How hard is Maireabhal [Marrival]?

Maireabhal [Marrival] is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Knolly bedrock, lochans and bog combine to make every direction equally awkward.

When is the best time to climb Maireabhal [Marrival]?

The standard good-weather months for Maireabhal [Marrival] 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 Maireabhal [Marrival]?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How do I get the ferry to Maireabhal [Marrival]?

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.

How hard is Maireabhal [Marrival]?

Maireabhal [Marrival] is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Knolly bedrock, lochans and bog combine to make every direction equally awkward.

When is the best time to climb Maireabhal [Marrival]?

The standard good-weather months for Maireabhal [Marrival] 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 Maireabhal [Marrival]?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How do I get the ferry to Maireabhal [Marrival]?

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.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Richard Law / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Maireabhal [Marrival]

Marrival is a 230m gneiss bump in central North Uist, perched amid a startling maze of small lochs. Despite the trifling height, its summit lookout over the watery interior is unforgettable.

Quick facts

Height: 230m/ 755ft
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NF 80867 70019
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

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

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Best reached from the A867 near Loch Eaval, picking a careful line east across moorland and around lochans to the southern flank. Two to three hours total, with the navigation outweighing any climbing effort.

Terrain

Knolly bedrock, lochans and bog combine to make every direction equally awkward. A GPS track is genuinely useful even on a clear day given the absence of landmarks.

In winter

Hard frosts can transform the bog into easier walking, otherwise expect saturated ground all year. Wind exposure on the open ridge is high and shelter non-existent.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow9h 12m
Edinburgh12h 35m

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 454W

Mobile signal: Very poor. No mobile signal; carry a PLB on this remote South Uist hill.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

20h 26mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:29
Sunset: 22:31
Civil dawn: 03:17
Civil dusk: 23:43

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Maireabhal [Marrival] 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

46km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Maireabhal [Marrival] — common questions

How hard is Maireabhal [Marrival]?: Maireabhal [Marrival] is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Knolly bedrock, lochans and bog combine to make every direction equally awkward.
When is the best time to climb Maireabhal [Marrival]?: The standard good-weather months for Maireabhal [Marrival] 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 Maireabhal [Marrival]?: 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 Maireabhal [Marrival]?: Very poor. No mobile signal; carry a PLB on this remote South Uist hill.
How do I get the ferry to Maireabhal [Marrival]?: 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 Maireabhal [Marrival] safe in winter?: Hard frosts can transform the bog into easier walking, otherwise expect saturated ground all year. Wind exposure on the open ridge is high and shelter non-existent.

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