How hard is Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor]?

We grade Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor] at 3/5, which puts it in moderately challenging territory. Ground conditions: Wet bog and many small lochans on the approach, with gneiss knolls and slabs higher up.

How much drop does Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor] have?

The drop is 272m: measured from the summit of Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor] 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 Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor]?

Aim for May, June, July, August, September, October on Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor]. 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 Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor]?

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 Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor]?

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 Innes

Photo: Mike Dunn / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor]

Huiseabhal Mor is a remote 489m hill in the empty centre of west Harris, looking down on Loch Resort and out to the island of Scarp. The summit views take in Ceartabhal, Tirga Mor and the great glaciated trough of Glen Ulladale.

Gaelic: “big” · Pronunciation: huiseabhal more [husival mor]

Quick facts

Height: 489m/ 1604ft
Prominence: 272 m
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NB 02264 11608
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

blanket bog 50% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · rocky summit 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Park at Husinish and follow the coastal path before turning south into the moor, climbing the long western ridge. A demanding six-hour round on pathless ground; route choice matters to avoid the worst bogs.

Terrain

Wet bog and many small lochans on the approach, with gneiss knolls and slabs higher up. Summit is a rounded grassy dome with rocky tor.

In winter

Limited snow but the long pathless approach becomes treacherous when waterlogged or frozen. Featureless terrain demands solid navigation.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow9h 5m
Edinburgh11h 17m

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 456

Mobile signal: Poor. Dead zone; signal returns only near the main Lochmaddy road.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 25mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:17
Sunset: 21:53
Civil dawn: 04:22
Civil dusk: 22:47

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Around Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor] 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

18km 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

18km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor] — common questions

How hard is Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor]?: We grade Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor] at 3/5, which puts it in moderately challenging territory. Ground conditions: Wet bog and many small lochans on the approach, with gneiss knolls and slabs higher up.
How much drop does Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor] have?: The drop is 272m: measured from the summit of Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor] 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 Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor]?: Aim for May, June, July, August, September, October on Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor]. 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 Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor]?: 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 Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor]?: Poor. Dead zone; signal returns only near the main Lochmaddy road.
How do I get the ferry to Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor]?: 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 Huiseabhal Mor [Husival Mor] safe in winter?: Limited snow but the long pathless approach becomes treacherous when waterlogged or frozen. Featureless terrain demands solid navigation.

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