Scotland
An Staonach
516M
1693FT
About 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.
Key Statistics
Rank
126th Highest in Region
Parent Range
North West Highlands
Prominence
?
229m
Nearest Town
Highland
Geology
You are trekking across the Applecross Formation. This durable ground is made of sandstone filled with small, gritty pebbles and gravel.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NG829480
Latitude
57.4710°N
Longitude
5.6206°W
Did You Know?
- •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.