![Li a' Deas [South Lee]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs0.geograph.org.uk%2Fgeophotos%2F08%2F12%2F00%2F8120071_672bb78e.jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_HxnhrACFBuHaG2wuQvfDwvzaqGXF)
Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Li a' Deas [South Lee]
South Lee is the lower of the twin Lee summits that watch over the seaweed-fringed bays of north-east North Uist. Its 281m top is a rocky little crown with views to Skye and the Sound of Harris.
Quick facts
- Height
- 281m/ 922ft
- Grid ref
- NF 91871 65321
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
blanket bog 50% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · rocky summit 15%
Start from the road end at Cheese Bay (Bagh a' Chaise) and climb directly up the eastern slopes onto the connecting ridge. A neat traverse is possible by carrying on over North Lee in the same outing.
Terrain
Steeper-feeling than its height suggests, with bare gneiss slabs and short heather. Final summit cap is a tangle of rocky knobs to weave between.
In winter
Wind across the open Minch is the principal hazard, regularly gusting hard enough to halt progress on the ridge. Snow is fleeting; rain-glazed slabs after frost demand more care than crampons.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 44m
- Edinburgh11h 5m
Ferry access
Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist)
- Crossing time105 min
- Summer sailings2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable
The Western Isles causeways link North Uist, Benbecula, and South Uist — drive between them once on the island.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 18, OS Explorer 454E
Mobile signal: Poor. Dead zone for all networks; North Uist is largely off-grid.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:29
- Sunset
- 22:30
- Civil dawn
- 03:17
- Civil dusk
- 23:42
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Li a' Deas [South Lee] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Li a' Deas [South Lee] — common questions
- How hard is Li a' Deas [South Lee]?
- Li a' Deas [South Lee] is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Steeper-feeling than its height suggests, with bare gneiss slabs and short heather.
- When is the best time to climb Li a' Deas [South Lee]?
- The standard good-weather months for Li a' Deas [South Lee] are March, 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 Li a' Deas [South Lee]?
- 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 Li a' Deas [South Lee]?
- Poor. Dead zone for all networks; North Uist is largely off-grid.
- How do I get the ferry to Li a' Deas [South Lee]?
- Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. The Western Isles causeways link North Uist, Benbecula, and South Uist — drive between them once on the island.
- Is Li a' Deas [South Lee] safe in winter?
- Wind across the open Minch is the principal hazard, regularly gusting hard enough to halt progress on the ridge. Snow is fleeting; rain-glazed slabs after frost demand more care than crampons.
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