![Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs0.geograph.org.uk%2Fgeophotos%2F03%2F98%2F28%2F3982804_bb8aa5fd.jpg&w=1920&q=75&dpl=dpl_CBXtfUkJx6W89LDicVXehL74AYLp)
Marilyn · Outer Hebrides
Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval]
Tangaval is Barra's second-highest hill at 332m and arguably more elegant than Heaval, with a fine ridge running east to west. The summit looks straight down onto Vatersay's twin beaches and out across the open Atlantic.
Quick facts
- Height
- 332m/ 1089ft
- Prominence
- 308 m
- Grid ref
- NL 63892 99054
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
No GPX track yet
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
Lewisian gneiss 45% · heather moorland 35% · rocky summit 20%
A direct ascent from the road into Tangasdale on rough open hillside, gaining the ridge and then turning south-west to the cairn. Around three hours return, with the option of a coastal extension to Halaman Bay.
Terrain
Steep heather slopes broken by gneiss outcrops and short turf, with a well-defined summit ridge of bedrock. Surprisingly mountainous in feel for its modest height.
In winter
Maritime conditions mean rain and wind dominate; lying snow is unusual. The steep grass can be slick after frost and a slip on the upper slopes carries real consequences.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow9h 57m
- Edinburgh12h 32m
Ferry access
Oban → Castlebay (Barra)
- Crossing time285 min
- Summer sailings1 sailing daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
A four-and-three-quarter-hour direct crossing — plan an overnight stay. Alternative: fly to Barra Airport (beach landing), or reach via Eriskay → Ardmhor (Barra) after taking the South Uist ferry.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 31, OS Explorer 452N
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Barra; limited coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:25
- Sunset
- 21:48
- Civil dawn
- 04:33
- Civil dusk
- 22:40
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval] — common questions
- How difficult is Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval]?
- Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval] carries a 2/5 (moderate) grade on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Steep heather slopes broken by gneiss outcrops and short turf, with a well-defined summit ridge of bedrock.
- What is Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval]'s prominence?
- 308m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval] to the next higher ground. 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 Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval]?
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval]. 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 Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval] 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 Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval]?
- Poor. Remote Barra; limited coverage.
- How do I get the ferry to Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval]?
- Oban → Castlebay (Barra). 1 sailing daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. A four-and-three-quarter-hour direct crossing — plan an overnight stay. Alternative: fly to Barra Airport (beach landing), or reach via Eriskay → Ardmhor (Barra) after taking the South Uist ferry.
- Is Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval] safe in winter?
- Maritime conditions mean rain and wind dominate; lying snow is unusual. The steep grass can be slick after frost and a slip on the upper slopes carries real consequences.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.