How prominent is Mullach na Carn?

Mullach na Carn's prominence is its full height — 396m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.

When should I climb Mullach na Carn?

The standard good-weather months for Mullach na Carn 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 Mullach na Carn?

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

By Gary

Photo: John Allan / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Skye & The Small Isles

Mullach na Carn

Mullach na Carn is a quiet 396m top on the Isle of Scalpay, just off the east coast of Skye, requiring boat or low-tide crossing to reach. Few walkers visit, making the summit a genuinely solitary experience.

Quick facts

Height: 396m/ 1299ft
Prominence: 396 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NG 60582 29231
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

heather moorland 55% · rocky slopes 30% · grass slopes 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Access is the crux — usually a wade or a friendly boat from Skye at low tide. Once ashore, a pathless climb through deer-grazed grass and birchwood gains the summit. About 6 km of walking on the island.

Terrain

Mix of birch and hazel woodland on the lower slopes, then rough heather and rock platforms higher up. Deer paths help with navigation.

In winter

Tides and weather make Scalpay tricky in winter. Plan crossings carefully and allow margin for storm-bound returns to the mainland.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Mullach na Carn. 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. In winter, use MWIS The Northwest Highlands ↗ for mountain weather, 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

Glasgow6h 48m
Edinburgh8h 0m

OS maps: OS Landranger 32, OS Explorer 409, OS Explorer 411

Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Inner Hebrides; limited coverage.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 14mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:52
Sunset: 19:48
Civil dawn: 06:13
Civil dusk: 20:27

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Around Mullach na Carn on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Kyle of Lochalsh station

Skye Bridge; Five Sisters of Kintail; Glen Shiel; Plockton

16km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Applecross

Bealach na Bà and the Applecross peninsula

18km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Isle of Raasay Distillery

Raasay — new island distillery with rooms; Dun Caan walks from the door

10km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Mullach na Carn — common questions

Is Mullach na Carn a hard climb?: Mullach na Carn is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Mix of birch and hazel woodland on the lower slopes, then rough heather and rock platforms higher up.
How prominent is Mullach na Carn?: Mullach na Carn's prominence is its full height — 396m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
When should I climb Mullach na Carn?: The standard good-weather months for Mullach na Carn 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 Mullach na Carn?: On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
What's mobile reception like on Mullach na Carn?: Poor. Remote Inner Hebrides; limited coverage.
Is Mullach na Carn safe in winter?: Tides and weather make Scalpay tricky in winter. Plan crossings carefully and allow margin for storm-bound returns to the mainland.

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