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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Forsnabhal [Forsnaval]
Forsnabhal stands above the cliffs near Mangersta on the far west coast of Lewis. At 205m it is a slight hill but its position on a magnificent Atlantic shoreline gives huge views down to Mealasta Island and the sea stacks beyond.
Quick facts
- Height
- 205m/ 673ft
- Grid ref
- NB 06145 35878
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
blanket bog 50% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · rocky summit 15%
Park at Mangersta and follow the coastal sheep tracks north-east before turning inland to climb the open western slope. About two hours round trip with modest height gain over rough ground.
Terrain
Peat bog and rough grass break onto knolly Lewisian gneiss near the top. Coastal section gives drier walking on the cliff edge.
In winter
Exposed Atlantic position means full force gales and sea spray; cliff edges should be avoided in high wind. Snow rarely settles but ice forms on the slabs after frost.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 23m
- Edinburgh11h 29m
Ferry access
Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis)
- Crossing time165 min
- Summer sailings2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable
Allow 1–2 hours drive from Stornoway to reach the Harris hills. For South Harris hills, Uig → Tarbert may be more convenient.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 13, OS Explorer 458
Mobile signal: Poor. No EE signal; Lewis blanket bog terrain keeps most networks at bay.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:22
- Sunset
- 22:35
- Civil dawn
- 03:05
- Civil dusk
- 23:52
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Forsnabhal [Forsnaval] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Forsnabhal [Forsnaval] — common questions
- How hard is Forsnabhal [Forsnaval]?
- Forsnabhal [Forsnaval] is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Peat bog and rough grass break onto knolly Lewisian gneiss near the top.
- When is the best time to climb Forsnabhal [Forsnaval]?
- The standard good-weather months for Forsnabhal [Forsnaval] are 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 Forsnabhal [Forsnaval]?
- 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 Forsnabhal [Forsnaval]?
- Poor. No EE signal; Lewis blanket bog terrain keeps most networks at bay.
- How do I get the ferry to Forsnabhal [Forsnaval]?
- Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Allow 1–2 hours drive from Stornoway to reach the Harris hills. For South Harris hills, Uig → Tarbert may be more convenient.
- Is Forsnabhal [Forsnaval] safe in winter?
- Exposed Atlantic position means full force gales and sea spray; cliff edges should be avoided in high wind. Snow rarely settles but ice forms on the slabs after frost.
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