A fine sea cliff outing.....The Old Man of Stoer

Walk; Point of Stoer (Assynt)
Height: 360m
After my solo outing yesterday to Cul Beag it was time to keep the good lady pleased, well kind of. Today was the landing of Storm Francis but if the forecast was accurate our area was not going to be affected until mid afternoon and even then not as badly as the south.

That way

A study of the map brought this gem to my attention. I love sea cliff walks and this one had the added bonus of being the best walk in Assynt as a whale/dolphin hotspot so good to go. Yes dear, no problems a short straightforward walk!
A stunning drive, but not for the nervous as long stretches of twisting single track and hidden passing spots. A few screams and moans from the good lady, some directed at oncoming traffic, but we got there safely.
Blue skies and a beautiful spot. Binoculars and camera to the fore and off we went.
Beside the lighthouse the cliffs are a regular nesting spot but this late in the season it was only pairs of Fulmars that were roosting and not many of them. I imagine a few months ago it would have been bedlam. Still great viewing. 

Colourful rocks

I love the colour of the rocks below the water as well as the colour of the cliffs. Underwater it looks like pods of something growing away, a Dr Who episode maybe.

The track hugs the cliffs

There is a clear track which does go very close to the edge at times. Not advisable in these strong gusts, it is a long way down, so drift slightly inland. The first challenge for you know who, there is a steep grassy gully to be descended and reascended, not positive looks from the good lady but at least there were good steps cut, no scrambling.
The local crofting coos clearly like the path better than the moor as it was well churned up in places. A regular very deep hoof print, wonder if that is the bull?

Brave in this wind

When we reach the outcrop of Cirean Geardail some kids are scrambling across the top, brave them in the high winds.
Down below I spot an Artic Skua, a first for me for this predatory seabird. As we walk more appear and in the wind their aerobatics are admirable.

1st view of The Old Man of Stoer

Shortly after a slight climb and the Old Man is first spotted further along the coast and impressive it is. Who wants to climb you? Not me. I saw that a climber fell and is missing from a similar sea stack last week.

Looks easy!

A steep grassy descent is required to get close to the Old Man, yip more looks from you know who. 

Old ropes in the middle and on top

It is impressive and there are some old climbing ropes blowing in the wind in the middle and at the top. It is not just the climbing it is getting onto the stack in the turbulent sea. Nearby a similar stack has lost most of its structure from these pounding seas.

Sutherland

A gradual ascent to the trig with a few stops to take in the great views across to Sutherland and its mighty peaks. Trying to spot the ones I have been up.

Great view over Assynt for minimal effort

When we crested the hill the short ascent was well worth it as the views of the Assynt giants were spectacular. 

From left: Canisp; Suilven; Cul Mor; Cul Beag; Stac Pollaidh

It is only from this viewpoint that you see them lined up with the gaps in between and you can marvel at the glacial geology that created this outstanding landscape. Even with the dark storm front looming over them it is impressive. 

Not to be ignored the 3 Corbetts of Quinag

Once again another fantastic view for so little effort. And this trig does not even have Sub2k status, with these views it should have.

Lighthouse but where are the whales and dolphins?

We returned via the inland path back to the lighthouse where the height gave clear sea views over to Skye and the Western Isles.
A super little walk but despite it being prime season no whales or dolphins. Another excuse to return if one is needed.

Wildlife: Skua; Gannet; Cormorant: Fulmars; Rock Pipit; Raven; Hooded Crow.
Ascent: 336m
Distance: 6.6km
Time: 2.16