How hard is Ceartabhal [Ceartaval]?

We grade Ceartabhal [Ceartaval] at 3/5, which puts it in moderately challenging territory. Terrain: Wet bog and lochans on approach, with knolly gneiss and slabby outcrops above.

How prominent is Ceartabhal [Ceartaval]?

Ceartabhal [Ceartaval] has 147m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. That leaves it 3m short of the 150m drop a Marilyn needs — DoBIH classes it a sub-Marilyn, a near-miss rather than a full Marilyn.

When should I climb Ceartabhal [Ceartaval]?

The standard good-weather months for Ceartabhal [Ceartaval] are 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 Ceartabhal [Ceartaval]?

On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.

How do I get the ferry to Ceartabhal [Ceartaval]?

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 Innes

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

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Sub-Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Ceartabhal [Ceartaval]

Ceartabhal stands in the wild empty quarter of west Harris, a quiet 557m peak among the chain of hills behind Husinish. The summit looks out to St Kilda on clear days and over the bays of Scarp to the Atlantic.

Quick facts

Height: 556.9m/ 1827ft
Prominence: 147 m
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NB 04262 12674
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

Sub-Marilyn: 147m of drop — misses the 150m Marilyn cut by 3m. We keep it on the list as a near-miss.

Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).

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Standard route

blanket bog 55% · Lewisian gneiss 30% · rocky summit 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Park at Husinish and walk south along the coastal path before turning inland up the long western shoulder. A serious six-hour round on rough trackless ground; navigation skill essential.

Terrain

Wet bog and lochans on approach, with knolly gneiss and slabby outcrops above. The summit dome is bare rock with patches of moss campion.

In winter

Holds occasional snow above 400m and the seaward face catches the worst of the gales. Short daylight and lack of bothies or shelters demand careful timing.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow9h 2m
Edinburgh11h 13m

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 Explorer 456

Mobile signal: Poor. No coverage on summit or approach; complete dead zone in among the most remote corners of Harris.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 25mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:17
Sunset: 21:52
Civil dawn: 04:22
Civil dusk: 22:47

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Around Ceartabhal [Ceartaval] 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

17km 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

17km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Ceartabhal [Ceartaval] — common questions

How hard is Ceartabhal [Ceartaval]?: We grade Ceartabhal [Ceartaval] at 3/5, which puts it in moderately challenging territory. Terrain: Wet bog and lochans on approach, with knolly gneiss and slabby outcrops above.
How prominent is Ceartabhal [Ceartaval]?: Ceartabhal [Ceartaval] has 147m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. That leaves it 3m short of the 150m drop a Marilyn needs — DoBIH classes it a sub-Marilyn, a near-miss rather than a full Marilyn.
When should I climb Ceartabhal [Ceartaval]?: The standard good-weather months for Ceartabhal [Ceartaval] are 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 Ceartabhal [Ceartaval]?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Ceartabhal [Ceartaval]?: Poor. No coverage on summit or approach; complete dead zone in among the most remote corners of Harris.
How do I get the ferry to Ceartabhal [Ceartaval]?: 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 Ceartabhal [Ceartaval] safe in winter?: Holds occasional snow above 400m and the seaward face catches the worst of the gales. Short daylight and lack of bothies or shelters demand careful timing.

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