![Griomabhal [Griomaval]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs0.geograph.org.uk%2Fphotos%2F88%2F30%2F883009_72e50d0f.jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_HxnhrACFBuHaG2wuQvfDwvzaqGXF)
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
- Grid ref
- NB 01201 22004
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
Lewisian gneiss 45% · blanket bog 35% · rocky summit 20%
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.
Best time of year
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. Signal absent throughout; remote Harris gneiss gives no infrastructure.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:24
- Sunset
- 22:34
- Civil dawn
- 03:08
- Civil dusk
- 23:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Griomabhal [Griomaval] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Griomabhal [Griomaval] — common questions
- How hard is Griomabhal [Griomaval]?
- Griomabhal [Griomaval] is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Endless rolling peat, gneiss slab and boulder, with occasional eagle eyries above the corries.
- When is the best time to climb Griomabhal [Griomaval]?
- The standard good-weather months for Griomabhal [Griomaval] 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 Griomabhal [Griomaval]?
- 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 Griomabhal [Griomaval]?
- Poor. Signal absent 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.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.