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Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Suaineabhal [Suainaval]
Suaineabhal is the steep-sided gneiss hill that towers over Loch Suainabhal, the deepest freshwater loch in the Western Isles. At 428m it is dwarfed by Mealaisbhal to the south, but the prow rising straight from the water gives it disproportionate presence.
Quick facts
- Height
- 428m/ 1404ft
- Prominence
- 313 m
- Grid ref
- NB 07797 30878
- 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
blanket bog 50% · Lewisian gneiss 35% · rocky summit 15%
The classic line ascends from Carishader on the B8011, taking around 3-4 hours for the 8-10km round. The summit cone is steep grass and rocky steps; the lower slopes are typical Uig peat.
Terrain
Tussocky peat moor and a steeper rocky cone. The east face above Loch Suainabhal drops in broken crags — avoid the direct descent in mist. Otherwise straightforward.
In winter
A short enough day to fit inside winter daylight, but the steep east face is exposed to driven sleet from the Atlantic. Hard ground in cold snaps can make the descent slippery.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 14m
- Edinburgh11h 21m
Ferry access
Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis)
- Crossing time165 min
- Summer sailings2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable
Allow 1–2 hours drive from Stornoway to reach the Harris hills. For South Harris hills, Uig → Tarbert may be more convenient.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 13, OS Explorer 458
Mobile signal: Poor. Dead zone; signal returns near the A857 or Stornoway.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:15
- Sunset
- 21:53
- Civil dawn
- 04:20
- Civil dusk
- 22:49
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Suaineabhal [Suainaval] on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Suaineabhal [Suainaval] — common questions
- How difficult is Suaineabhal [Suainaval]?
- Suaineabhal [Suainaval] carries a 2/5 (moderate) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Tussocky peat moor and a steeper rocky cone.
- How prominent is Suaineabhal [Suainaval]?
- Suaineabhal [Suainaval] has 313m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
- When should I climb Suaineabhal [Suainaval]?
- The standard good-weather months for Suaineabhal [Suainaval] 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 Suaineabhal [Suainaval]?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Suaineabhal [Suainaval]?
- Poor. Dead zone; signal returns near the A857 or Stornoway.
- How do I get the ferry to Suaineabhal [Suainaval]?
- Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis). 2 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 1 sailing daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. Allow 1–2 hours drive from Stornoway to reach the Harris hills. For South Harris hills, Uig → Tarbert may be more convenient.
- Is Suaineabhal [Suainaval] safe in winter?
- A short enough day to fit inside winter daylight, but the steep east face is exposed to driven sleet from the Atlantic. Hard ground in cold snaps can make the descent slippery.
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