Cranstackie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cranstackie |
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Cranstackie from the east.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 801 m (2,628 ft) |
| Listing | Corbett, Marilyn |
| Naming | |
| Language of name | Norse |
| Geography | |
| Location | Assynt, Scotland |
| OS grid | NC350556 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 9 |
Cranstackie is a mountain in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, located in a part of Scotland called Sutherland. It stands 801 meters (about 2,628 feet) tall. This mountain is known as a "Corbett," which is a special type of Scottish mountain. Cranstackie is found west of Loch Eriboll and northeast of another mountain called Foinaven.
The top of Cranstackie is covered with loose, broken rocks called quartzite. This makes climbing a bit tricky. The western side of the mountain is much steeper than the eastern side. However, neither way up is easy because of all the loose rocks.
Exploring Cranstackie
Cranstackie is a popular spot for hikers and climbers who enjoy challenging walks. It offers amazing views of the surrounding Scottish landscape. From its summit, you can see other mountains and the vast, open spaces of the Highlands.
The mountain's name, Cranstackie, comes from the Old Norse language. This shows the history of the Norse people in Scotland many centuries ago. Many places in this area have names from Old Norse.
What is a Corbett?
In Scotland, mountains are often grouped by their height. A "Corbett" is a mountain that is between 2,500 feet (762 meters) and 3,000 feet (914 meters) tall. It must also have a drop of at least 500 feet (152 meters) on all sides.
Climbing all the Corbetts is a goal for many hillwalkers. Cranstackie is one of these special mountains. It is a great challenge for people who love the outdoors.
The Rocky Slopes
The loose rock on Cranstackie is mostly quartzite. Quartzite is a very hard rock that was once sandstone. Over millions of years, heat and pressure changed it into quartzite. When it breaks, it forms sharp, loose pieces.
Walking on these loose rocks can be difficult. Hikers need to be careful with their footing. The steepness on the west side adds to the challenge. Despite this, many people enjoy the adventure of climbing Cranstackie.
Location and Nearby Areas
Cranstackie is in a remote part of Scotland. It is part of the Assynt region, which is famous for its unique mountains and wild scenery. This area is perfect for exploring nature.
Nearby, you can find Loch Eriboll, a long sea loch. To the northeast are other mountains like Foinaven and Beinn Spionnaidh. These mountains share similar rocky features with Cranstackie.
