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

The standard good-weather months for Stulabhal [Stulaval] 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 Stulabhal [Stulaval]?

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]?

Oban → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1 sailing daily plus additional weekend sailings (Apr–Oct) in summer; 4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.

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

The standard good-weather months for Stulabhal [Stulaval] 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 Stulabhal [Stulaval]?

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]?

Oban → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1 sailing daily plus additional weekend sailings (Apr–Oct) in summer; 4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Julian Paren / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides

Stulabhal [Stulaval]

A 374m gneiss hill on the southern South Uist hill chain, set between Loch Aineort and the wild east coast. Stulabhal links well with the bigger eastern peaks but works equally as a self-contained half-day.

Quick facts

Height: 374m/ 1227ft
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NF 80691 24105
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

Lewisian gneiss 45% · blanket bog 35% · rough grassland 20%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Approach from the Loch Aineort road, contouring boggy ground before climbing a steepening grassy nose to the summit. The going is rough but never technical, returning by the same line.

Terrain

Tussocky grass and bog on the lower flanks giving way to bare gneiss slabs and lichen-stained outcrops on the upper hill. Burns can run high after heavy rain.

In winter

Snow rarely lingers but the wind can be ferocious on the exposed upper slabs. Slick gneiss after frost is the main hazard in cold spells; crampons are seldom warranted.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow9h 35m
Edinburgh11h 5m

Ferry access

Oban → Lochboisdale (South Uist)

Crossing time225 min
Summer sailings1 sailing daily plus additional weekend sailings (Apr–Oct)
Winter sailings4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar)
Book ahead14 days

Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.

Book on CalMac ↗

OS maps: OS Landranger 22, OS Explorer 453S

Mobile signal: Poor. South Uist; limited coverage.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

20h 12mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:35
Sunset: 22:29
Civil dawn: 03:26
Civil dusk: 23:38

NOAA Solar Calculator · 27 June 2026

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Stulabhal [Stulaval] — common questions

How hard is Stulabhal [Stulaval]?: Stulabhal [Stulaval] is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Tussocky grass and bog on the lower flanks giving way to bare gneiss slabs and lichen-stained outcrops on the upper hill.
When is the best time to climb Stulabhal [Stulaval]?: The standard good-weather months for Stulabhal [Stulaval] 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 Stulabhal [Stulaval]?: 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. South Uist; limited coverage.
How do I get the ferry to Stulabhal [Stulaval]?: Oban → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1 sailing daily plus additional weekend sailings (Apr–Oct) in summer; 4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Plan an overnight stay. Alternative: Uig (Skye) → Lochmaddy (North Uist) then drive south across the causeways.
Is Stulabhal [Stulaval] safe in winter?: Snow rarely lingers but the wind can be ferocious on the exposed upper slabs. Slick gneiss after frost is the main hazard in cold spells; crampons are seldom warranted.

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