![Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs0.geograph.org.uk%2Fgeophotos%2F03%2F69%2F37%2F3693777_beb9a4d3.jpg&w=1920&q=75&dpl=dpl_CBXtfUkJx6W89LDicVXehL74AYLp)
Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor]
Coltraiseal Mor stands above Glen Valtos in west Lewis, a craggy 228m gneiss hill overlooking the dramatic Uig coastline. The summit gives a fine outlook over Mealasta, the Atlantic skerries and the higher peaks of Mealisval and Tahabhal inland.
Gaelic: “big” · Pronunciation: coltraiseal more [caultrashal mor]
Quick facts
- Height
- 228m/ 748ft
- Prominence
- 161 m
- Grid ref
- NB 15875 22787
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
blanket bog 55% · heather moorland 30% · rocky summit 15%
A short approach from the Valtos road climbs north-east up grassy then rocky slopes onto the broad summit ridge. Two to three hours is enough but the going is rough underfoot and pathless throughout.
Terrain
Rough grass and heather give way to slabby Lewisian gneiss higher up, with small crags to weave around. Damp underfoot but drier than typical Lewis moor.
In winter
Wet slabs can be icy after a cold snap and the Atlantic gales here are notorious. Cloud often clamps on the coastal hills even when inland is clear.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 50m
- Edinburgh11h 56m
Ferry access
Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis)
- Crossing time165 min
- Summer sailings2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable
Allow 1–2 hours drive from Stornoway to reach the Harris hills. For South Harris hills, Uig → Tarbert may be more convenient.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 13, OS Landranger 14, OS Explorer 458
Mobile signal: Poor. Signal drops on the approach; Lewisian gneiss landscape 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 Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor] — common questions
- What difficulty is Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor]?
- On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor] comes in at 1/5 — easy. Terrain: Rough grass and heather give way to slabby Lewisian gneiss higher up, with small crags to weave around.
- How prominent is Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor]?
- Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor] has 161m 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 Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor]?
- The standard good-weather months for Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor] are 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 Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor]?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor]?
- Poor. Signal drops on the approach; Lewisian gneiss landscape gives zero coverage.
- How do I get the ferry to Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor]?
- Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Allow 1–2 hours drive from Stornoway to reach the Harris hills. For South Harris hills, Uig → Tarbert may be more convenient.
- Is Coltraiseal Mor [Caultrashal Mor] safe in winter?
- Wet slabs can be icy after a cold snap and the Atlantic gales here are notorious. Cloud often clamps on the coastal hills even when inland is clear.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.