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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Eilean Shiophoirt [Seaforth Island] [Eilean Shiphoirt]
Seaforth Island is the high point of an uninhabited island in Loch Seaforth, the sea loch dividing Lewis from Harris. Reaching its 217m summit is one of the harder Marilyn challenges in Scotland because it requires a private boat crossing.
Quick facts
- Height
- 217m/ 712ft
- Prominence
- 217 m
- Grid ref
- NB 20750 11039
- 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 55% · Lewisian gneiss 30% · coastal grass 15%
There is no public ferry; walkers arrange a kayak crossing or charter a local boat from Maaruig or Tarbert. Once landed, a steep two-hour pull up rough heather and gneiss leads to the summit cairn.
Terrain
Steep heather and tussock above the landing, breaking onto bare gneiss slabs and short grass on the summit dome. No paths and very few visitors so vegetation is undisturbed.
In winter
Sea conditions in Loch Seaforth become dangerous in winter gales and most operators will not cross. Even outside winter, swell and tide can strand walkers on the island.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow8h 28m
- Edinburgh11h 35m
Ferry access
Uig (Skye) → Tarbert (Harris)
- Crossing time105 min
- Summer sailings2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable — last sailing to Uig varies seasonally
Drive to Uig on Skye (Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh), then ferry to Harris. Alternative: Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis, 2h45) and drive south.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 13, OS Landranger 14, OS Explorer 456
Mobile signal: Poor. Very remote island in Lewis; no reliable coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:16
- Sunset
- 21:51
- Civil dawn
- 04:21
- Civil dusk
- 22:46
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
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Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Eilean Shiophoirt [Seaforth Island] [Eilean Shiphoirt] — common questions
- Is Eilean Shiophoirt [Seaforth Island] [Eilean Shiphoirt] a hard climb?
- Eilean Shiophoirt [Seaforth Island] [Eilean Shiphoirt] is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Steep heather and tussock above the landing, breaking onto bare gneiss slabs and short grass on the summit dome.
- How prominent is Eilean Shiophoirt [Seaforth Island] [Eilean Shiphoirt]?
- Eilean Shiophoirt [Seaforth Island] [Eilean Shiphoirt]'s prominence is its full height — 217m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
- When should I climb Eilean Shiophoirt [Seaforth Island] [Eilean Shiphoirt]?
- The standard good-weather months for Eilean Shiophoirt [Seaforth Island] [Eilean Shiphoirt] are May, June, July, August, September. 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 Eilean Shiophoirt [Seaforth Island] [Eilean Shiphoirt]?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Eilean Shiophoirt [Seaforth Island] [Eilean Shiphoirt]?
- Poor. Very remote island in Lewis; no reliable coverage.
- How do I get the ferry to Eilean Shiophoirt [Seaforth Island] [Eilean Shiphoirt]?
- Uig (Skye) → Tarbert (Harris). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Drive to Uig on Skye (Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh), then ferry to Harris. Alternative: Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis, 2h45) and drive south.
- Is Eilean Shiophoirt [Seaforth Island] [Eilean Shiphoirt] safe in winter?
- Sea conditions in Loch Seaforth become dangerous in winter gales and most operators will not cross. Even outside winter, swell and tide can strand walkers on the island.
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