Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Beinn Dhubh
Beinn Dhubh, the dark hill, forms the long ridge above Luskentyre on south Harris and offers what many regard as the finest view in the islands. The summit looks straight down onto white shell beaches and turquoise sea on one side and inland to the dark Harris hills on the other.
Gaelic: “mountain, black” · Pronunciation: bine goo
Quick facts
- Height
- 506m/ 1660ft
- Grid ref
- NB 08964 00627
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
Lewisian gneiss 45% · blanket bog 35% · rocky summit 20%
A clear walkers track climbs the eastern shoulder from the road near Borvemore, leading along a broad grassy ridge to the summit. Around four hours return with easy gradients and a real sense of height for the modest effort.
Terrain
Stalkers path and short grass for most of the route, with a few wet patches and a stonier final ridge. Dry and well drained compared to other Harris hills.
In winter
A good winter hill with little permanent snow but expect ice on the path and strong exposure on the ridge. Excellent low-snow alternative to mainland routes.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 41m
- Edinburgh11h 53m
Ferry access
Uig (Skye) → Tarbert (Harris)
- Crossing time105 min
- Summer sailings2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable — last sailing to Uig varies seasonally
Drive to Uig on Skye (Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh), then ferry to Harris. Alternative: Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis, 2h45) and drive south.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 14, OS Landranger 18, OS Explorer 455, OS Explorer 456
Mobile signal: Poor. Signal drops on approach; Lewisian gneiss of Harris gives zero coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:25
- Sunset
- 22:32
- Civil dawn
- 03:11
- Civil dusk
- 23:46
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Beinn Dhubh on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn Dhubh — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Dhubh?
- Beinn Dhubh is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Stalkers path and short grass for most of the route, with a few wet patches and a stonier final ridge.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn Dhubh?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Dhubh 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 Dhubh?
- 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 Dhubh?
- Poor. Signal drops on approach; Lewisian gneiss of Harris gives zero coverage.
- How do I get the ferry to Beinn Dhubh?
- Uig (Skye) → Tarbert (Harris). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Drive to Uig on Skye (Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh), then ferry to Harris. Alternative: Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis, 2h45) and drive south.
- Is Beinn Dhubh safe in winter?
- A good winter hill with little permanent snow but expect ice on the path and strong exposure on the ridge. Excellent low-snow alternative to mainland routes.
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