Beinn an Eoin & Stac Pollaidh, behind Loch Lurgainn, October 2016
Just one of countless fabulous viewpoints in the region of Assynt, on the north side of the Coigach peninsula. This is part of the Wester Ross area, which makes it sound terribly Game of Thrones, but it’s much prettier and the hound didn’t sniff out a single dragon.
The shot above was taken on our first trip to Assynt, in October 2016, when we spent a full week touring the north and north-west coasts of Scotland and I fell in love with the area then and there.
To be honest, there are lots of good spots for photos down this road, so you’ll probably find yourself pulling over and hopping out several times. Mind, that’s a habit you’ll need to get used to if you’re serious about exploring Scotland and taking photos – there are so many breathtaking views, one after the other.
Looking back towards Cul Beag
Once you’ve got this shot, keep going down the road, passing Cul Beag on the right and the foot of Stac Pollaidh, one of the most photographed mountains in the region. If you’re feeling terribly energetic, there’s a parking spot and you can head up the mountain (but make sure you’re properly kitted out – Assynt Mountain Rescue get very miffed with tourists who think trainers and t-shirts will do for a Highland climb!).
Stac Pollaidh
About 10k from the original viewpoint, you reach a turning right, signed ‘Inverkirkaig7, Lochinver 12’, which takes you to one of my favourite spots, overlooking Loch Sionascaig. But if you carry on, the road leads all the way down to the end of the peninsula at Reiff, passing by Achnahaird beach and a lovely view over to the Summer Isles. In short, it’s worth setting aside a good half a day to explore the peninsula, because I’m sure there’s plenty more we didn’t get around to!
LOCATION INFO
Getting there: From Ullapool, take the A835 north for around 10km, until you come to a turning left, signed ‘Achiltibuie 15’. The main photo viewpoint is around 2.5km along the road – you have to sort of abandon the car on the edge of the road and yomp over to the rock.
Sat Nav: IV26 2TP / Drumrunie
OS Landranger map: 15 LOCH ASSYNT, Lochinver & Kylesku
Terrain: Road, rocks, heather. Good pair of walking boots.
Nearest facilities: Toilets at Knockan Crag nature reverve, more at Lochinver. As is the case in the Highlands, generally, it's best to have some sustenance in the car. Even when you do find facilities, if you’re there out of season (Oct-March), they’ll more than likely be closed.
All maps in the blog are from Google Maps
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