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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Roineabhal [Roineval]
Roineabhal is a 281m gneiss top in the lochan-strewn moors of central Lewis, north of Loch Erisort. Despite a small height it has enough prominence to stand alone, with views across Lewis to the more mountainous south and the spread of the central moor north.
Quick facts
- Height
- 281m/ 922ft
- Prominence
- 203 m
- Grid ref
- NB 23301 21211
- 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%
A short pathless ascent of 6-8km from minor roads at Balallan or Habost, around 3-4 hours. The line picks between small lochans and over low gneiss ribs to a stony summit.
Terrain
Gneiss outcrops, heather, peat hags and frequent lochans. Path-free throughout but the ground is firmer than the deep bogs further north.
In winter
Low height and short distance make this a good winter half-day if visibility is decent. The moor is essentially featureless in cloud, so plan a compass bearing for the return.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 34m
- Edinburgh11h 38m
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, OS Explorer 458
Mobile signal: Poor. EE absent; bring offline maps for this remote Harris hill.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:15
- Sunset
- 21:52
- Civil dawn
- 04:20
- Civil dusk
- 22:47
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Roineabhal [Roineval] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Roineabhal [Roineval] — common questions
- How difficult is Roineabhal [Roineval]?
- Roineabhal [Roineval] carries a 1/5 (easy) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Gneiss outcrops, heather, peat hags and frequent lochans.
- What is Roineabhal [Roineval]'s prominence?
- 203m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Roineabhal [Roineval] to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.
- When is the best time to climb Roineabhal [Roineval]?
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Roineabhal [Roineval]. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
- Is Roineabhal [Roineval] dog-friendly?
- 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 Roineabhal [Roineval]?
- Poor. EE absent; bring offline maps for this remote Harris hill.
- How do I get the ferry to Roineabhal [Roineval]?
- 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 Roineabhal [Roineval] safe in winter?
- Low height and short distance make this a good winter half-day if visibility is decent. The moor is essentially featureless in cloud, so plan a compass bearing for the return.
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