behind. The skyline is the ridge of Ben Mor Coigach with the distinctive wedge of Sgurr and Fhidleir.

Follow the ridge westward to the summit if you are prepared for a stiff scramble, or, if you are not so adventurous, descend either by the way you came up or more steeply southwards straight towards the car park.

DISTANCE: 3 Miles
GOING: Steep and mostly rough.

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