How hard is Beinn Bhreac?

We grade Beinn Bhreac at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Classic Lewis knoll-and-lochan ground with bare gneiss outcrops between bog hollows.

How prominent is Beinn Bhreac?

Beinn Bhreac has 159m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.

When should I climb Beinn Bhreac?

The standard good-weather months for Beinn Bhreac are 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 Bhreac?

On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Mike Dunn / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Beinn Bhreac

Beinn Bhreac, the speckled hill, sits on the east coast of Lewis between Loch Erisort and Tiumpan Head. The summit at 191m looks out over the Minch toward the Sutherland mountains and on a clear evening makes a fine sunset perch.

Quick facts

Height: 191m/ 627ft
Prominence: 159 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NB 40681 12105
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).

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Standard route

Lewisian gneiss 50% · blanket bog 35% · rough grassland 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

A short walk from the B895 north of Garrabost or from minor roads near Shulishader takes about two hours return. The route is pathless across knolly gneiss but the distance is short.

Terrain

Classic Lewis knoll-and-lochan ground with bare gneiss outcrops between bog hollows. Short heather and grass on the higher drier shoulders.

In winter

Maritime gales and squally rain dominate; little snow but cloud often grounds out on this exposed eastern coast. Daylight is short from November to January.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Beinn Bhreac. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. No MWIS mountain forecast covers this area either. In winter, work from a local weather forecast, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow8h 53m
Edinburgh10h 52m

OS maps: OS Landranger 14, OS Explorer 457

Mobile signal: Poor. Northern Lewis; very limited coverage.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

17h 09mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:44
Sunset: 21:17
Civil dawn: 04:56
Civil dusk: 22:05

NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 August 2026

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Around Beinn Bhreac 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

28km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Isle of Harris

Tarbert (Harris) — new island distillery; also known for the Harris Gin

28km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Beinn Bhreac — common questions

How hard is Beinn Bhreac?: We grade Beinn Bhreac at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Classic Lewis knoll-and-lochan ground with bare gneiss outcrops between bog hollows.
How prominent is Beinn Bhreac?: Beinn Bhreac has 159m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
When should I climb Beinn Bhreac?: The standard good-weather months for Beinn Bhreac are 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 Bhreac?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Beinn Bhreac?: Poor. Northern Lewis; very limited coverage.
Is Beinn Bhreac safe in winter?: Maritime gales and squally rain dominate; little snow but cloud often grounds out on this exposed eastern coast. Daylight is short from November to January.

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