Is Easabhal [Easaval] a hard climb?

Easabhal [Easaval] is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Ground conditions: Short heather and machair-fringed grass with rocky outcrops near the top.

How much drop does Easabhal [Easaval] have?

Easabhal [Easaval]'s prominence is its full height — 238m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.

What's the best month to climb Easabhal [Easaval]?

Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Easabhal [Easaval]. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.

Can dogs go up Easabhal [Easaval]?

Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.

How do I get the ferry to Easabhal [Easaval]?

Mallaig → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1–2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; Reduced sailings on a combined Oban–Castlebay/Lochboisdale winter timetable (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.

By Gary

Photo: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Easabhal [Easaval]

Easaval is the modest 242m high point overlooking the southern tip of South Uist near Pollachar. Its summit is a fine vantage for Eriskay, the Sound of Barra and the long beaches of the south coast.

Quick facts

Height: 242.5m/ 796ft
Prominence: 238 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NF 77401 15819
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

blanket bog 50% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · rocky summit 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Park near the Pollachar Inn and follow the coast road north before striking up the open hillside to gain the summit. A two-hour outing combining hill and seascape in equal measure.

Terrain

Short heather and machair-fringed grass with rocky outcrops near the top. The ground drains well by Uist standards.

In winter

A reliable cold-season pick thanks to its low height and short approach. Wind and salt-laden rain are the usual ingredients; snow rarely if ever covers the hill.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Easabhal [Easaval]. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. No MWIS mountain forecast covers this area either. In winter, work from a local weather forecast, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow9h 37m
Edinburgh11h 8m

Ferry access

Mallaig → Lochboisdale (South Uist)

Crossing time210 min
Summer sailings1–2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
Winter sailingsReduced sailings on a combined Oban–Castlebay/Lochboisdale winter timetable (Nov–Mar)
Book ahead14 days

Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.

Book on CalMac ↗

OS maps: OS Landranger 31, OS Explorer 452N, OS Explorer 453S

Mobile signal: Poor. All major networks fail on this isolated South Uist summit.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 14mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:57
Sunset: 19:53
Civil dawn: 06:18
Civil dusk: 20:32

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Easabhal [Easaval] — common questions

Is Easabhal [Easaval] a hard climb?: Easabhal [Easaval] is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Ground conditions: Short heather and machair-fringed grass with rocky outcrops near the top.
How much drop does Easabhal [Easaval] have?: Easabhal [Easaval]'s prominence is its full height — 238m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
What's the best month to climb Easabhal [Easaval]?: Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Easabhal [Easaval]. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
Can dogs go up Easabhal [Easaval]?: Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
Will I get phone signal on Easabhal [Easaval]?: Poor. All major networks fail on this isolated South Uist summit.
How do I get the ferry to Easabhal [Easaval]?: Mallaig → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1–2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; Reduced sailings on a combined Oban–Castlebay/Lochboisdale winter timetable (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.
Is Easabhal [Easaval] safe in winter?: A reliable cold-season pick thanks to its low height and short approach. Wind and salt-laden rain are the usual ingredients; snow rarely if ever covers the hill.

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