HU3413 : Cliff top, Scantips

Fitful Head

283m Elevation
272m Prominence
Scotland Country
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HU3413 : Cliff top, Scantips

Calum McRoberts Photo source

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Trail from St. Margaret's Hope

A well-trodden path starting from the charming village of St. Margaret's Hope, leading up the grassy slopes of Fitful Head.

2.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m hill

Elevation

283m

928 ft

Prominence

272m

Coordinates

59.9056, -1.3827

HU346135

OS Map

4

Explorer: 466S

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a weathered cairn and breathtaking cliffs plunging into the North Sea, offering a perfect perch for admiring the waves and for watching for puffins during nesting season.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with sections of rocky outcrop near the summit.

Fitful Head is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, specifically sandstone and siltstone, formed during the Jurassic period. The cliffs provide fascinating geological formations that are a potential delight for geology enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, enjoy panoramic views over the North Sea, the Orkney Islands, and the rugged coastline of the Shetland Islands.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Fitful' is derived from Old Norse, potentially meaning 'the land of the wind', which is fitting given the often-blustery conditions.

Historical Significance

Fitful Head has historical significance as a navigation point for sailors, where the dramatic cliffs have been a familiar sight for centuries.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is limited parking available in the village of St. Margaret's Hope. Ensure you're not blocking any driveways!

Public Transport

Local buses connect most villages in Shetland, but check the timetable as service can be infrequent.

Nearby Facilities

In St. Margaret's Hope, there are a couple of cosy cafes and public toilets available for use. A great spot to fuel up before the hike!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of steep cliffs near the summit; strong winds can also make footing tricky. Take care when on the grassy slopes, especially if wet.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Fitful Head?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Fitful Head through the maps

Are there other walkers around Fitful Head?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Fitful Head search or of course create your own walk for Fitful Head

Can I organise a walk to Fitful Head?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Fitful Head.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Fitful Head?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Fitful Head here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: HU346135

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