Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Muaitheabhal
Muaitheabhal sits at 424m deep within the Pairc forest, a broad gneiss whaleback close to Beinn Mhor and the deserted shore of Loch Shell. It was once briefly famous as the proposed site of one of Europe's largest wind farms, since cancelled.
Quick facts
- Height
- 424m/ 1391ft
- Grid ref
- NB 25794 11455
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
blanket bog 50% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · rocky summit 15%
A long pathless route from the B8060 near Lemreway or from the Eishken track, usually 7-9 hours over 16-20km. The summit itself is a gentle dome; the journey to get there is the challenge.
Terrain
Quintessential Pairc terrain — gneiss outcrops scattered through deep peat, with constant small lochans to circumvent. Stalking ground in autumn, so phone the Eishken estate.
In winter
The length of the day and difficulty of navigation in cloud are bigger concerns than snow. Late springtime gives the firmest ground and the longest daylight window.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow8h 19m
- Edinburgh10h 24m
Ferry access
Uig (Skye) → Tarbert (Harris)
- Crossing time105 min
- Summer sailings2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable — last sailing to Uig varies seasonally
Drive to Uig on Skye (Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh), then ferry to Harris. Alternative: Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis, 2h45) and drive south.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 13, OS Landranger 14, OS Explorer 457
Mobile signal: Poor. Lewis/Harris border area; all networks fail. Stornoway is nearest coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:23
- Sunset
- 22:32
- Civil dawn
- 03:08
- Civil dusk
- 23:47
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Muaitheabhal on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Muaitheabhal — common questions
- How hard is Muaitheabhal?
- Muaitheabhal is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Quintessential Pairc terrain — gneiss outcrops scattered through deep peat, with constant small lochans to circumvent.
- When is the best time to climb Muaitheabhal?
- The standard good-weather months for Muaitheabhal are April, May, June, July, August. 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 Muaitheabhal?
- 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 Muaitheabhal?
- Poor. Lewis/Harris border area; all networks fail. Stornoway is nearest coverage.
- How do I get the ferry to Muaitheabhal?
- Uig (Skye) → Tarbert (Harris). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Drive to Uig on Skye (Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh), then ferry to Harris. Alternative: Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis, 2h45) and drive south.
- Is Muaitheabhal safe in winter?
- The length of the day and difficulty of navigation in cloud are bigger concerns than snow. Late springtime gives the firmest ground and the longest daylight window.
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