We left the campsite this morning, having emptied the loo and waste water tank and topped up the fresh water tank.
On the way back to the main road and NC500 route, we stopped to climb Stac Pollaidh (steep hill by the pool). Although only 613 metres high, it’s a picturesque little mountain with dramatic rocky towers and pinnacles, rising up steeply from the loch below. Sadly the moorland surrounding it has been badly burnt in a recent wildfire. Signs of life were returning though, with green shoots poking through the black ashes.
The final ascent of Stac Pollaidh is behind it. Unlike most other hikers, we cut off the main path and headed round to the west, gradually gaining height on a good path. The shape of the mountain changed constantly as we circled it, and the views opened out.
We could see the sea, the Summer Isles, many lochs, the peaks we had hiked up a couple of days ago, and many others in the Assynt range that we’d like to climb. If we don’t get a chance this trip, I’m sure we’ll be back.
After about an hour, we headed up the back of the mountain on steep rocky steps to reach a ridge between two sets of rocky pinnacles at 534 metres. We didn’t go to the very top because it’s a grade 3 scramble with significant exposure, but we explored as far as we felt safe, reaching 560 metres. Some of the drops were 100s of metres straight down!
When we’d finished enjoying the views, we headed back down the rocky steps before following the path to the east of the mountain. Lots of people were hiking up now and we were glad we’d got away early enough to avoid the rush. I loved every single moment of this 5 kilometre, 2 hour walk and wish it had been longer!
Back at Molly Moho, we decided to move to Knockan Crag car park to make lunch. We can also stay the night here for £10. We’re miles away from any towns, but we’re well away from the main road, and there are toilets and wonderful views.
After eating our cheese toasties, we followed a geology trail through the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve. It was interesting to read about the Moine Thrust, a fault line where ancient rocks lie on top of others that are 500 million years younger. A series of information boards along the geological trail highlight various rock strata. There are also a couple of wonderful stone sculptures on the trail, and a panoramic viewpoint over the Assynt mountains at the top.
Tomorrow, we hope to climb Cul Mor (big back), which is across the road from the Knockan Crag car park. Fingers crossed for good weather!
Ramblings 
Such wild outdoors, breathtaking!
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