Tighvein

Tighvein is a hill above Lamlash on the Isle of Arran in western Scotland. Its Gaelic name, Taobh Bheinn, means ‘side hill’. It stands south-east of the Monamore Glen pass and is the highest point on the south-eastern section of the island. The hill has enough topographic prominence to be classed as a Marilyn. Two miles of rough ground separate it from the nearest road. The hill is rarely climbed because no paths lead to the top. The summit area is a heathery, boggy moor almost entirely ringed by thick forestry plantations. Walkers who reach the top find an open, undulating landscape with few landmarks. Views stretch across the south-eastern part of Arran and over the Firth of Clyde. The surrounding forest plantations contrast with the open moor at the summit. The contrast between managed woodland and wild moorland makes the hill distinctive. The lack of tracks keeps the place quiet and little visited. Those who do make the climb often describe it as a solitary experience.