An Staonach

Tucked away in the wild Sutherland interior north of Loch More, this understated Marilyn offers a rough, pathless ascent across quintessential North West Highland moorland. Reaching the summit rewards you with a clear perspective across the vast flow country towards the massive bulk of Ben Hee and the sharp profile of Arkle.

• •The name derives from the Scottish Gaelic An Staonach, which translates as 'the slanting place' or 'the inclined one,' likely referencing the characteristic tilt of its broad summit plateau.
• •The most direct approach is from the A838 road near the head of Loch More, following the Allt an Staonaich burn before striking out across trackless, heathery slopes.
• •From the summit, you gain an excellent vantage point over the rugged 'knock and lochan' landscape of the Reay Forest, with the distinctive twin-peaked profile of Arkle clearly visible to the west.
• •Despite its modest elevation, the lack of an established path ensures you will likely spend more time negotiating the saturated peat hags than actually standing on the summit.