Stac Pollaidh One of the Assynt Hills

When Is the Best Time

Stac Pollaidh can be walked all year in good weather, but every season is different.

Weather and Crowds in Scotland by Seasons

Mid-April to May
Good chance of dry weather. However, Scotland’s weather is unpredictable. For hikers, May is often one of the best months: Warm enough, longer daylight, lush and green landscape, wildflowers bloom, fewer tourists.

June to August
Long, sunny days, warmest time. However, it’s the peak season; Most tourists and highest accommodation prices. Annoying midges are at their worst.

September to October
Less busy and midges start to disappear as well. Temperatures in September are ranging between 10-16°C in and between 6-12°C in October. Idyllic landscape with beautiful foliage. Great time for hiking.

November to March
Freezing temperatures and snow is common on higher peaks. Short daylight only. Guesthouses are often closed.

Guided Tours to the Most Beautiful Parts of Scotland

Best Months to Visit

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Location and Tips

Scotland, Lochinver

United Kingdom

Stac Pollaidh is one of the Assynt hills. With Suilven, its shape is the most recognizable. The walk starts in the car park under the mountain on the minor road that leads from A835 to Achnahaird. There is a good path up the hill. You can reach the ridge in just one and a half hour. The very top is challenging to reach and demands a tricky scramble. From the ridge, you can see Suilven, Canisp, Cul Mor, Cul Beag and Ben More Coigach. Stac Pollaidh is one of the most popular mountains in Scotland. It is 612 meters high and is one of the Grahams.

Photos

Comments

Micha Herber-Bleich

Which months can you recommend most for hiking in Scotland? Your places and pictures are pure nature. Think we give it a try for a week next year.

Bohys

Hey Micha. Well, it is the most difficult question and I fear I don't have the answer. Scotland is Scotland, you never know how it will be. But generally, people say the best time to visit Scotland is mid April (but you have to be ready for some snow and low temperatures) and May. This year May was very wet and wasn't as good as it was expected. September was really good this year, but when I was in Scotland in September 2012, it was very wet. The best thing is to check the forecast and go to the place where it is supposed to be good. That's what I do. I hope you will have a great time in Scotland. Cheers.

Bohys

I usually camp. There is a lot of campsites in this area (Ardmair for example) and you can also wild camp anywhere you want. I usually stay in B&B in Ullapool since it is only a couple of minutes by car to get to Assynt. There is also a youth hostel in Lochinver. But camping in remote spots is what I would recommend. But it depends on what do you prefer. Cheers.

I have to add more information about the time to visit Scotland. From June to September, there is a lot of midges who can be very annoying and can ruin your stay in the campsites. It is also the thing you have to count with.

Micha Herber-Bleich

Yep, Bohys we did this once, three weeks vacation it was every wet everywhere and we had to escape to Portugal, my second home country. Anyway September is my favorite month sounds good.