![Button Hills [Dalescord Hill]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs0.geograph.org.uk%2Fgeophotos%2F03%2F58%2F82%2F3588276_87f721cd.jpg&w=1920&q=75&dpl=dpl_CBXtfUkJx6W89LDicVXehL74AYLp)
Marilyn · Orkney & Shetland
Button Hills [Dalescord Hill]
Button Hills — also known as Dalescord Hill — reach 252m on the empty interior of north Mainland Shetland, between Voe and Sullom Voe. A genuine off-the-map summit visited mostly by Marilyn baggers, with peat moor stretching in every direction.
Quick facts
- Height
- 252m/ 827ft
- Prominence
- 203 m
- Grid ref
- HU 39314 68432
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
blanket bog 55% · heather moorland 30% · rocky summit 15%
A pathless yomp from a layby on the A970 near Dales Voe. Pick a line across peat moorland, avoiding the worst hags, to reach the broad summit. Around 5km return in 2.5-3 hours depending on ground conditions.
Terrain
Deep peat and tussocks dominate. Several knolls compete for the title of highest point — Dalescord Hill itself is the official top. Boggy except after dry spells.
In winter
Frozen peat speeds progress hugely; if a hard frost is forecast this becomes a far more pleasant outing. Short daylight and wind exposure are the main constraints.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow14h 2m
- Edinburgh13h 31m
Ferry access
Aberdeen → Lerwick (Shetland)
- Crossing time720 min
- Summer sailingsDaily overnight sailing (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailingsDaily overnight sailing (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead14 days
A 12-hour overnight sailing — book a cabin berth. Plan a multi-day Shetland trip; the island is large and the journey is substantial. Flights from Aberdeen/Edinburgh are a faster alternative.
Book on ferry operator ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 2, OS Landranger 3, OS Explorer 469S
Mobile signal: Poor. No networks reach this summit; download offline maps in Lerwick before visiting.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:38
- Sunset
- 21:45
- Civil dawn
- 03:34
- Civil dusk
- 22:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Button Hills [Dalescord Hill] — common questions
- How hard is Button Hills [Dalescord Hill]?
- We grade Button Hills [Dalescord Hill] at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. Underfoot: Deep peat and tussocks dominate.
- What is Button Hills [Dalescord Hill]'s prominence?
- 203m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Button Hills [Dalescord Hill] to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.
- When is the best time to climb Button Hills [Dalescord Hill]?
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Button Hills [Dalescord Hill]. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
- Is Button Hills [Dalescord Hill] dog-friendly?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Button Hills [Dalescord Hill]?
- Poor. No networks reach this summit; download offline maps in Lerwick before visiting.
- How do I get the ferry to Button Hills [Dalescord Hill]?
- Aberdeen → Lerwick (Shetland). Daily overnight sailing (Apr–Oct) in summer; Daily overnight sailing (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 14 days ahead. A 12-hour overnight sailing — book a cabin berth. Plan a multi-day Shetland trip; the island is large and the journey is substantial. Flights from Aberdeen/Edinburgh are a faster alternative.
- Is Button Hills [Dalescord Hill] safe in winter?
- Frozen peat speeds progress hugely; if a hard frost is forecast this becomes a far more pleasant outing. Short daylight and wind exposure are the main constraints.
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