How difficult is Mealaisbhal [Mealisval]?

Mealaisbhal [Mealisval] carries a 2/5 (moderate) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Slabby Lewisian gneiss, deep peat hags and tussocky moorland on the approach.

How prominent is Mealaisbhal [Mealisval]?

Mealaisbhal [Mealisval] has 516m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.

When should I climb Mealaisbhal [Mealisval]?

The standard good-weather months for Mealaisbhal [Mealisval] are 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 Mealaisbhal [Mealisval]?

On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.

How do I get the ferry to Mealaisbhal [Mealisval]?

Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Allow 1–2 hours drive from Stornoway to reach the Harris hills. For South Harris hills, Uig → Tarbert may be more convenient.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Tim Harrison / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Mealaisbhal [Mealisval]

Mealaisbhal is the highest hill in the Uig district of west Lewis at 574m, a chunky cone of Lewisian gneiss standing above the deserted glens behind Uig Sands. Its summit gives one of the finest views in the Outer Hebrides, west over the Atlantic and south to the toothed skyline of the Harris hills.

Quick facts

Height: 574m/ 1883ft
Prominence: 516 m
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NB 02204 27029
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

Lewisian gneiss 45% · blanket bog 35% · rocky summit 20%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

The usual line starts near Mangurstadh or Kinlochresort, crossing trackless bog and slabby gneiss to reach the steep northeast flank. Expect a tough 4-6 hour round trip on rough ground with no path, requiring confident navigation.

Terrain

Slabby Lewisian gneiss, deep peat hags and tussocky moorland on the approach. The upper hill steepens into boulder fields and craggy ground. Treeless throughout and brutally exposed to Atlantic weather.

In winter

Snow is occasional rather than persistent, but freezing rain and storm-force westerlies are routine. Short December daylight makes a full traverse tight; spring offers the most settled conditions.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow9h 21m
Edinburgh12h 30m

Ferry access

Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis)

Crossing time165 min
Summer sailings2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
Winter sailings1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar)
Book ahead14 days
Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable

Allow 1–2 hours drive from Stornoway to reach the Harris hills. For South Harris hills, Uig → Tarbert may be more convenient.

Book on CalMac ↗

OS maps: OS Landranger 13, OS Explorer 458

Mobile signal: Poor. Networks fail completely; download offline maps and carry an emergency device.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 28mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:16
Sunset: 21:53
Civil dawn: 04:21
Civil dusk: 22:49

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Around Mealaisbhal [Mealisval] 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

30km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Mealaisbhal [Mealisval] — common questions

How difficult is Mealaisbhal [Mealisval]?: Mealaisbhal [Mealisval] carries a 2/5 (moderate) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Slabby Lewisian gneiss, deep peat hags and tussocky moorland on the approach.
How prominent is Mealaisbhal [Mealisval]?: Mealaisbhal [Mealisval] has 516m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
When should I climb Mealaisbhal [Mealisval]?: The standard good-weather months for Mealaisbhal [Mealisval] are 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 Mealaisbhal [Mealisval]?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Mealaisbhal [Mealisval]?: Poor. Networks fail completely; download offline maps and carry an emergency device.
How do I get the ferry to Mealaisbhal [Mealisval]?: Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Allow 1–2 hours drive from Stornoway to reach the Harris hills. For South Harris hills, Uig → Tarbert may be more convenient.
Is Mealaisbhal [Mealisval] safe in winter?: Snow is occasional rather than persistent, but freezing rain and storm-force westerlies are routine. Short December daylight makes a full traverse tight; spring offers the most settled conditions.

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