Da Sneug [The Sneug]

About Da Sneug [The Sneug]

Rising steeply from the Atlantic, this is the highest point on the remote island of Foula. The ascent over rough peat and grass leads to a summit that feels profoundly isolated. Its western flank terminates abruptly at The Kame, where the land drops away in one of Britain's most formidable sea cliffs.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is derived from the Old Norse word snjór, meaning snow. As the island's highest point, the summit is usually the first to receive a winter dusting and the last to lose it come spring.
• •To the west of the summit lies The Kame, a colossal sea cliff dropping 376 metres sheer into the Atlantic. It is among the highest sea cliffs in the United Kingdom and requires great care in poor visibility.
• •The hill is a primary nesting ground for the Great Skua, known locally as the 'Bonxie'. These territorial birds are known for aggressive aerial displays; walkers are often advised to hold a walking pole aloft to discourage low-flying sweeps during the breeding season.
• •On a clear day, the view from the trig point extends across the ocean to the peaks of the Shetland mainland, while the lonely silhouette of Fair Isle can be spotted to the south.
• •While technically a Marilyn, the primary challenge is often the logistics of the trip; the island's ferry and air services are frequently suspended due to the same Atlantic weather that makes the hill so dramatic.