![Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs0.geograph.org.uk%2Fgeophotos%2F06%2F19%2F32%2F6193270_0e754f62.jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_HxnhrACFBuHaG2wuQvfDwvzaqGXF)
Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach]
Beinn Mheadhanach — the Middle Hill — is a 397m bump tucked between the higher Uig summits and the loch country of central west Lewis. Despite being overlooked by its neighbours, it has fine views down Loch Stacsabhat and across the moor to Mealaisbhal.
Quick facts
- Height
- 397m/ 1302ft
- Grid ref
- NB 09057 23581
- 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%
A 6-8km round from the road end near Carishader or from a parking spot along the B8011, taking 3-4 hours. The line is pathless but the modest height keeps it manageable for those used to Lewis terrain.
Terrain
Peat moor crossed by little drainage gullies, then a rougher gneiss summit dome. Compass work matters once on the broad plateau.
In winter
A short outing achievable in winter daylight if conditions allow. Saturated peat and standing water can be the main nuisance after wet spells.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 4m
- Edinburgh11h 12m
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 13, OS Landranger 14, OS Explorer 458
Mobile signal: Very poor. No mobile signal; carry a PLB on this remote Lewis hill.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:23
- Sunset
- 22:34
- Civil dawn
- 03:07
- Civil dusk
- 23:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach] — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach]?
- Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach] is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Peat moor crossed by little drainage gullies, then a rougher gneiss summit dome.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach]?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach] 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 Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach]?
- 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 Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach]?
- Very poor. No mobile signal; carry a PLB on this remote Lewis hill.
- How do I get the ferry to Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach]?
- 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 Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach] safe in winter?
- A short outing achievable in winter daylight if conditions allow. Saturated peat and standing water can be the main nuisance after wet spells.
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.