Marilyn · Argyll & Bute
Sgorr nam Faoileann
Sgorr nam Faoileann — the Peak of the Gulls — is a 429m Marilyn on south-eastern Islay, forming part of the same wild moorland chain as Beinn Bheigier and Glas Bheinn. The summit gives sweeping views over the Sound of Jura.
Quick facts
- Height
- 429m/ 1407ft
- Grid ref
- NR 43302 60650
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather and bog 60% · rocky slopes 25% · grass slopes 15%
Reached from the same Ardtalla starting point, often as a three-summit traverse with its higher neighbours. As a stand-alone outing expect a 3-hour round trip across rough terrain.
Terrain
Open Islay moorland of heather and peat. The upper slopes have some short rocky steps but nothing approaching a scramble.
In winter
Wind is the perennial concern. Snow is rare and never deep. A clear winter day on this ridge can give superb visibility for hours.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 46m
- Edinburgh8h 32m
Ferry access
Kennacraig → Port Askaig (Islay) then Port Askaig → Feolin (Jura)
- Crossing time145 min
- Summer sailingsIslay: 1–2 CalMac sailings daily. Jura ferry: frequent throughout the day
- Winter sailingsIslay: 1 CalMac sailing daily. Jura ferry: reduced but regular
- Book ahead21 days
- Last ferry backLast Jura ferry ~17:00; last Islay sailing varies — check both timetables
Two ferries required: CalMac Kennacraig → Port Askaig (2h15), then the short Jura passenger ferry (10 min) from Port Askaig to Feolin. No car needed once on Jura for the Paps.
Book on ferry operator ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 60, OS Explorer 352
Mobile signal: Poor. Signal drops on approach; Islay's eastern moorland has no coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:39
- Sunset
- 22:11
- Civil dawn
- 03:38
- Civil dusk
- 23:12
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Sgorr nam Faoileann on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgorr nam Faoileann — common questions
- How hard is Sgorr nam Faoileann?
- Sgorr nam Faoileann is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Open Islay moorland of heather and peat.
- When is the best time to climb Sgorr nam Faoileann?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgorr nam Faoileann 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 Sgorr nam Faoileann?
- 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 Sgorr nam Faoileann?
- Poor. Signal drops on approach; Islay's eastern moorland has no coverage.
- How do I get the ferry to Sgorr nam Faoileann?
- Kennacraig → Port Askaig (Islay) then Port Askaig → Feolin (Jura). Islay: 1–2 CalMac sailings daily. Jura ferry: frequent throughout the day in summer; Islay: 1 CalMac sailing daily. Jura ferry: reduced but regular in winter. Book at least 21 days ahead. Two ferries required: CalMac Kennacraig → Port Askaig (2h15), then the short Jura passenger ferry (10 min) from Port Askaig to Feolin. No car needed once on Jura for the Paps.
- Is Sgorr nam Faoileann safe in winter?
- Wind is the perennial concern. Snow is rare and never deep. A clear winter day on this ridge can give superb visibility for hours.
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