Exploring Foula with Leah

Foula lies 20 miles west of the Shetland Mainland and you can get there either by ferry or by plane. Leah and friends flew in from Tingwall Airport and stayed at one of the island’s self-catering properties for the weekend.

Here she shares her top tips of things to do in Foula…

1. Make a weekend of it

Growing up in Shetland, Foula has a mystical, almost otherworldliness. You can see its dramatic cliffs towering above the water from the West Mainland but very few islanders ever venture over, favouring the more accessible and populated North Isles of Yell and Unst.

I’ve been to Foula a few times and I just love it. It’s a really special place and worth a trip just to explore the dramatic coastline. If you are going to Foula I recommend you book a night or two at self-catering accommodation. This gives you an opportunity to really get to know the island and enjoy the peace and tranquility.

If you’re flying into Foula a good tip is to place a food order at the Hamnavoe shop in Burra before you go, because there’s no shop on the isle. They can arrange to get your stores over for you. Otherwise, you can drop supplies at the ferry in Walls and pick them up from the terminal when you get there.

As the weather can be so changeable, I advise you pack for every eventuality and bring enough food and supplies with you - in case you get stuck in the isle for an extra day or two!

2. Do the five peaks challenge

No visit to Foula would be complete without a walk up at least one, or all, of the island’s five peaks. The views from the top are insane! The most famous of these is Da Kame, which is the highest sheer cliff in Britain at 1,233 feet. The day we walked up it in July was lovely and warm but there was a sea mist, which is common in such high altitudes, so you need to be confident climbing and descending in misty conditions.

By the time we got towards the top the mist was clearing and we could see all the puffins on the cliffs. It was just spectacular! It’s not for the faint-hearted though, and you must be careful not to go too near the cliff edges as they are over-hanging. Safety over selfies is extremely important.

3. Immerse yourself in nature

Foula is a quiet, peaceful island and it’s wonderful just to take the time to really appreciate the beauty and nature all around you. Grazing all over the island are the famous Foula sheep, an indigenous flock of native Shetland animals renowned for their distinctive, natural coloured fleeces. You’ll also find beautiful wild ponies who aren’t afraid to come right up to you to say hello. The seabirds are also phenomenal and can be enjoyed along every cliff edge. You really are spoilt when it comes to natural beauty in Foula.