Marilyn · torridon
An Staonach
An Staonach reaches 516m at NG 830 480 on the long peninsula between Loch Torridon and Loch Kishorn, north of the Bealach na Ba. Staonach hints at a leaning or sloping form, and the hill does present a noticeably canted summit ridge from the Applecross road.
Quick facts
- Height
- 516m/ 1693ft
- Grid ref
- NG 83002 48083
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 83km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Torridonian sandstone 45% · heather moorland 35% · rocky summit 20%
Park at the small layby on the Applecross-Shieldaig coast road near Kenmore. Cross the burn and climb pathless ground north-east up sandstone terraces and heather to the summit. About 4 hours.
Terrain
Classic Torridonian terracing — easy walking on the flat steps separated by short rocky risers. Heather and bilberry fill the steps; a few short scrambles can be avoided if preferred.
In winter
Coastal Torridonian hill where weather changes fast. Snow comes and goes; iced sandstone steps are the routine winter concern. Crampons rarely needed, but stiff boots and an alert eye certainly are.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 28m
- Edinburgh7h 25m
OS maps: OS Landranger 24, OS Explorer 428N
Mobile signal: Poor. Signal drops completely on the approach; remote Wester Ross gives zero coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:23
- Sunset
- 22:23
- Civil dawn
- 03:12
- Civil dusk
- 23:34
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around An Staonach on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
An Staonach — common questions
- How hard is An Staonach?
- An Staonach is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Classic Torridonian terracing — easy walking on the flat steps separated by short rocky risers.
- When is the best time to climb An Staonach?
- The standard good-weather months for An Staonach are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. 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 An Staonach?
- 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 An Staonach?
- Poor. Signal drops completely on the approach; remote Wester Ross gives zero coverage.
- Is An Staonach safe in winter?
- Coastal Torridonian hill where weather changes fast. Snow comes and goes; iced sandstone steps are the routine winter concern. Crampons rarely needed, but stiff boots and an alert eye certainly are.
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