How hard is Griomabhal [Griomaval]?

We grade Griomabhal [Griomaval] at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. Ground conditions: Endless rolling peat, gneiss slab and boulder, with occasional eagle eyries above the corries.

How much drop does Griomabhal [Griomaval] have?

The drop is 180m: measured from the summit of Griomabhal [Griomaval] down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.

What's the best month to climb Griomabhal [Griomaval]?

Aim for April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Griomabhal [Griomaval]. 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 Griomabhal [Griomaval]?

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 Griomabhal [Griomaval]?

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.

By Gary

Photo: Peter Standing / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Griomabhal [Griomaval]

Griomabhal is the southernmost of the Uig Marilyns, a 497m fortress of gneiss looking out over the wild moor between Loch Hamnaway and the Atlantic. Despite its modest height it has more than 400m of prominence — one of the most isolated summits in west Lewis.

Quick facts

Height: 497m/ 1631ft
Prominence: 180 m
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NB 01201 22004
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

Lewisian gneiss 45% · blanket bog 35% · rocky summit 20%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

A long approach across pathless peat country from Mangurstadh or Brenish, easily 18-22km round trip and 6-9 hours. The summit pyramid is steep but short, with a fine cairn perched on slabby gneiss.

Terrain

Endless rolling peat, gneiss slab and boulder, with occasional eagle eyries above the corries. River crossings can be tricky after rain. Treeless and exposed throughout.

In winter

Distance and remoteness, not snow, are the winter problem here. Short days mean an early start and a navigation plan; daylight runs out fast on the long return across featureless ground.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Griomabhal [Griomaval]. 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 18m
Edinburgh11h 28m

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 Explorer 458

Mobile signal: Poor. Blank throughout; remote Harris gneiss gives no infrastructure.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 18mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:55
Sunset: 19:53
Civil dawn: 06:15
Civil dusk: 20:33

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Around Griomabhal [Griomaval] on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Tarbert (Harris)

Harris base — Clisham, Luskentyre, Hebridean Way

26km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Isle of Harris

Tarbert (Harris) — new island distillery; also known for the Harris Gin

26km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Griomabhal [Griomaval] — common questions

How hard is Griomabhal [Griomaval]?: We grade Griomabhal [Griomaval] at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. Ground conditions: Endless rolling peat, gneiss slab and boulder, with occasional eagle eyries above the corries.
How much drop does Griomabhal [Griomaval] have?: The drop is 180m: measured from the summit of Griomabhal [Griomaval] down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
What's the best month to climb Griomabhal [Griomaval]?: Aim for April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Griomabhal [Griomaval]. 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 Griomabhal [Griomaval]?: 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 Griomabhal [Griomaval]?: Poor. Blank throughout; remote Harris gneiss gives no infrastructure.
How do I get the ferry to Griomabhal [Griomaval]?: 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 Griomabhal [Griomaval] safe in winter?: Distance and remoteness, not snow, are the winter problem here. Short days mean an early start and a navigation plan; daylight runs out fast on the long return across featureless ground.

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