How hard is Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar]?

Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar] is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Knobbly Lewisian gneiss outcrops separated by heathery bog.

When is the best time to climb Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar]?

The standard good-weather months for Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar] 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 Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar]?

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

How hard is Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar]?

Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar] is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Knobbly Lewisian gneiss outcrops separated by heathery bog.

When is the best time to climb Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar]?

The standard good-weather months for Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar] 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 Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar]?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Rob Farrow / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar]

Carn Ghaltair sits in the NL 640 grid square on the north-eastern shoulder of Barra, looking across the Sound of Barra towards Eriskay. The 207m top is the second Marilyn of the island after Heaval, and the name means simply 'cairn' in Gaelic.

Quick facts

Height: 207m/ 679ft
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NL 64037 91530
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

Lewisian gneiss 45% · heather moorland 35% · rocky summit 20%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Park near Bagh a' Tuath or follow tracks up from the A888 ring road on the north side of Barra. The line climbs through rough heather and gneiss steps to a small rock-strewn summit. Around 2 hours up and down depending on the start point.

Terrain

Knobbly Lewisian gneiss outcrops separated by heathery bog. The going is rough rather than steep, and waterproof boots are essential after rain.

In winter

Barra winters are storm-driven rather than snowy, so the main issue is finding a calm enough day. Surface ice can form on the gneiss slabs after cold nights, making the descent more cautious than the ascent.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow9h 52m
Edinburgh11h 28m

OS maps: OS Landranger 31, OS Explorer 452S

Mobile signal: Poor. Barra interior; EE and Vodafone both fail on this hill.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

20h 04mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:36
Sunset: 22:25
Civil dawn: 03:29
Civil dusk: 23:33

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar] — common questions

How hard is Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar]?: Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar] is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Knobbly Lewisian gneiss outcrops separated by heathery bog.
When is the best time to climb Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar]?: The standard good-weather months for Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar] 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 Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar]?: 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 Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar]?: Poor. Barra interior; EE and Vodafone both fail on this hill.
Is Carn Ghaltair [Cairn Galtar] safe in winter?: Barra winters are storm-driven rather than snowy, so the main issue is finding a calm enough day. Surface ice can form on the gneiss slabs after cold nights, making the descent more cautious than the ascent.

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