Marilyn · Argyll & Bute
Sgarbh Breac
Sgarbh Breac is a 364m Marilyn on the far north of Islay, overlooking the Sound of Islay and Jura. Its position on the Atlantic edge gives it a wilder feel than its modest height suggests.
Quick facts
- Height
- 364m/ 1194ft
- Prominence
- 291 m
- Grid ref
- NR 40630 76620
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather and bog 65% · grass and deer sedge 25% · rocky summit 10%
Approach from Bunnahabhain along the coast then break inland for a steep pull onto the summit ridge. Round trip 3-4 hours; the upper section is trackless.
Terrain
Coastal heather and rocky outcrops near the start give way to higher peaty moor. The summit cairn sits on short turf.
In winter
A solid winter outing — low altitude, short distance and excellent views across to a snow-dusted Jura. Wind is the main consideration.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 55m
- Edinburgh8h 40m
Ferry access
Kennacraig → Port Askaig or Port Ellen
- Crossing time135 min
- Summer sailings2–3 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings1–2 sailings daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable
OS maps: OS Landranger 60, OS Landranger 61, OS Explorer 353E, OS Explorer 354
Mobile signal: Poor. Northern Islay; EE coverage thin away from Port Askaig.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:25
- Sunset
- 21:37
- Civil dawn
- 04:36
- Civil dusk
- 22:26
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Sgarbh Breac on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgarbh Breac — common questions
- How hard is Sgarbh Breac?
- We grade Sgarbh Breac at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Ground conditions: Coastal heather and rocky outcrops near the start give way to higher peaty moor.
- How much drop does Sgarbh Breac have?
- The drop is 291m: measured from the summit of Sgarbh Breac 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 Sgarbh Breac?
- Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Sgarbh Breac. 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 Sgarbh Breac?
- 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 Sgarbh Breac?
- Poor. Northern Islay; EE coverage thin away from Port Askaig.
- How do I get the ferry to Sgarbh Breac?
- Kennacraig → Port Askaig or Port Ellen. 2–3 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1–2 sailings daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead.
- Is Sgarbh Breac safe in winter?
- A solid winter outing — low altitude, short distance and excellent views across to a snow-dusted Jura. Wind is the main consideration.
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