Marilyn · Argyll
Dubh Bheinn
Dubh Bheinn — the Black Hill — rises to 485m on northern Jura. The dark, almost peat-stained rocks above tussocky moorland justify the name. Few visitors, no path, big sea views to Scarba and Mull.
Gaelic: “black” · Pronunciation: doo bheinn
Quick facts
- Height
- 485m/ 1591ft
- Prominence
- 468 m
- Grid ref
- NR 58136 88962
- Nearest city
- Oban· 50km
- 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
heather and bog 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
The usual line begins from the A846 near Ardlussa, crossing several kilometres of pathless moor to reach the foot of the hill. The final pull is short and steep. Allow 5-6 hours.
Terrain
Persistent bog and tussock on the approach. The summit cone steepens onto cleaner ground with patches of heather and rock.
In winter
Winter walking is feasible in settled high pressure when the bog freezes. Otherwise the approach becomes a slog and short daylight is restrictive.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 15m
- Edinburgh7h 58m
Ferry access
Kennacraig → Port Askaig (Islay) then Port Askaig → Feolin (Jura)
- Crossing time145 min
- Summer sailingsIslay: 1–2 CalMac sailings daily. Jura ferry: frequent throughout the day
- Winter sailingsIslay: 1 CalMac sailing daily. Jura ferry: reduced but regular
- Book ahead21 days
- Last ferry backLast Jura ferry ~17:00; last Islay sailing varies — check both timetables
Two ferries required: CalMac Kennacraig → Port Askaig (2h15), then the short Jura passenger ferry (10 min) from Port Askaig to Feolin. No car needed once on Jura for the Paps.
Book on ferry operator ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 61, OS Explorer 355N
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Jura/Islay; limited coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:23
- Sunset
- 21:37
- Civil dawn
- 04:34
- Civil dusk
- 22:26
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Dubh Bheinn on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Oban station
Argyll ferry hub; Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra connections
49km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Oban
Argyll ferry hub — Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra
49km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Jura
Craighouse on Jura — island distillery in a single-street village
22km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Dubh Bheinn — common questions
- How difficult is Dubh Bheinn?
- Dubh Bheinn carries a 1/5 (easy) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Persistent bog and tussock on the approach.
- How prominent is Dubh Bheinn?
- Dubh Bheinn has 468m 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 Dubh Bheinn?
- The standard good-weather months for Dubh Bheinn 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 Dubh Bheinn?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Dubh Bheinn?
- Poor. Remote Jura/Islay; limited coverage.
- How do I get the ferry to Dubh Bheinn?
- Kennacraig → Port Askaig (Islay) then Port Askaig → Feolin (Jura). Islay: 1–2 CalMac sailings daily. Jura ferry: frequent throughout the day in summer; Islay: 1 CalMac sailing daily. Jura ferry: reduced but regular in winter. Book at least 21 days ahead. Two ferries required: CalMac Kennacraig → Port Askaig (2h15), then the short Jura passenger ferry (10 min) from Port Askaig to Feolin. No car needed once on Jura for the Paps.
- Is Dubh Bheinn safe in winter?
- Winter walking is feasible in settled high pressure when the bog freezes. Otherwise the approach becomes a slog and short daylight is restrictive.
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