Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Stac Lee
Stac Lee in the NA 142 grid square is the second-tallest sea stack in Britain at 172m and one of the most extraordinary objects in the St Kilda archipelago. Its white-streaked vertical walls host the world's largest northern gannet colony.
Quick facts
- Height
- 172.2m/ 565ft
- Grid ref
- NA 14222 04911
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
bare rock 85% · seabird ledges 15%
A serious cliff climb only — the lone landing ledge faces north and requires a calm sea with no swell. Roped ascent of slimy gabbro and grass leads to a tiny grassy summit. A full-day commitment from a charter boat.
Terrain
Vertical guano-streaked gabbro plastered with sea pinks and tussock grass. Holds are damp and unreliable, gear placements are sparse, and the entire stack vibrates with the noise of seabirds.
In winter
Strictly a summer objective and even then climbed perhaps a couple of times each decade. Atlantic swells make safe landing impossible from October through March.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow12h 11m
- Edinburgh15h 38m
Ferry access
Private charter from Leverburgh (Harris) or Oban
- Crossing time180 min
- Summer sailingsNo regular service — chartered day trips and stays May–Sep only, weather dependent
- Winter sailingsNo access in winter
- Book ahead90 days
St Kilda is 64km west of the Outer Hebrides — one of the most remote places in Britain. Access by private charter boat (weather permitting) or NTS-arranged visits. Camping and bothy accommodation available; no day trips possible.
OS maps: OS Landranger 18, OS Explorer 460W
Mobile signal: None. St Kilda sea stack; no mobile infrastructure. Charter boat and sat phone only.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:32
- Sunset
- 22:38
- Civil dawn
- 03:18
- Civil dusk
- 23:52
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Stac Lee — common questions
- How hard is Stac Lee?
- Stac Lee is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Vertical guano-streaked gabbro plastered with sea pinks and tussock grass.
- When is the best time to climb Stac Lee?
- The standard good-weather months for Stac Lee 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 Stac Lee?
- 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 Stac Lee?
- None. St Kilda sea stack; no mobile infrastructure. Charter boat and sat phone only.
- How do I get the ferry to Stac Lee?
- Private charter from Leverburgh (Harris) or Oban. No regular service — chartered day trips and stays May–Sep only, weather dependent in summer; No access in winter in winter. Book at least 90 days ahead. St Kilda is 64km west of the Outer Hebrides — one of the most remote places in Britain. Access by private charter boat (weather permitting) or NTS-arranged visits. Camping and bothy accommodation available; no day trips possible.
- Is Stac Lee safe in winter?
- Strictly a summer objective and even then climbed perhaps a couple of times each decade. Atlantic swells make safe landing impossible from October through March.
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