When is the best time to climb Bioda Mor?

The standard good-weather months for Bioda Mor 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 Bioda Mor?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How do I get the ferry to Bioda Mor?

Private charter from Leverburgh (Harris) or Oban. No regular service — chartered day trips and stays May–Sep only, weather dependent in summer; No access in winter in winter. Book at least 90 days ahead. St Kilda is 64km west of the Outer Hebrides — one of the most remote places in Britain. Access by private charter boat (weather permitting) or NTS-arranged visits. Camping and bothy accommodation available; no day trips possible.

When is the best time to climb Bioda Mor?

The standard good-weather months for Bioda Mor 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 Bioda Mor?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How do I get the ferry to Bioda Mor?

Private charter from Leverburgh (Harris) or Oban. No regular service — chartered day trips and stays May–Sep only, weather dependent in summer; No access in winter in winter. Book at least 90 days ahead. St Kilda is 64km west of the Outer Hebrides — one of the most remote places in Britain. Access by private charter boat (weather permitting) or NTS-arranged visits. Camping and bothy accommodation available; no day trips possible.

By Gary Innes

Photo: David Dixon / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Bioda Mor

Bioda Mor — 'the big point' — rises in the NF 104 grid square at the south-west end of Dùn, the cliffed islet that shelters Hirta's Village Bay in the St Kilda group. The 178m summit caps a dramatic narrow ridge above sheer cliffs.

Gaelic: “big” · Pronunciation: bioda more

Quick facts

Height: 178.5m/ 586ft
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NF 10427 97348
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

maritime grassland 55% · rocky ridge 30% · cliff edges 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Reached only by dinghy or wade across the narrow channel from Hirta at low spring tides, then a steep grass scramble along the spine of Dùn. The exposed ridge requires steady nerves rather than technical climbing. Half a day on the island.

Terrain

Steeply tilted maritime grass over gabbro bedrock, with vertical drops on both sides of the ridge. Puffin burrows riddle the turf in summer and demand careful foot placement.

In winter

No winter access — the crossing from Hirta is barely possible even in calm summer conditions, let alone with autumn or winter swell running.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow12h 14m
Edinburgh15h 42m

Ferry access

Private charter from Leverburgh (Harris) or Oban

Crossing time180 min
Summer sailingsNo regular service — chartered day trips and stays May–Sep only, weather dependent
Winter sailingsNo access in winter
Book ahead90 days

St Kilda is 64km west of the Outer Hebrides — one of the most remote places in Britain. Access by private charter boat (weather permitting) or NTS-arranged visits. Camping and bothy accommodation available; no day trips possible.

OS maps: OS Landranger 18, OS Explorer 460W

Mobile signal: None. St Kilda; no signal of any kind. Charter boat and satellite communications only.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

20h 32mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:32
Sunset: 22:37
Civil dawn: 03:19
Civil dusk: 23:51

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Bioda Mor — common questions

How hard is Bioda Mor?: Bioda Mor is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Steeply tilted maritime grass over gabbro bedrock, with vertical drops on both sides of the ridge.
When is the best time to climb Bioda Mor?: The standard good-weather months for Bioda Mor 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 Bioda Mor?: 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 Bioda Mor?: None. St Kilda; no signal of any kind. Charter boat and satellite communications only.
How do I get the ferry to Bioda Mor?: Private charter from Leverburgh (Harris) or Oban. No regular service — chartered day trips and stays May–Sep only, weather dependent in summer; No access in winter in winter. Book at least 90 days ahead. St Kilda is 64km west of the Outer Hebrides — one of the most remote places in Britain. Access by private charter boat (weather permitting) or NTS-arranged visits. Camping and bothy accommodation available; no day trips possible.
Is Bioda Mor safe in winter?: No winter access — the crossing from Hirta is barely possible even in calm summer conditions, let alone with autumn or winter swell running.

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