Marilyn · skye
Biod an Athair
Biod an Athair — the Air Point — is the highest sea-cliff on Skye, the NG 15 54 grid putting its 314m summit directly above the Atlantic on the Duirinish peninsula north-west of Dunvegan. The cliff falls almost 300m sheer to the sea, making this one of the most dramatic coastal summits in Britain.
Quick facts
- Height
- 314m/ 1030ft
- Grid ref
- NG 15832 54936
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
grass slopes 55% · rocky cliffs 30% · heather patches 15%
From Lorgill (NG 17 39) or the road end at Ramasaig follow rough sheep paths north across open moor to gain the clifftop, then walk north along the rim to the trig point. Around 9 km return with 360m of climb — but allow extra time for the cliff-edge scenery.
Terrain
Boggy moorland on the approach with short close-cropped sheep turf along the cliff edge. The cliff is overhanging in places and the grass edge can break away — keep well back.
In winter
Snow rarely lies at this elevation but the cliff edge becomes lethal in any frost. Atlantic gales here are extreme and have lifted walkers off their feet — pick a settled day.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow8h 43m
- Edinburgh10h 2m
OS maps: OS Landranger 23, OS Explorer 407
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Skye Trotternish; limited coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:28
- Sunset
- 22:27
- Civil dawn
- 03:17
- Civil dusk
- 23:39
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Biod an Athair on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Biod an Athair — common questions
- How hard is Biod an Athair?
- Biod an Athair is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Boggy moorland on the approach with short close-cropped sheep turf along the cliff edge.
- When is the best time to climb Biod an Athair?
- The standard good-weather months for Biod an Athair 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 Biod an Athair?
- 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 Biod an Athair?
- Poor. Remote Skye Trotternish; limited coverage.
- Is Biod an Athair safe in winter?
- Snow rarely lies at this elevation but the cliff edge becomes lethal in any frost. Atlantic gales here are extreme and have lifted walkers off their feet — pick a settled day.
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