How hard is Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]?

We grade Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien] at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Ground conditions: Short turf cropped tight by Eriskay ponies, with occasional gneiss steps and small patches of heather.

How much drop does Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien] have?

Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]'s prominence is its full height — 186m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.

What's the best month to climb Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]?

Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]. 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 Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]?

Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.

How do I get the ferry to Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]?

Mallaig → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1–2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; Reduced sailings on a combined Oban–Castlebay/Lochboisdale winter timetable (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Plan an overnight stay. Eriskay is linked to South Uist by causeway — drive south from Lochboisdale. Alternative: the short Ardmhor (Barra) → Eriskay crossing if coming from Castlebay.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Gordon Hatton / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]

Ben Scrien is the high point of Eriskay, the small island made famous by the 1941 SS Politician whisky-galore shipwreck. Just 186m, it crowns the island and offers a perfect microcosmic view of southern Uist seascape.

Quick facts

Height: 186m/ 610ft
Prominence: 186 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NF 79524 11214
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 45% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · scree slopes 20%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Park near the Am Politician pub or causeway and climb directly up the southern flank on short turf and gneiss steps. The summit is reached in under an hour, with the descent best looping back via the coast.

Terrain

Short turf cropped tight by Eriskay ponies, with occasional gneiss steps and small patches of heather. Easy, well-drained underfoot terrain throughout.

In winter

A perfect all-season hill given its small scale and proximity to the causeway. Wind off the open Atlantic is the only real concern; snow and ice are vanishingly rare here.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow8h 29m
Edinburgh11h 1m

Ferry access

Mallaig → Lochboisdale (South Uist)

Crossing time210 min
Summer sailings1–2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
Winter sailingsReduced sailings on a combined Oban–Castlebay/Lochboisdale winter timetable (Nov–Mar)
Book ahead14 days

Plan an overnight stay. Eriskay is linked to South Uist by causeway — drive south from Lochboisdale. Alternative: the short Ardmhor (Barra) → Eriskay crossing if coming from Castlebay.

Book on CalMac ↗

OS maps: OS Landranger 31, OS Explorer 452N, OS Explorer 453S

Mobile signal: Poor. EE absent; bring offline maps for this trackless South Uist hill.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 09mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:23
Sunset: 21:48
Civil dawn: 04:31
Civil dusk: 22:40

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien] — common questions

How hard is Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]?: We grade Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien] at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Ground conditions: Short turf cropped tight by Eriskay ponies, with occasional gneiss steps and small patches of heather.
How much drop does Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien] have?: Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]'s prominence is its full height — 186m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
What's the best month to climb Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]?: Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]. 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 Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]?: 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 Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]?: Poor. EE absent; bring offline maps for this trackless South Uist hill.
How do I get the ferry to Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien]?: Mallaig → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1–2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; Reduced sailings on a combined Oban–Castlebay/Lochboisdale winter timetable (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Plan an overnight stay. Eriskay is linked to South Uist by causeway — drive south from Lochboisdale. Alternative: the short Ardmhor (Barra) → Eriskay crossing if coming from Castlebay.
Is Beinn Sgritheann [Ben Scrien] safe in winter?: A perfect all-season hill given its small scale and proximity to the causeway. Wind off the open Atlantic is the only real concern; snow and ice are vanishingly rare here.

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