How hard is Roineabhal [Roneval]?

We grade Roineabhal [Roneval] at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Ground conditions: Short cropped turf, gneiss steps and patches of heather; far less boggy than other Uist hills.

How much drop does Roineabhal [Roneval] have?

The drop is 152m: measured from the summit of Roineabhal [Roneval] down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.

What's the best month to climb Roineabhal [Roneval]?

Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Roineabhal [Roneval]. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.

Can dogs go up Roineabhal [Roneval]?

Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.

How do I get the ferry to Roineabhal [Roneval]?

Mallaig → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1–2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; Reduced sailings on a combined Oban–Castlebay/Lochboisdale winter timetable (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.

By Gary

Photo: Ian Morrison / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Roineabhal [Roneval]

Roneval — not to be confused with the bigger Harris Roineabhal — is a 201m hill overlooking Lochboisdale on South Uist. Its slopes look down on the ferry pier and the green machair of the southern coast.

Quick facts

Height: 201m/ 659ft
Prominence: 152 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NF 81697 14032
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

blanket bog 50% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · rocky summit 15%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

A simple jaunt from the village, taking a southerly line up rough pasture and gneiss outcrops to the summit. Allow ninety minutes return, or extend along the coast for a fuller half-day.

Terrain

Short cropped turf, gneiss steps and patches of heather; far less boggy than other Uist hills. The ground is well drained on the seaward flanks.

In winter

A handy storm-day or jet-lagged walk, sheltered to some degree by the surrounding village. Bare rock can be slippery when iced; otherwise winter walking conditions are essentially autumnal.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Roineabhal [Roneval]. 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. No MWIS mountain forecast covers this area either. In winter, work from a local weather forecast, 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

Glasgow8h 26m
Edinburgh11h 57m

Ferry access

Mallaig → Lochboisdale (South Uist)

Crossing time210 min
Summer sailings1–2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
Winter sailingsReduced sailings on a combined Oban–Castlebay/Lochboisdale winter timetable (Nov–Mar)
Book ahead14 days

Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.

Book on CalMac ↗

OS maps: OS Landranger 31, OS Explorer 453S

Mobile signal: Poor. No signal anywhere here; South Uist gneiss gives no coverage.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 14mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:57
Sunset: 19:53
Civil dawn: 06:18
Civil dusk: 20:32

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Roineabhal [Roneval] — common questions

How hard is Roineabhal [Roneval]?: We grade Roineabhal [Roneval] at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Ground conditions: Short cropped turf, gneiss steps and patches of heather; far less boggy than other Uist hills.
How much drop does Roineabhal [Roneval] have?: The drop is 152m: measured from the summit of Roineabhal [Roneval] down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
What's the best month to climb Roineabhal [Roneval]?: Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Roineabhal [Roneval]. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
Can dogs go up Roineabhal [Roneval]?: Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
Will I get phone signal on Roineabhal [Roneval]?: Poor. No signal anywhere here; South Uist gneiss gives no coverage.
How do I get the ferry to Roineabhal [Roneval]?: Mallaig → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1–2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; Reduced sailings on a combined Oban–Castlebay/Lochboisdale winter timetable (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.
Is Roineabhal [Roneval] safe in winter?: A handy storm-day or jet-lagged walk, sheltered to some degree by the surrounding village. Bare rock can be slippery when iced; otherwise winter walking conditions are essentially autumnal.

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