Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Beinn Ruigh Choinnich
Beinn Ruigh Choinnich — Kenneth's shieling hill — looms directly above Lochboisdale and is the first peak many visitors lay eyes on when stepping off the Calmac ferry. Its 276m summit gives a fine overview of the southern Uist seascape.
Quick facts
- Height
- 276m/ 906ft
- Grid ref
- NF 80657 19675
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
blanket bog 50% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · rocky summit 15%
A short, sharp climb straight from the village, ascending grass and rocky steps onto the broad ridge. Most parties reach the summit and return in under three hours, often as a leg-stretch after a long drive or sailing.
Terrain
Heather and short turf interspersed with gneiss ribs, often slippery when damp. There are sheep on the lower slopes — keep dogs leashed throughout.
In winter
Within easy reach of Lochboisdale shelter, so a useful storm-day option. Expect saturated ground rather than snow and beware of strong gusts on the open summit ridge.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 32m
- Edinburgh11h 3m
Ferry access
Oban → Lochboisdale (South Uist)
- Crossing time225 min
- Summer sailings1 sailing daily plus additional weekend sailings (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 31, OS Explorer 453S
Mobile signal: Poor. Signal drops on approach; Lewisian gneiss landscape gives zero coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:33
- Sunset
- 22:27
- Civil dawn
- 03:24
- Civil dusk
- 23:36
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Beinn Ruigh Choinnich — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Ruigh Choinnich?
- Beinn Ruigh Choinnich is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Heather and short turf interspersed with gneiss ribs, often slippery when damp.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn Ruigh Choinnich?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Ruigh Choinnich 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 Ruigh Choinnich?
- 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 Ruigh Choinnich?
- Poor. Signal drops on approach; Lewisian gneiss landscape gives zero coverage.
- How do I get the ferry to Beinn Ruigh Choinnich?
- Oban → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1 sailing daily plus additional weekend sailings (Apr–Oct) in summer; 4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.
- Is Beinn Ruigh Choinnich safe in winter?
- Within easy reach of Lochboisdale shelter, so a useful storm-day option. Expect saturated ground rather than snow and beware of strong gusts on the open summit ridge.
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