NC2642 : Summit ridge of Ben Stack
Strenuous hill walk; steep and often pathless

Ben Stack

721m Elevation
531m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NC2642 : Summit ridge of Ben Stack

Alan Reid Photo source

Overview

Ben Stack is a 721 m Graham in northwest Sutherland, rising west of Loch Stack near Achfary. Boggy approaches and steep upper slopes lead to a split summit ridge with wide views of the coast, Arkle and Foinaven.

Ben Stack

Ben Stack rises to 721 m west of Loch Stack in northwest Sutherland, beside the A838 between Achfary and Laxford Bridge. It is a Graham, Marilyn and Simm with 531 m prominence. Its small scale disguises steep, rough mountain ground.

Summit and landscape

The summit is a cairn 30 m northwest of a mast. The trig point lies about 100 m southeast and is 2 m lower; the two parallel summit ridges can be confusing in cloud. Clear-weather views include Loch Stack, the Sutherland coast, Arkle, Foinaven and Quinag.

Ben Stack is largely Lewisian gneiss, with a small remnant of Cambrian quartzite near the summit. The surrounding rock knolls and lochans reflect the region's glacial history. The Geopark's place-name study links Stack to Old Norse stakkr and interprets the name as Gaelicised Norse. A form of Bin Stack appears on Pont's late-sixteenth-century map.

Choosing a return walk

The usual southeast approach starts near Achfary at the A838 junction for the Lone track. It crosses very wet ground before climbing beside the rocky spine of Leathad na Stioma and then the steep upper cone. Return by the same approach. Walkhighlands records 7.5 km, 694 m ascent and 3.5–4.5 hours. Scotland Off the Beaten Track describes its own version as 8 km, 700 m and 3.5–4 hours; these are separate source estimates.

The northwest alternative begins near Lochstack Lodge, climbs past Loch na Seilge and follows a steeper, faint ridge path to the summit. Retrace it to return to the same start. The published 8 km / 4–5 hour Get Lost Mountaineering itinerary is a traverse with different endpoints, so those figures are not used for this return. Continuing down the opposite side requires a separately planned road transfer or road walk.

Access, parking and safety

Use signed parking near the Lone-track junction for the southeast route and keep private-road access clear. The northwest approach has only limited roadside space. Follow current signs rather than assuming any verge or estate track is parking.

NatureScot's published Reay Forest advice lists stalking from early July to 20 October, except Sundays, and identifies the path from NC265438 near Lochstack Lodge for access during stalking. Check the current estate access guidance or contact 07739 626445 before planning your route.

Expect bogs, faint paths and steep ground. The upper ridges are exposed, and poor visibility makes route-finding harder. Carry a map and compass with backup navigation, suitable footwear, waterproofs, food and water. Snow or ice demands winter mountain skills and equipment.

Getting there

Achfary is the nearest settlement for the southeast start. Durness Bus route 805 serves Achfary on its Monday–Saturday Durness–Inverness service. Confirm both journeys and the walk from the stop using the operator's current timetable. Do not assume a bus stops at either trailhead or that every journey permits a same-day hill return.

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Ben Stack via the southeast ridge (return)

Start and finish at the small A838 parking area by the Lone-track junction near Achfary (NC296402). Walk briefly south beside the road to the mast access track. Cross the boggy lower ground and climb northwest beside the rocky spine of Leathad na Stioma. Beyond the broad shoulder, dip around the rocky knoll and climb the steep summit cone. The true summit cairn is on the northern ridge beyond the mast; the trig on the southern ridge is lower. Retrace the southeast approach to the same parking area. Walkhighlands gives 7.5 km, 694 m ascent and 3.5–4.5 hours for this full return. Check current stalking advice before using this approach.

7.5 km Challenging

Ben Stack via the northwest ridge (return)

Use permitted roadside space near the small building at NC264437, keeping the A838 and access clear. Continue past the cattle grid to the uphill track at NC265438. Above Loch na Seilge, take the rougher branch towards the mountain, then follow the faint path up the steep north ridge. Cross the narrow upper crest beyond the north top to the summit cairn. Return by carefully retracing the same ridge, track and short road section to the starting point. Hands may be needed, and the steep grassy sides require care. This is a demanding return, not the southeast traverse. A dependable full-return distance and time were not established. NatureScot identifies this approach path for access during stalking; check current advice and signs.

Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Graham Simm

Elevation

721m

2,365 ft

Prominence

531m

Coordinates

58.3349, -4.9577

NC269422

OS Map

9

Explorer: 445

At the Summit

A cairn 30 m northwest of the mast marks the 721 m summit. The trig point about 100 m southeast is 2 m lower. The paired summit ridges can be confusing in poor visibility.

Terrain & Geology

Boggy lower ground faint or absent paths grassy slopes rocky ribs steep upper cone and narrow summit ridges.

Ben Stack is predominantly Lewisian gneiss with a small residual cap of Cambrian quartzite at summit level. Its isolated slopes rise above the glacially shaped rock knolls and lochans of northwest Sutherland.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather, views extend across Loch Stack and the Sutherland coastline, with Arkle and Foinaven to the north and Quinag to the south.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The North West Highlands Geopark’s place-name study derives Stack from Old Norse stakkr, meaning “stack”, and interprets Ben Stack as a Gaelicised Norse name.

Historical Significance

The name is recorded as Bin Stack on Timothy Pont’s late-sixteenth-century mapping. The North West Highlands Geopark’s place-name study records later Gaelicised forms, including Beinne Stac in 1845.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

For the southeast return, use the small parking area by the A838 junction for the private track to Lone, near NC296402–NC297402, north of Achfary. Park only where current signs permit and keep the estate entrance clear. The northwest route begins near NC264437 with limited roadside space; do not obstruct the road, building or tracks.

Public Transport

Durness Bus route 805 serves Achfary on the Durness–Inverness route via Lairg, running Monday–Saturday. Check the operator’s current timetable and confirm both journeys and the walk from the stop before travel. A bus stop at either trailhead and a suitable same-day hill return are not guaranteed. https://www.thedurnessbus.com/805-inverness/

Nearby Facilities

Bring food, drinking water and mountain equipment. Do not rely on finding toilets, refreshments or a water supply at the trailhead or on the hill.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Very wet, boggy ground and faint paths make route-finding and footing difficult.
  • The steep upper slopes and narrow ridge sections need care, especially in wind or on wet rock and grass.
  • The split summit ridge is confusing in cloud; the trig point is lower than the true summit. Carry reliable navigation.
  • Snow and ice make the steep terrain more serious and require suitable winter mountain skills and equipment.
  • Check current Reay Forest stalking advice and signs; keep estate access and the A838 clear.

Seasonal Hazards

NatureScot lists Reay Forest stalking from early July to 20 October, with no stalking on Sundays, and identifies the northwest approach path from NC265438 for access during stalking. Check current guidance or contact the estate on 07739 626445; this is planning advice, not a live assurance of unrestricted access.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ben Stack?

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Are there other walkers around Ben Stack?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ben Stack search or of course create your own walk for Ben Stack

Can I organise a walk to Ben Stack?

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How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ben Stack?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

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Location

Ben Stack location map

Grid reference: NC269422

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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