The Mountains of Inverpolly

The Mountains of Inverpolly, in the western part of Assynt, include many distinctively shaped peaks that rise steeply from the surrounding lochan studded moorland. These can often appear higher than their actual height would indicate due to their steep sides and the contrast with the moorland from which they rise. Many of the most distinctive peaks such as Suilven were formed during the last Ice Age, when they were left exposed above the ice sheet. They now remain as isolated outposts of highly eroded Torridonian sandstone sitting on a bedrock of much older Lewisian gneiss.

This image was captured late in the month of February when a dusting of snow still covered even these smaller peaks. At this time of the year when the sun rises much further to the south an early morning, even a pre-dawn start is required to get the very best of the low and very directional light. The viewpoint is on the northern slopes of the small and popular peak of Stac Pollaidh and the view is looking north across the waters of lonely Loch Sionasgaig towards the peaks of Cul Mor, Suilven, Canisp and ultimately Quinaig.