They are steep-sided quartzite hills with distinctive conical shapes resembling breasts. The word pap is an ancient word of Old Norse origin for the breast.[1] The Paps are conspicuous hills that dominate the island landscape as well as the landscape of the surrounding area. They can be seen from the Mull of Kintyre and, on a clear day, Skye, Northern Ireland, and Malin Head.
One of the simplest routes of ascent starts from Craighouse. The route of the annual Isle of Jura Fell Race includes all three Paps and four other hills.
When viewed from Kintraw Argyll the midwinter sun briefly shines between two of the paps just before setting.
