Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Guaineamol
Guaineamol is a 405m gneiss summit close to Muaitheabhal in the Pairc forest, its rounded crown studded with the slabs and small tarns characteristic of the peninsula. Few walkers visit, so the sense of solitude is profound.
Quick facts
- Height
- 405.2m/ 1329ft
- Grid ref
- NB 26052 13384
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
blanket bog 50% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · rocky summit 15%
Most commonly bagged as a pair with Muaitheabhal, adding 1-2 hours and a few extra kilometres to an already long Pairc day. Allow 8-10 hours for the combined round from the B8060.
Terrain
Slabby gneiss and tussock with frequent peat pools; navigation across the broad plateau between the twin tops is awkward in cloud. Boots quickly fill on wet days.
In winter
Distance and trackless ground are the limiting factors. Pick a settled spell with good visibility; the route is essentially unfeasible after a long wet spell.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow8h 21m
- Edinburgh10h 25m
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 457
Mobile signal: Poor. All major networks fail on this isolated Lewis summit.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:23
- Sunset
- 22:32
- Civil dawn
- 03:07
- Civil dusk
- 23:47
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Guaineamol on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Guaineamol — common questions
- How hard is Guaineamol?
- Guaineamol is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Slabby gneiss and tussock with frequent peat pools; navigation across the broad plateau between the twin tops is awkward in cloud.
- When is the best time to climb Guaineamol?
- The standard good-weather months for Guaineamol are April, May, June, July, August. 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 Guaineamol?
- 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 Guaineamol?
- Poor. All major networks fail on this isolated Lewis summit.
- How do I get the ferry to Guaineamol?
- 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 Guaineamol safe in winter?
- Distance and trackless ground are the limiting factors. Pick a settled spell with good visibility; the route is essentially unfeasible after a long wet spell.
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