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.

By Gary

Photo: Rude Health / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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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
Prominence: 308 m
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
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).

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Standard route

Lewisian gneiss 45% · heather moorland 35% · rocky summit 20%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

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.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Beinn Tangabhal [Ben Tangaval]. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. No MWIS mountain forecast covers this area either. In winter, work from a local weather forecast, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

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.

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OS maps: OS Landranger 31, OS Explorer 452N

Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Barra; limited coverage.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 13mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:58
Sunset: 19:54
Civil dawn: 06:19
Civil dusk: 20:32

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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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.

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