Marilyn · Central Highlands
Stac na Cathaig
Stac na Cathaig — the jackdaw stack — is a 446m heather hill on the northern edge of the Monadhliath, looking out across Strathnairn to the Cairngorms beyond. It is one of the lowest Marilyns in the area but stands cleanly above the surrounding farmland.
Quick facts
- Height
- 446m/ 1463ft
- Prominence
- 213 m
- Grid ref
- NH 64004 30129
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 15km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
heather moorland 55% · rocky slopes 30% · grass slopes 15%
Most parties walk in from Brin or Farr in upper Strathnairn, following a track east into the open hill and then crossing tussock to the small summit cairn. A leisurely 2 to 3 hours.
Terrain
Rough Strathnairn pasture and heather, with a low rocky brow giving the hill its stack-like profile from the north. Drainage is reasonable on the upper slopes; the lower fields can be churned by cattle.
In winter
At 446m and within sight of Inverness, this hill rarely holds significant snow. A frosty morning hardens the boggy approach and is the best time to come; spring snow can briefly turn the summit white but seldom lingers.
This hill is in the Creag Meagaidh SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 50m
- Edinburgh5h 32m
OS maps: OS Landranger 26, OS Explorer 416N, OS Explorer 417
Mobile signal: Reasonable. Inverness transmitters reach the summit; the lower glen is patchy.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:10
- Sunset
- 21:38
- Civil dawn
- 04:17
- Civil dusk
- 22:30
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Stac na Cathaig on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Inverness station
Highland capital — Cairngorms east side, Affric, Far North via bus/car
16km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Inverness
Highland capital — gateway to Cairngorms, Affric, Far North
15km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Tomatin
Tomatin — large Highland distillery just off the A9, south of Inverness
15km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Stac na Cathaig — common questions
- How hard is Stac na Cathaig?
- We grade Stac na Cathaig at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Rough Strathnairn pasture and heather, with a low rocky brow giving the hill its stack-like profile from the north.
- How prominent is Stac na Cathaig?
- Stac na Cathaig has 213m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
- When should I climb Stac na Cathaig?
- The standard good-weather months for Stac na Cathaig 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 na Cathaig?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Stac na Cathaig?
- Reasonable. Inverness transmitters reach the summit; the lower glen is patchy.
- Is Stac na Cathaig safe in winter?
- At 446m and within sight of Inverness, this hill rarely holds significant snow. A frosty morning hardens the boggy approach and is the best time to come; spring snow can briefly turn the summit white but seldom lingers.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.