Corbett · Far North
Cranstackie
Cranstackie is the northern outlier of the Foinaven group — a quartzite ridge rising above the road from Rhiconich to Durness in the far north-west of Sutherland. The hill is overshadowed by its more famous neighbour but offers many of the same characteristics on a friendlier scale: pale quartzite blocks underfoot, a long summit ridge, and views to Cape Wrath that no other Corbett quite matches. Often climbed together with neighbouring Beinn Spionnaidh as a Sutherland double.
Quick facts
- Height
- 801m/ 2628ft
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 850 m
- Time
- 4–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NC350556
- Parking
- NC356588
- Nearest
- Ullapool
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
moorland path 20% · quartzite slope 40% · rocky ridge 30% · summit rocks 10%
Start at the small parking area near Carbreck on the A838 (NC356588), a few kilometres south of Durness. Walk south across rough peat moorland for around 2km, then climb the broad north ridge of Cranstackie onto the quartzite. Follow the ridge south to the summit cairn. To include Beinn Spionnaidh, continue along the ridge — the bealach between them is broad and uncomplicated. Allow 5–6 hours for Cranstackie alone, 7–8 for the double.
Terrain
Wet peat and tussock on the approach — slow but short. Above 400m the terrain becomes quartzite blocks of the same family as Foinaven's, polished and slippery in the wet. The summit ridge is broad and uncomplicated; the descent line is straightforward if you stay on the broad north ridge.
In winter
Far-north winter conditions apply: short daylight (under 7 hours in late December), exposure to Atlantic and Arctic systems, and treacherous quartzite under verglas. The approach moorland freezes into a rink in cold spells. Magnificent on a clear cold day, miserable in marginal weather.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow6h 35m
- Edinburgh6h 41m
OS maps: OS Landranger 9
Mobile signal: No signal on the hill; brief EE/Vodafone on the A838 between Rhiconich and Durness
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:24
- Sunset
- 22:10
- Civil dawn
- 03:15
- Civil dusk
- 23:19
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Cranstackie.
Around Cranstackie on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Cranstackie — common questions
- How hard is Cranstackie?
- Cranstackie is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 13km with 850m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-6 hours. Terrain: Wet peat and tussock on the approach — slow but short.
- Where do I park for Cranstackie?
- Standard parking is at NC356588 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Cranstackie?
- The standard good-weather months for Cranstackie are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Cranstackie?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Cranstackie?
- No signal on the hill; brief EE/Vodafone on the A838 between Rhiconich and Durness
- Is Cranstackie safe in winter?
- Far-north winter conditions apply: short daylight (under 7 hours in late December), exposure to Atlantic and Arctic systems, and treacherous quartzite under verglas. The approach moorland freezes into a rink in cold spells. Magnificent on a clear cold day, miserable in marginal weather.