How hard is Ben Meabost?

We grade Ben Meabost at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Grass and heather throughout with a short rockier section near the top.

How prominent is Ben Meabost?

Ben Meabost has 232m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.

When should I climb Ben Meabost?

The standard good-weather months for Ben Meabost 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 Ben Meabost?

On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.

By Gary

Photo: Leslie Barrie / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

Submit a photo

Marilyn · Skye & The Small Isles

Ben Meabost

Ben Meabost is a 345m hill overlooking the village of Elgol on south Skye, with the Cuillin filling the horizon to the north and Soay and Rum to the west. A near-perfect short walk for big rewards.

Quick facts

Height: 345.6m/ 1134ft
Prominence: 232 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NG 53661 15942
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).

No GPX track yet

Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.

Submit your GPX

Standard route

heather moorland 60% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 15%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Park near Elgol and follow the road then track up onto the open hillside, climbing grass and heather to the summit. About 4 km return with around 320m of ascent.

Terrain

Grass and heather throughout with a short rockier section near the top. The grazed lower slopes are dry going by Skye standards.

In winter

Generally snow-free at this elevation. A great winter half-day when bigger hills are out of condition.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Ben Meabost. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. In winter, use MWIS The Northwest Highlands ↗ for mountain weather, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow6h 49m
Edinburgh8h 6m

OS maps: OS Landranger 32, OS Explorer 411

Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Sleat, Skye; limited coverage.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 14mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:52
Sunset: 19:48
Civil dawn: 06:13
Civil dusk: 20:27

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

Got a photo of Ben Meabost?

30 seconds, helps other walkers.

Submit a photo

Walked it with a GPX?

From your watch or phone.

Submit GPX

Trip report?

Share what it was actually like.

Get in touch →

Around Ben Meabost on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Mallaig station

End of the Road to the Isles — ferry to Skye, Knoydart, Small Isles

23km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Mallaig

Ferry port for Skye and the Small Isles; CWT finish supply

24km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Isle of Raasay Distillery

Raasay — new island distillery with rooms; Dun Caan walks from the door

21km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Ben Meabost — common questions

How hard is Ben Meabost?: We grade Ben Meabost at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Grass and heather throughout with a short rockier section near the top.
How prominent is Ben Meabost?: Ben Meabost has 232m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
When should I climb Ben Meabost?: The standard good-weather months for Ben Meabost 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 Ben Meabost?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Ben Meabost?: Poor. Remote Sleat, Skye; limited coverage.
Is Ben Meabost safe in winter?: Generally snow-free at this elevation. A great winter half-day when bigger hills are out of condition.

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.