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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Bleabhal [Bleaval]
Bleabhal sits in the broken hill country between Leverburgh and Northton on south Harris, a rocky 398m summit standing above the celebrated Scarista beach. Its compact size and stunning seaward outlook make it one of the most rewarding short hills in the Hebrides.
Quick facts
- Height
- 398m/ 1306ft
- Prominence
- 335 m
- Grid ref
- NG 03045 91437
- 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 50% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · rocky summit 15%
Park near the road north of Northton and walk east up rough moorland onto the broad western slopes. A three-hour round trip with continuous height gain over short grass and gneiss.
Terrain
Short heather, cropped grass and patches of gneiss slab. Drier underfoot than typical Harris ground thanks to the slabby base rock.
In winter
Mild but exposed; occasional snow dusting and frequent icy slabs after frost. The view to the Atlantic on a still winter day is exceptional.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 44m
- Edinburgh11h 59m
Ferry access
Uig (Skye) → Tarbert (Harris)
- Crossing time105 min
- Summer sailings2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable — last sailing to Uig varies seasonally
Drive to Uig on Skye (Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh), then ferry to Harris. Alternative: Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis, 2h45) and drive south.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 18, OS Explorer 455
Mobile signal: Poor. All the big networks fail on this isolated North Uist summit.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:18
- Sunset
- 21:51
- Civil dawn
- 04:23
- Civil dusk
- 22:45
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Bleabhal [Bleaval] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Bleabhal [Bleaval] — common questions
- How hard is Bleabhal [Bleaval]?
- We grade Bleabhal [Bleaval] at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Short heather, cropped grass and patches of gneiss slab.
- How prominent is Bleabhal [Bleaval]?
- Bleabhal [Bleaval] has 335m 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 Bleabhal [Bleaval]?
- The standard good-weather months for Bleabhal [Bleaval] 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 Bleabhal [Bleaval]?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Bleabhal [Bleaval]?
- Poor. All the big networks fail on this isolated North Uist summit.
- How do I get the ferry to Bleabhal [Bleaval]?
- Uig (Skye) → Tarbert (Harris). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Drive to Uig on Skye (Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh), then ferry to Harris. Alternative: Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis, 2h45) and drive south.
- Is Bleabhal [Bleaval] safe in winter?
- Mild but exposed; occasional snow dusting and frequent icy slabs after frost. The view to the Atlantic on a still winter day is exceptional.
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