Sub-Marilyn · Argyll & Bute
Giur-bheinn
Giur-bheinn is a 317m Marilyn rising from the moorland core of northern Islay, set amid lochan-pocked moorland. The summit gives a fine all-round view of the island, with Jura and Colonsay visible across the sea.
Quick facts
- Height
- 317.4m/ 1041ft
- Prominence
- 149 m
- Grid ref
- NR 37990 72853
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Sub-Marilyn: 149m of drop — misses the 150m Marilyn cut by 1m. We keep it on the list as a near-miss.
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
heather and bog 60% · rocky slopes 25% · coastal grass 15%
A short trackless walk-in from the B8017 north of Bridgend. The ground is rough but the ascent direct, taking around 2-3 hours for the round trip.
Terrain
Lochan-strewn heather moor with peat hags. The summit itself is a low rocky outcrop with good drainage.
In winter
Easily attempted in winter. The flat surroundings can make navigation tricky in poor visibility — a compass bearing from the road is wise.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 1m
- Edinburgh8h 46m
Ferry access
Kennacraig → Port Askaig or Port Ellen
- Crossing time135 min
- Summer sailings2–3 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings1–2 sailings daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable
OS maps: OS Landranger 60, OS Landranger 61, OS Explorer 353E
Mobile signal: Moderate. Northern Islay; EE workable near Bridgend.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:25
- Sunset
- 21:37
- Civil dawn
- 04:36
- Civil dusk
- 22:26
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Giur-bheinn on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Giur-bheinn — common questions
- How difficult is Giur-bheinn?
- Giur-bheinn carries a 1/5 (easy) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Lochan-strewn heather moor with peat hags.
- What is Giur-bheinn's prominence?
- 149m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Giur-bheinn to the next higher ground. That leaves it 1m short of the 150m drop a Marilyn needs — DoBIH classes it a sub-Marilyn, a near-miss rather than a full Marilyn.
- When is the best time to climb Giur-bheinn?
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Giur-bheinn. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
- Is Giur-bheinn dog-friendly?
- 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 Giur-bheinn?
- Moderate. Northern Islay; EE workable near Bridgend.
- How do I get the ferry to Giur-bheinn?
- Kennacraig → Port Askaig or Port Ellen. 2–3 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1–2 sailings daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead.
- Is Giur-bheinn safe in winter?
- Easily attempted in winter. The flat surroundings can make navigation tricky in poor visibility — a compass bearing from the road is wise.
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