When is the best time to climb Conachair?

The standard good-weather months for Conachair 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 Conachair?

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 Conachair?

Private charter from Leverburgh (Harris) or Oban. No regular service — chartered day trips and stays May–Sep only, weather dependent in summer; No access in winter in winter. Book at least 90 days ahead. St Kilda is 64km west of the Outer Hebrides — one of the most remote places in Britain. Access by private charter boat (weather permitting) or NTS-arranged visits. Camping and bothy accommodation available; no day trips possible.

When is the best time to climb Conachair?

The standard good-weather months for Conachair 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 Conachair?

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 Conachair?

Private charter from Leverburgh (Harris) or Oban. No regular service — chartered day trips and stays May–Sep only, weather dependent in summer; No access in winter in winter. Book at least 90 days ahead. St Kilda is 64km west of the Outer Hebrides — one of the most remote places in Britain. Access by private charter boat (weather permitting) or NTS-arranged visits. Camping and bothy accommodation available; no day trips possible.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Anne Burgess / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Conachair

Conachair, in the NA 099 grid square at the heart of Hirta, is the highest point of the St Kilda archipelago at 430m. The summit perches above the highest sea cliffs in Britain, which fall an unbroken 427m to the Atlantic on the north side.

Quick facts

Height: 430m/ 1411ft
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NA 09988 00227
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

maritime grassland 50% · rocky summit 30% · cliff edges 20%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

From Village Bay where charter boats and day-trip cruises land, take the army road north-east before striking up open hillside to the summit trig. Keep well clear of the appalling cliff edge near the top. Allow 3-4 hours from the bay.

Terrain

Short maritime turf grazed close by Soay sheep covers most of the climb, giving fast walking. The summit plateau is flat grass but the cliff edge to its north is hidden by a slight rise — extreme caution in mist.

In winter

Day boats from Harris stop in October and resume in April, so Conachair is a strictly summer mountain. Even in the season, sea swell often forces cancellation a day in advance.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow12h 17m
Edinburgh15h 45m

Ferry access

Private charter from Leverburgh (Harris) or Oban

Crossing time180 min
Summer sailingsNo regular service — chartered day trips and stays May–Sep only, weather dependent
Winter sailingsNo access in winter
Book ahead90 days

St Kilda is 64km west of the Outer Hebrides — one of the most remote places in Britain. Access by private charter boat (weather permitting) or NTS-arranged visits. Camping and bothy accommodation available; no day trips possible.

OS maps: OS Landranger 18, OS Explorer 460W

Mobile signal: None. St Kilda; completely off-grid. Satellite phone recommended.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

20h 32mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:32
Sunset: 22:38
Civil dawn: 03:19
Civil dusk: 23:51

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Conachair — common questions

How hard is Conachair?: Conachair is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Short maritime turf grazed close by Soay sheep covers most of the climb, giving fast walking.
When is the best time to climb Conachair?: The standard good-weather months for Conachair 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 Conachair?: 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 Conachair?: None. St Kilda; completely off-grid. Satellite phone recommended.
How do I get the ferry to Conachair?: Private charter from Leverburgh (Harris) or Oban. No regular service — chartered day trips and stays May–Sep only, weather dependent in summer; No access in winter in winter. Book at least 90 days ahead. St Kilda is 64km west of the Outer Hebrides — one of the most remote places in Britain. Access by private charter boat (weather permitting) or NTS-arranged visits. Camping and bothy accommodation available; no day trips possible.
Is Conachair safe in winter?: Day boats from Harris stop in October and resume in April, so Conachair is a strictly summer mountain. Even in the season, sea swell often forces cancellation a day in advance.

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