Is Stulabhal [Stulaval] a hard climb?

Stulabhal [Stulaval] is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Estate track gives way to wet glen path then steep heather and broken gneiss slabs higher up.

What is Stulabhal [Stulaval]'s prominence?

225m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Stulabhal [Stulaval] to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.

When is the best time to climb Stulabhal [Stulaval]?

May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Stulabhal [Stulaval]. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.

Is Stulabhal [Stulaval] dog-friendly?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

How do I get the ferry to Stulabhal [Stulaval]?

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.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Colin Park / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

Submit a photo

Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Stulabhal [Stulaval]

Stulabhal rises in the wild South Lewis hills above Loch Seaforth, an isolated 579m peak in a roadless tract of moor and crag. Once on the summit ridge the panorama stretches across the Harris hills, the Shiants and the Sutherland horizon.

Quick facts

Height: 579m/ 1900ft
Prominence: 225 m
Difficulty: 3 / 5Strenuous
Grid ref: NB 13343 12223
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

Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.

Submit your GPX

Standard route

blanket bog 50% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · rocky summit 15%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Approach from Aline Lodge on the A859 and follow tracks up Glen Langadale before climbing south onto the broad east ridge. A long six to seven hour day with sustained climbing on rough mountain ground.

Terrain

Estate track gives way to wet glen path then steep heather and broken gneiss slabs higher up. Boulders and slabby outcrops make the upper hill awkward in mist.

In winter

Higher than most Lewis hills so snow can lie in sheltered corries through February. Atlantic storms and short daylight make this a serious undertaking from November onward.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow9h 44m
Edinburgh11h 53m

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. Remote Harris or North Uist; limited coverage.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

18h 26mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:16
Sunset: 21:52
Civil dawn: 04:21
Civil dusk: 22:47

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

Got a photo of Stulabhal [Stulaval]?

30 seconds, helps other walkers.

Submit a photo

Walked it with a GPX?

From your watch or phone.

Submit GPX

Trip report?

Share what it was actually like.

Get in touch →

Around Stulabhal [Stulaval] on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Tarbert (Harris)

Harris base — Clisham, Luskentyre, Hebridean Way

13km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TasteSCOT

distillery

After the hill: Isle of Harris

Tarbert (Harris) — new island distillery; also known for the Harris Gin

13km from the hill

tastescot.co.uk

Stulabhal [Stulaval] — common questions

Is Stulabhal [Stulaval] a hard climb?: Stulabhal [Stulaval] is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Estate track gives way to wet glen path then steep heather and broken gneiss slabs higher up.
What is Stulabhal [Stulaval]'s prominence?: 225m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Stulabhal [Stulaval] to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.
When is the best time to climb Stulabhal [Stulaval]?: May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Stulabhal [Stulaval]. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
Is Stulabhal [Stulaval] dog-friendly?: 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 Stulabhal [Stulaval]?: Poor. Remote Harris or North Uist; limited coverage.
How do I get the ferry to Stulabhal [Stulaval]?: 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 Stulabhal [Stulaval] safe in winter?: Higher than most Lewis hills so snow can lie in sheltered corries through February. Atlantic storms and short daylight make this a serious undertaking from November onward.

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.