Cul Mor views from Stac Pollaidh, Coigach, Scotland
Climbing to the summit of Stac Pollaidh for sunrise is always a rewarding adventure, but on this particular morning the experience felt especially memorable. After setting off in the soft pre-dawn light, I reached the top just as a series of passing rain showers drifted across Assynt. For a while, the landscape was wrapped in dense cloud, and I waited patiently, hoping the weather would shift. Gradually, the grey veil overhead began to loosen. Small openings appeared in the cloud, allowing warm shafts of light to spill across the rugged peaks that define this dramatic corner of the Northwest Highlands.
As the light improved, I began photographing the inspiring views looking towards Sgorr Tuath, where the constantly changing mix of shadow and sunlight brought the terrain to life. The jagged ridges, steep slopes, and textured rock formations seemed to transform every few moments as new patches of brightness broke through. This unique blend of dynamic light and rugged scenery made the sunrise climb feel truly special.
Before long, my attention was drawn northwards, toward the bold and unmistakable silhouette of Cul Mor. The mountain’s striking profile, with its craggy rock formations and commanding presence, stood out beautifully against the shifting sky. Although the cloud cover began to rebuild, the sun still managed to create fleeting bursts of illumination. These brief moments of light produced delicate patterns that danced across the face of Cul Mor, adding depth and atmosphere to the landscape. Capturing these subtle, dappled highlights through the lens felt like a rare opportunity.
By the time the weather finally settled into a thicker layer of cloud, I had gathered a collection of images that perfectly showcased the wild beauty surrounding Stac Pollaidh. From the sweeping views across Assynt to the dramatic presence of peaks like Cul Mor, it was a morning filled with breathtaking scenery and wonderfully changeable light—ideal conditions for creating memorable sunrise photographs.
Dappled light on the face of Cul Mor from Stac Pollaidh summit