![Airneabhal [Arnaval]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs0.geograph.org.uk%2Fgeophotos%2F03%2F15%2F57%2F3155739_673abfbd.jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_HxnhrACFBuHaG2wuQvfDwvzaqGXF)
Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Airneabhal [Arnaval]
Arnaval is a quiet 254m hill in northern South Uist, half-hidden among bigger eastern neighbours but worth seeking out for its solitude. The summit gives an unusual angle on Hecla and Beinn Mhor.
Quick facts
- Height
- 254.9m/ 836ft
- Grid ref
- NF 78510 25589
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
blanket bog 50% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · rocky summit 15%
Approach from the B890 minor road south of Howmore, crossing rough moor to gain the western slopes. A direct line up the broad nose leads to the small cairn in about two hours up.
Terrain
Tussocky moor and shallow peat hags on the approach, easing onto short turf and exposed bedrock near the top. No paths exist; expect to pick a line.
In winter
A sheltered choice on bad-weather days in the islands, lying just inland from the spine road. The hill rarely sees lying snow but the bog crossing slows when sodden.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 41m
- Edinburgh11h 11m
Ferry access
Oban → Lochboisdale (South Uist)
- Crossing time225 min
- Summer sailings1 sailing daily plus additional weekend sailings (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 22, OS Explorer 453S
Mobile signal: Poor. Dead zone; signal returns near the A865 spine road.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:33
- Sunset
- 22:27
- Civil dawn
- 03:23
- Civil dusk
- 23:36
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Airneabhal [Arnaval] — common questions
- How hard is Airneabhal [Arnaval]?
- Airneabhal [Arnaval] is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Tussocky moor and shallow peat hags on the approach, easing onto short turf and exposed bedrock near the top.
- When is the best time to climb Airneabhal [Arnaval]?
- The standard good-weather months for Airneabhal [Arnaval] are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Airneabhal [Arnaval]?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Airneabhal [Arnaval]?
- Poor. Dead zone; signal returns near the A865 spine road.
- How do I get the ferry to Airneabhal [Arnaval]?
- Oban → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1 sailing daily plus additional weekend sailings (Apr–Oct) in summer; 4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.
- Is Airneabhal [Arnaval] safe in winter?
- A sheltered choice on bad-weather days in the islands, lying just inland from the spine road. The hill rarely sees lying snow but the bog crossing slows when sodden.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.