What difficulty is Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]?

On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich] comes in at 1/5 — easy. Ground conditions: Short coastal turf merges into heather and broken gneiss as you climb.

How much drop does Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich] have?

Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]'s prominence is its full height — 154m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.

What's the best month to climb Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]?

Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]. 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 Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]?

Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.

By Gary

Photo: Chris / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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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
Prominence: 154 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NL 68900 94005
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

coastal grass 60% · heather patches 25% · rocky summit 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

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.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. No MWIS mountain forecast covers this area either. In winter, work from a local weather forecast, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow9h 42m
Edinburgh11h 17m

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

14h 13mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:58
Sunset: 19:53
Civil dawn: 06:19
Civil dusk: 20:32

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich] — common questions

What difficulty is Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]?: On the OutdoorSCOT scale, Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich] comes in at 1/5 — easy. Ground conditions: Short coastal turf merges into heather and broken gneiss as you climb.
How much drop does Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich] have?: Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]'s prominence is its full height — 154m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
What's the best month to climb Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]?: Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]. 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 Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]?: 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 Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]?: Poor. Remote small island near Barra; no reliable coverage.
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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