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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
- Prominence
- 253 m
- Grid ref
- NB 09057 23581
- 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
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: Near zero. No signal to speak of; a PLB is worth carrying on this remote Lewis hill.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:16
- Sunset
- 21:53
- Civil dawn
- 04:21
- Civil dusk
- 22:48
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 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]?
- We grade Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach] at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Ground conditions: Peat moor crossed by little drainage gullies, then a rougher gneiss summit dome.
- How much drop does Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach] have?
- The drop is 253m: measured from the summit of Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach] down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
- What's the best month to climb Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach]?
- Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach]. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach]?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on Beinn Mheadhanach [Beinn Mheadhonach]?
- Near zero. No signal to speak of; a PLB is worth carrying 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.
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