![Roineabhal [Roneval]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs0.geograph.org.uk%2Fgeophotos%2F02%2F14%2F27%2F2142725_552af0ed.jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_HxnhrACFBuHaG2wuQvfDwvzaqGXF)
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
- Grid ref
- NF 81697 14032
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
blanket bog 50% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · rocky summit 15%
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.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow8h 26m
- Edinburgh11h 57m
Ferry access
Oban → Lochboisdale (South Uist)
- Crossing time225 min
- Summer sailings1 sailing daily plus additional weekend sailings (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings4–5 sailings per week (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. Signal absent throughout; South Uist gneiss gives no coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:33
- Sunset
- 22:26
- Civil dawn
- 03:25
- Civil dusk
- 23:35
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Roineabhal [Roneval] — common questions
- How hard is Roineabhal [Roneval]?
- Roineabhal [Roneval] is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Short cropped turf, gneiss steps and patches of heather; far less boggy than other Uist hills.
- When is the best time to climb Roineabhal [Roneval]?
- The standard good-weather months for Roineabhal [Roneval] 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 Roineabhal [Roneval]?
- 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 [Roneval]?
- Poor. Signal absent throughout; South Uist gneiss gives no coverage.
- How do I get the ferry to Roineabhal [Roneval]?
- Oban → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1 sailing daily plus additional weekend sailings (Apr–Oct) in summer; 4–5 sailings per week (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.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.