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.

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.

By Gary

Photo: Rude Health / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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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
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
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%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

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.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Caiteseal [Caiteshal]. 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. No MWIS mountain forecast covers this area either. In winter, work from a local weather forecast, 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

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

14h 17mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:54
Sunset: 19:51
Civil dawn: 06:14
Civil dusk: 20:31

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Around Caiteseal [Caiteshal] on the SCOT network

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

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Tarbert (Harris)

Harris base — Clisham, Luskentyre, Hebridean Way

9km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Isle of Harris

Tarbert (Harris) — new island distillery; also known for the Harris Gin

9km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

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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