Taran Mor

About Taran Mor

As the southernmost of the five heights on the remote island of Foula, this rugged peak sits amidst some of Britain's most spectacular coastal scenery. The climb involves crossing wind-swept maritime heath to reach a summit that overlooks the terrifyingly steep western drops into the North Atlantic.

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Did You Know?

• •The name reflects a blend of influences on the island; while 'Mor' is the common Gaelic for 'big,' the landscape of Foula is dominated by Old Norse (Norn) heritage, where such heights were essential landmarks for Viking navigators.
• •Taran Mor is the final peak in the challenging traverse of Foula’s 'high five' summits, offering a unique profile view of the island's higher peaks, The Sneug and Hamnafield, stretching away to the north.
• •On a day of rare clarity, looking south across the Atlantic can reveal the tiny silhouette of Fair Isle, lying roughly 45 miles away across some of the most turbulent waters in the British Isles.
• •The ascent is frequently patrolled by Great Skuas, known locally as Bonxies; these territorial birds are famous for their fearless dive-bombing of anyone straying too close to their nesting sites on the moorland.
• •Due to Foula’s extreme isolation, residents historically adhered to the Julian calendar; if you time your walk for early January, you might find the islanders are still waiting for Christmas to arrive.