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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
- Grid ref
- NL 63892 99054
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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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 time300 min
- Summer sailings1 sailing daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings4–5 sailings per week (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
A 5-hour 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
- 04:35
- Sunset
- 22:26
- Civil dawn
- 03:28
- Civil dusk
- 23:34
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval] — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval]?
- Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval] is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Steep heather slopes broken by gneiss outcrops and short turf, with a well-defined summit ridge of bedrock.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval]?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval] 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 Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval]?
- 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 5-hour 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.
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