Marilyn · North-West Highlands
Sgribhis-bheinn
Sgribhis-bheinn — possibly the scratched hill — rises to 371m at NC 319 713 on the Cape Wrath peninsula, the most northerly Marilyn in mainland Britain. The Gaelic name may refer to glacial striations still visible on the bare summit rock.
Quick facts
- Height
- 371m/ 1217ft
- Grid ref
- NC 31931 71339
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
blanket bog 55% · heather moorland 30% · rocky summit 15%
Approached from Daill via the Cape Wrath ferry and minibus, then 4km of walking onto the hill. The ferry runs Easter to September only; outside that window the walk-in from Rhiconich approaches 20km each way.
Terrain
Cambrian quartzite cap over Lewisian gneiss — the summit pavement is heavily glaciated with the parallel scratches that may give the hill its name. Surrounding ground is the wettest blanket bog in Britain.
In winter
The most northerly Marilyn in mainland Britain and as exposed as anywhere on the British mainland — Atlantic storms drive directly onto its summit. The ferry does not run, making the hill effectively inaccessible from December to March for day walkers.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow7h 17m
- Edinburgh8h 9m
OS maps: OS Landranger 9, OS Explorer 446
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote north Sutherland; very limited coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:10
- Sunset
- 22:30
- Civil dawn
- 02:49
- Civil dusk
- 23:51
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Sgribhis-bheinn on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Sgribhis-bheinn — common questions
- How hard is Sgribhis-bheinn?
- Sgribhis-bheinn is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Cambrian quartzite cap over Lewisian gneiss — the summit pavement is heavily glaciated with the parallel scratches that may give the hill its name.
- When is the best time to climb Sgribhis-bheinn?
- The standard good-weather months for Sgribhis-bheinn 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 Sgribhis-bheinn?
- 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 Sgribhis-bheinn?
- Poor. Remote north Sutherland; very limited coverage.
- Is Sgribhis-bheinn safe in winter?
- The most northerly Marilyn in mainland Britain and as exposed as anywhere on the British mainland — Atlantic storms drive directly onto its summit. The ferry does not run, making the hill effectively inaccessible from December to March for day walkers.
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