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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Eabhal [Eaval]
Eaval is the highest point of North Uist, rising as an unmistakable pyramid from a near-flat watery landscape. At 347m it gives one of the most striking summit views in the Outer Hebrides — a bewildering jigsaw of lochs.
Quick facts
- Height
- 347m/ 1138ft
- Grid ref
- NF 89895 60501
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Lewisian gneiss 50% · blanket bog 30% · rocky summit 20%
A long approach across the loch-spattered Uist plain via Loch Obasaraigh, then a steep but short pull up the south-west ridge to the summit. Allow five to six hours; route-finding through the lochs is the real puzzle.
Terrain
Tortuous, near-amphibious moorland for the long approach, where every footstep needs care between bog, loch and bedrock. The final ridge offers welcome firm rock underfoot.
In winter
Frozen ground can make the bog crossings far easier in midwinter, ironically opening the hill up. Strong winds whip across the summit pyramid unhindered, so pick a settled day.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 44m
- Edinburgh11h 7m
Ferry access
Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist)
- Crossing time105 min
- Summer sailings2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable
The Western Isles causeways link North Uist, Benbecula, and South Uist — drive between them once on the island.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 22, OS Explorer 454E
Mobile signal: Poor. No reliable coverage; nearest EE signal near Lochmaddy.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:29
- Sunset
- 22:29
- Civil dawn
- 03:18
- Civil dusk
- 23:41
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Eabhal [Eaval] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Eabhal [Eaval] — common questions
- How hard is Eabhal [Eaval]?
- Eabhal [Eaval] is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Tortuous, near-amphibious moorland for the long approach, where every footstep needs care between bog, loch and bedrock.
- When is the best time to climb Eabhal [Eaval]?
- The standard good-weather months for Eabhal [Eaval] 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 Eabhal [Eaval]?
- 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 Eabhal [Eaval]?
- Poor. No reliable coverage; nearest EE signal near Lochmaddy.
- How do I get the ferry to Eabhal [Eaval]?
- Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. The Western Isles causeways link North Uist, Benbecula, and South Uist — drive between them once on the island.
- Is Eabhal [Eaval] safe in winter?
- Frozen ground can make the bog crossings far easier in midwinter, ironically opening the hill up. Strong winds whip across the summit pyramid unhindered, so pick a settled day.
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