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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
- Grid ref
- NB 02204 27029
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Lewisian gneiss 45% · blanket bog 35% · rocky summit 20%
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
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
- Sunrise
- 04:23
- Sunset
- 22:34
- Civil dawn
- 03:07
- Civil dusk
- 23:51
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Mealaisbhal [Mealisval] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Mealaisbhal [Mealisval] — common questions
- How hard is Mealaisbhal [Mealisval]?
- Mealaisbhal [Mealisval] is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Slabby Lewisian gneiss, deep peat hags and tussocky moorland on the approach.
- When is the best time to 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]?
- 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 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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