![Caiteseal [Caiteshal]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs0.geograph.org.uk%2Fgeophotos%2F03%2F26%2F56%2F3265653_60e10504.jpg&w=1920&q=75&dpl=dpl_CBXtfUkJx6W89LDicVXehL74AYLp)
Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Caiteseal [Caiteshal]
Caiteseal is a 449m gneiss summit on the south coast of the Pairc peninsula, rising abruptly from the cliffs above the Sound of Shiant. The southerly aspect gives extraordinary views across to the Shiant Isles and the basalt columns of Garbh Eilean.
Quick facts
- Height
- 449m/ 1473ft
- Prominence
- 285 m
- Grid ref
- NB 24213 04385
- 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% · heather moorland 15%
A pathless 14-16km circuit from Eishken takes 6-8 hours, traversing the rough watershed before the steep south ridge. Many parties combine Caiteseal with Beinn Mhor for a long day in the Park.
Terrain
Tussocky grass and gneiss slabs above a base of peat and lochan. The south face drops in sea cliffs — keep well back of the edge in poor visibility. No paths.
In winter
Wind chill from the Minch makes this hill feel far colder than its height suggests. Cornices form occasionally on the south rim above the cliffs; treat with respect when snow is present.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow8h 15m
- Edinburgh10h 22m
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 13, OS Landranger 14, OS Explorer 456, OS Explorer 457
Mobile signal: Poor. No coverage on summit or approach; one of the UK's least-connected landscapes.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:16
- Sunset
- 21:51
- Civil dawn
- 04:21
- Civil dusk
- 22:45
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Caiteseal [Caiteshal] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Caiteseal [Caiteshal] — common questions
- How difficult is Caiteseal [Caiteshal]?
- Caiteseal [Caiteshal] carries a 2/5 (moderate) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Tussocky grass and gneiss slabs above a base of peat and lochan.
- What is Caiteseal [Caiteshal]'s prominence?
- 285m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Caiteseal [Caiteshal] to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.
- When is the best time to climb Caiteseal [Caiteshal]?
- April, May, June, July, August, September give the most reliable conditions on Caiteseal [Caiteshal]. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
- Is Caiteseal [Caiteshal] dog-friendly?
- 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 Caiteseal [Caiteshal]?
- Poor. No coverage on summit or approach; one of the UK's least-connected landscapes.
- How do I get the ferry to Caiteseal [Caiteshal]?
- 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 Caiteseal [Caiteshal] safe in winter?
- Wind chill from the Minch makes this hill feel far colder than its height suggests. Cornices form occasionally on the south rim above the cliffs; treat with respect when snow is present.
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