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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]
Heaval is the highest point of Barra at 384m, instantly recognised by the white marble statue of Our Lady of the Sea on its southern flank. The view from the summit takes in Vatersay, the southern isles and on rare clear days the Skye Cuillin.
Quick facts
- Height
- 384m/ 1260ft
- Prominence
- 384 m
- Grid ref
- NL 67814 99405
- 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% · heather moorland 35% · rocky summit 20%
Start at the layby by the statue on the A888 above Castlebay and climb steep grass and rock directly to the summit. A quick hill at well under an hour up, but linger for the panorama over the southern Outer Hebrides.
Terrain
Short steep grass interspersed with bands of gneiss. The ground is broken but the line is obvious; expect a sharp ankle workout on the descent.
In winter
Reliable in any season thanks to the short climb and easy access from Castlebay. Wind exposure is the chief winter consideration; rain is far more likely than snow.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 48m
- Edinburgh11h 23m
Ferry access
Oban → Castlebay (Barra)
- Crossing time285 min
- Summer sailings1 sailing daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
A four-and-three-quarter-hour direct crossing — plan an overnight stay. Alternative: fly to Barra Airport (beach landing), or reach via Eriskay → Ardmhor (Barra) after taking the South Uist ferry.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 31, OS Explorer 452N
Mobile signal: Mixed. EE in and out; better near Castlebay on Barra.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:24
- Sunset
- 21:48
- Civil dawn
- 04:33
- Civil dusk
- 22:40
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval] — common questions
- How difficult is Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]?
- Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval] carries a 1/5 (easy) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Short steep grass interspersed with bands of gneiss.
- What is Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]'s prominence?
- Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]'s prominence is its full height — 384m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.
- When is the best time to climb Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]?
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]. 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 Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval] 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 Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]?
- Mixed. EE in and out; better near Castlebay on Barra.
- How do I get the ferry to Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]?
- Oban → Castlebay (Barra). 1 sailing daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. A four-and-three-quarter-hour direct crossing — plan an overnight stay. Alternative: fly to Barra Airport (beach landing), or reach via Eriskay → Ardmhor (Barra) after taking the South Uist ferry.
- Is Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval] safe in winter?
- Reliable in any season thanks to the short climb and easy access from Castlebay. Wind exposure is the chief winter consideration; rain is far more likely than snow.
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