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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]
Cearnabhal is a 378m gneiss top in the northern Pairc, perched above Loch Erisort with views across to the long sweep of east Lewis. Its name suggests an old fortified or favoured place — the summit certainly has a watchful, commanding feel.
Quick facts
- Height
- 378m/ 1240ft
- Prominence
- 160 m
- Grid ref
- NB 18641 15741
- 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%
A 9-11km pathless route from the road at Balallan or Habost, around 4-6 hours. The middle section crosses tangled knock-and-lochan ground that demands patience and a good map.
Terrain
Mixture of dry gneiss benches and saturated peat. The proliferation of small lochans means the line is rarely direct. No paths.
In winter
Modest height and decent road access keep this feasible in winter, though navigation across the broken summit area is harder in cloud. Wind is the dominant winter factor.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 37m
- Edinburgh11h 44m
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
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Lewis or Harris hill; Lewisian gneiss terrain gives zero coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:15
- Sunset
- 21:52
- Civil dawn
- 04:20
- Civil dusk
- 22:47
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Cearnabhal [Kearnaval] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Cearnabhal [Kearnaval] — common questions
- How hard is Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]?
- We grade Cearnabhal [Kearnaval] at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. Terrain: Mixture of dry gneiss benches and saturated peat.
- How prominent is Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]?
- Cearnabhal [Kearnaval] has 160m 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 Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]?
- The standard good-weather months for Cearnabhal [Kearnaval] 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 Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]?
- Poor. Remote Lewis or Harris hill; Lewisian gneiss terrain gives zero coverage.
- How do I get the ferry to Cearnabhal [Kearnaval]?
- 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 Cearnabhal [Kearnaval] safe in winter?
- Modest height and decent road access keep this feasible in winter, though navigation across the broken summit area is harder in cloud. Wind is the dominant winter factor.
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