How hard is Beinn Bhragair?

Beinn Bhragair is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Almost entirely blanket bog, with peat hags and small lochans throughout.

When is the best time to climb Beinn Bhragair?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn Bhragair 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 Beinn Bhragair?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How do I get the ferry to Beinn Bhragair?

Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Allow 1–2 hours drive from Stornoway to reach the Harris hills. For South Harris hills, Uig → Tarbert may be more convenient.

How hard is Beinn Bhragair?

Beinn Bhragair is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Almost entirely blanket bog, with peat hags and small lochans throughout.

When is the best time to climb Beinn Bhragair?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn Bhragair 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 Beinn Bhragair?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How do I get the ferry to Beinn Bhragair?

Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Allow 1–2 hours drive from Stornoway to reach the Harris hills. For South Harris hills, Uig → Tarbert may be more convenient.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Beinn Bhragair

Beinn Bhragair takes its name from the crofting township of Bragar on the Atlantic coast of west Lewis, rising to 261m above the great moor inland. It is the only significant prominence between the Bragar machair and the central wilderness, giving big airy views in clear weather.

Quick facts

Height: 261.9m/ 859ft
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NB 26684 43253
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

blanket bog 55% · heather moorland 30% · rocky summit 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

A pathless 8-10km return from the A858 near Bragar, taking 3-5 hours. The walk crosses open peatland on a gradual rise to the low summit knoll, with no real difficulties beyond the boggy ground.

Terrain

Almost entirely blanket bog, with peat hags and small lochans throughout. The summit knoll is a low gneiss outcrop. Gaiters strongly advised year-round.

In winter

Modest height and short distance make this very feasible in winter, but the moor is utterly featureless in poor visibility. A short cold spell can usefully harden the bog underfoot.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow9h 52m
Edinburgh11h 51m

Ferry access

Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis)

Crossing time165 min
Summer sailings2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
Winter sailings1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar)
Book ahead14 days
Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable

Allow 1–2 hours drive from Stornoway to reach the Harris hills. For South Harris hills, Uig → Tarbert may be more convenient.

Book on CalMac ↗

OS maps: OS Landranger 8, OS Explorer 459W, OS Explorer 460W

Mobile signal: Poor. EE absent; bring offline maps for this trackless Lewis hill.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

20h 50mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:20
Sunset: 22:34
Civil dawn: 03:02
Civil dusk: 23:52

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Beinn Bhragair on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Tarbert (Harris)

Harris base — Clisham, Luskentyre, Hebridean Way

45km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Beinn Bhragair — common questions

How hard is Beinn Bhragair?: Beinn Bhragair is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Almost entirely blanket bog, with peat hags and small lochans throughout.
When is the best time to climb Beinn Bhragair?: The standard good-weather months for Beinn Bhragair 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 Beinn Bhragair?: 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 Beinn Bhragair?: Poor. EE absent; bring offline maps for this trackless Lewis hill.
How do I get the ferry to Beinn Bhragair?: Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Allow 1–2 hours drive from Stornoway to reach the Harris hills. For South Harris hills, Uig → Tarbert may be more convenient.
Is Beinn Bhragair safe in winter?: Modest height and short distance make this very feasible in winter, but the moor is utterly featureless in poor visibility. A short cold spell can usefully harden the bog underfoot.

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