Map & Elevation
About this Route
This 8.2 km out-and-back climbs Hallival from Kinloch by Coire Dubh and returns the same way. With about 690 m of ascent, it is a full mountain outing despite the short mileage. Hallival is the first of Rum's Cuillin peaks, and its pointed outline dominates the walk almost as soon as you leave the village.
Follow the path from Kinloch into Coire Dubh, where the ground becomes rougher and the ridge rises directly ahead. Higher up, rocky bands interrupt the grass and scree. The usual line works around the more awkward steps on the left before returning to the ridge, but hands are still needed and there is exposure near the top. The final section climbs broken basalt to Hallival's 723 m summit, with a sharp drop towards the col and Askival beyond.
This guide stops on Hallival. Do not follow the Askival line down the steep slabs to the south; turn back and retrace the north ridge through Coire Dubh. Reversing the rocky steps can feel harder than climbing them, especially when wet, so only continue if you are happy to descend everything you have come up. Cloud can hide the broad lower route surprisingly quickly, while island winds are often much stronger on the ridge than at Kinloch. Carry full waterproofs and navigation equipment, check the ferry timetable and avoid soft ground around shearwater burrows on the lower slopes.
Hallival rises so sharply above Rum that the climb feels bigger than the map first suggests.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Start in Kinloch and follow the signed route inland towards Coire Dubh. Note the day's ferry time before leaving the village.
The easy track gives a gentle opening. Stay on the main line where smaller estate tracks or trods branch away.
Enter the rougher corrie beneath Hallival. The ground is often wet and the path becomes less continuous as the slope steepens.
Gain the north ridge and follow its broad crest. Look back occasionally so that the correct line into Coire Dubh is familiar for the descent.
Work around the steeper rock on the left, then regain the ridge. Expect loose scree and short hands-on steps rather than a continuous path.
The crest narrows and becomes more exposed. If wind or wet rock is making progress uncomfortable, this is the sensible place to turn around.
Reach Hallival's 723 m summit. The corrected GPX ends here; do not descend south towards the Hallival–Askival col.
Reverse the ridge carefully, pick up the Coire Dubh path and follow it back to Kinloch.
Essential Tips
The upper ridge has rocky steps and exposed ground. It is not a route for anyone expecting a continuous hill path.
The south-side descent is the start of the much harder Askival traverse. This guide returns down Hallival's north ridge.
The route is short but rough. Check sailing times and leave a generous margin for the slower, more awkward descent.
Rum supports a huge Manx shearwater colony. Avoid soft burrowed ground, keep to durable surfaces and follow any seasonal local guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need scrambling experience to climb Hallival?
Yes, you'll need to use your hands on the upper ridge and work around rocky steps with some exposure near the top. It's not a simple hill walk—expect loose scree and short scrambling sections rather than a continuous path.
How long does it take to climb Hallival from Kinloch?
The 8.2 km round trip takes about 2 hours 46 minutes using Naismith's Rule, but allow extra time because the descent is slower and more awkward than the ascent. You'll also need to factor in ferry sailing times when planning your day.
What should I avoid on the lower slopes of Hallival?
Avoid soft, burrowed ground where Manx shearwaters nest. Stick to durable surfaces and follow any seasonal guidance to protect Rum's huge seabird colony.