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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]
Maol Domhnaich, anglicised as Muldoanich, is a tiny uninhabited island in the NL 689 grid square south-east of Vatersay. The 154m hill that gives the island its outline is a serious objective only because there is no scheduled access — a charter sail and a short scramble are the price of admission.
Quick facts
- Height
- 154m/ 505ft
- Grid ref
- NL 68900 94005
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
coastal grass 60% · heather patches 25% · rocky summit 15%
After being landed by charter boat from Castlebay, climb directly from any of the boulder beaches on the north side. Steep grass and gneiss steps lead to a small grassy summit with all-round sea views. An hour of walking once ashore.
Terrain
Short coastal turf merges into heather and broken gneiss as you climb. Sea-cliff edges drop on the south and west sides and require care, especially in wind.
In winter
Boat access is rarely available between October and March, so this is a summer-only objective. Even then, swell often prevents safe landing on the steep northern shore.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 42m
- Edinburgh11h 17m
Ferry access
Oban → Castlebay (Barra)
- Crossing time300 min
- Summer sailings1 sailing daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
A 5-hour 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, OS Explorer 452S
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote small island near Barra; no reliable coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:35
- Sunset
- 22:25
- Civil dawn
- 03:28
- Civil dusk
- 23:33
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich] — common questions
- How hard is Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]?
- Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich] is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Short coastal turf merges into heather and broken gneiss as you climb.
- When is the best time to climb Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]?
- The standard good-weather months for Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich] 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 Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]?
- 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 Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]?
- Poor. Remote small island near Barra; no reliable coverage.
- How do I get the ferry to Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]?
- 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 5-hour 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 Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich] safe in winter?
- Boat access is rarely available between October and March, so this is a summer-only objective. Even then, swell often prevents safe landing on the steep northern shore.
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