Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Sgaoth Aird
Sgaoth Aird is the dramatic 559m peak rising directly above Tarbert in Harris, its dark crags visible from the ferry pier. The summit ridge offers one of the best short hill views in the islands, taking in the Clisham group, the Minch and the beaches at Luskentyre.
Quick facts
- Height
- 559m/ 1834ft
- Grid ref
- NB 16586 03981
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
blanket bog 55% · Lewisian gneiss 30% · rocky summit 15%
Start from the road end at Urgha east of Tarbert and head up the Sgaoth burn before climbing the south ridge over a series of rocky tops. Around four to five hours return with a proper sense of mountain about it.
Terrain
Wet path low down gives way to steep heather, then bare gneiss slabs and a craggy ridge. Care needed at the small rocky steps near the summit if greasy.
In winter
Snow holds intermittently above 400m and the rocky crest becomes a serious proposition in ice. Storms barrel up Loch Seaforth and across the bealach; wind is the dominant factor.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow8h 29m
- 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 456
Mobile signal: Poor. EE and Vodafone both fail; North Uist trackless terrain has no signal.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:24
- Sunset
- 22:32
- Civil dawn
- 03:09
- Civil dusk
- 23:46
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Sgaoth Aird on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgaoth Aird — common questions
- How hard is Sgaoth Aird?
- Sgaoth Aird is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Wet path low down gives way to steep heather, then bare gneiss slabs and a craggy ridge.
- When is the best time to climb Sgaoth Aird?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgaoth Aird are 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 Sgaoth Aird?
- 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 Sgaoth Aird?
- Poor. EE and Vodafone both fail; North Uist trackless terrain has no signal.
- How do I get the ferry to Sgaoth Aird?
- 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 Sgaoth Aird safe in winter?
- Snow holds intermittently above 400m and the rocky crest becomes a serious proposition in ice. Storms barrel up Loch Seaforth and across the bealach; wind is the dominant factor.
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