Scotland
Royl Field
293M
961FT
About Royl Field
Rising above the southern coast of Barra, this prominent Marilyn offers a quieter alternative to its taller neighbour, Heaval. The terrain is a mix of steep grass and heather, typical of the Outer Hebrides. From the summit, the view south across the turquoise waters of Vatersay Sound to the Bishop's Isles is exceptional.
Key Statistics
Rank
5th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Outer Hebrides
Prominence
?
287m
Nearest Town
Houss
Geology
You are trekking over the Clift Hills Formation. The ground consists of semipelite, a fine-grained rock formed from ancient layers of mud and silt.
Nearby Fells
Find It
OS Grid Reference
HU395285
Latitude
60.0395°N
Longitude
1.2911°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely derives from the Old Norse 'Hóll', meaning a hill or mound, reflecting the significant Viking heritage found throughout the Outer Hebrides.
- •The summit provides a bird's-eye view of Kisimul Castle, the historic stronghold of the Clan MacNeil, which sits on a rocky islet in the middle of Castlebay.
- •Walkers often combine the ascent with a trip to Heaval, though the drop into the Bealach a' Chaolais between the two is surprisingly steep and can be heavy going in wet weather.
- •On a clear day, the vista extends far beyond the immediate coastline to the uninhabited islands of Mingulay and Berneray at the southern tip of the archipelago.
- •While the height of 293 metres may seem modest, the walk typically begins from the roadside near sea level, meaning you earn every foot of the ascent through honest effort.