How hard is Stulabhal [Stulaval]?

We grade Stulabhal [Stulaval] at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Underfoot: Tussocky grass and bog on the lower flanks giving way to bare gneiss slabs and lichen-stained outcrops on the upper hill.

What is Stulabhal [Stulaval]'s prominence?

Stulabhal [Stulaval]'s prominence is its full height — 370m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. 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]?

March, April, 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]?

Mallaig → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1–2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; Reduced sailings on a combined Oban–Castlebay/Lochboisdale winter timetable (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
Prominence: 370 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NF 80691 24105
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).

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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.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Stulabhal [Stulaval]. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. No MWIS mountain forecast covers this area either. In winter, work from a local weather forecast, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow9h 35m
Edinburgh11h 5m

Ferry access

Mallaig → Lochboisdale (South Uist)

Crossing time210 min
Summer sailings1–2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
Winter sailingsReduced sailings on a combined Oban–Castlebay/Lochboisdale winter timetable (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

16h 59mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:51
Sunset: 21:17
Civil dawn: 05:05
Civil dusk: 22:04

NOAA Solar Calculator · 13 August 2026

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Stulabhal [Stulaval] — common questions

How hard is Stulabhal [Stulaval]?: We grade Stulabhal [Stulaval] at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Underfoot: Tussocky grass and bog on the lower flanks giving way to bare gneiss slabs and lichen-stained outcrops on the upper hill.
What is Stulabhal [Stulaval]'s prominence?: Stulabhal [Stulaval]'s prominence is its full height — 370m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. 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]?: March, April, 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. South Uist; limited coverage.
How do I get the ferry to Stulabhal [Stulaval]?: Mallaig → Lochboisdale (South Uist). 1–2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; Reduced sailings on a combined Oban–Castlebay/Lochboisdale winter timetable (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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