Assynt walks make it into tourist top 10
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
VisitScotland has listed its top 10 winter walks - and two routes in Sutherland are included.
The national tourist organisation has picked two trails in Assynt as among its top favourites.
The Knockan Crag trail is rated as number two on the list while the Stac Pollaidh circuit come in at number 10.
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, located just south of Elphin, lies within the North West Highlands Geopark. Owned and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), it is designated as a national nature reserve due to its stunning geological features.
VisitScotland has said that the 2km (1.25 miles) Knockan Crag trail made its list because of its ‘jaw-dropping’ views. The tourism body was also impressed at the work that has been undertaken to make the route interesting and informative.Locally created sculptures have been installed and the evocative poetry of Norman MacCaig carved into the rock. There are also ample seating areas. Special treasure hunts are regularly organised for children by staff at the visitor centre.
The route begins at the hexagonal Knockan Crag Visitor Centre and the path climbs to the top of the crag itself. it takes an hour to complete.
A spokesman for Scotland’s National Nature Reserves said: “It’s great to see Knockan Crag featuring as one of Visit Scotland’s spectacular winter walks.”
VisitScotland has described the Stac Pollaidh circuit as a “stunning hike around towering Stac Pollaidh, with sweeping views over the wintry landscapes of Assynt”.
The 4.5km route included a steep climb and takes between two to four hours to complete depending on weather conditions. It starts at Stac Pollaidh car park.
VisitScotland’s list reads as follows: 1 Loch Morlich, Cairngorm National Park; 2 Knockan Crag; 3 Calton Hill, Edinburgh; 4 Aberdeen City Centre Trail; 5 Cardrona Forest, Tweed Valley Forest Park; 6 Clattering Shaws, Galloway Forest Park; 7 Castle Fraser Estate, Aberdeen; 8 Scottish Deer Centre, Fife; 9 Ben Lomand, Loch Lomand and the Trossachs National park; 10 Stac Pollaidh Circuit.
