![Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Maol_D%C3%B2mhnaich_-_geograph.org.uk_-_3980172.jpg)
Scotland
Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]
154M
505FT
About Maol Domhnaich [Muldoanich]
Rising abruptly from the Minch, this uninhabited island is a rugged, conical landmark for those taking the ferry to Castlebay. Its steep, pathless slopes offer no level ground, leading to the summit of Cruachan na h-àin. From the top, look across the Sound of Vattersay toward the peaks of Heaval and Vatersay.
Key Statistics
Rank
270th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Data coming soon
Prominence
?
154
Nearest Town
An Uidh
Geology
You are walking across ancient, banded Lewisian gneiss and dark, tough Scourian rocks. These durable formations create the rugged landscape beneath your boots.
Nearby Fells
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NL688940
Latitude
56.9186°N
Longitude
7.4434°W
Did You Know?
- •The name Maol Domhnaich translates from Gaelic as 'Sunday Hill' or 'Bald Hill of Dominic', though the island’s highest point is specifically named Cruachan na h-àin, meaning 'Midday Hill.'
- •Positioned four kilometres southeast of Castlebay, the island serves as a vital navigational marker for ferry captains navigating the approach to Barra from the mainland.
- •The southern headland, known as Vanish, likely derives from the Gaelic A’ Bhànais, meaning 'headland of the house,' suggesting the island may have supported a small settlement or seasonal shelter in the distant past.
- •Despite its modest height of 154 metres, the hill qualifies as a Marilyn due to its total sea-level prominence, making it a sought-after objective for dedicated island-baggers.
- •The island is famously devoid of level ground; if you aren’t walking uphill from the boat landing, you are almost certainly walking downhill toward the sea.