Is Scalla Field a hard climb?

Scalla Field is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Some of the wettest walking in Shetland — peat hags, groughs and standing water are normal.

What is Scalla Field's prominence?

267m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Scalla Field 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 Scalla Field?

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Scalla Field. 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 Scalla Field dog-friendly?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary

Photo: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Orkney & Shetland

Scalla Field

Scalla Field is the highest point in the central interior of Shetland Mainland, a 281m peat plateau north of Weisdale Voe. The hill is a real backwater — few walkers come here outside of dedicated Marilyn rounds — but the silence and open sky are part of the appeal.

Quick facts

Height: 281m/ 922ft
Prominence: 267 m
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: HU 38929 57246
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%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

A pathless walk up from the minor road near Petta Dale, crossing peat moor and avoiding the worst of the bog. Around 6-7km return with 200m of ascent, taking 3 hours due to the difficult ground.

Terrain

Some of the wettest walking in Shetland — peat hags, groughs and standing water are normal. A dry summer or hard frost transforms the experience.

In winter

Frozen ground makes winter perversely the best season here. Snow rarely deep but the wind across the open plateau is biting.

Outside the SAIS network. No Scottish Avalanche Information Service forecast covers Scalla Field. SAIS forecasts six areas only — Northern and Southern Cairngorms, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber, Glencoe and Torridon — and this hill is outside all of them, so there is no avalanche forecast to read for it. No MWIS mountain forecast covers this area either. In winter, work from a local weather forecast, judge snow stability from first principles, and treat any cornice or wind-loaded slope with extra caution.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow14h 48m
Edinburgh12h 16m

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 467E

Mobile signal: Poor. Central Shetland interior; EE fails. Lerwick is the nearest coverage.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

14h 28mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 06:30
Sunset: 19:32
Civil dawn: 05:47
Civil dusk: 20:15

NOAA Solar Calculator · 14 September 2026

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Scalla Field — common questions

Is Scalla Field a hard climb?: Scalla Field is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Some of the wettest walking in Shetland — peat hags, groughs and standing water are normal.
What is Scalla Field's prominence?: 267m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Scalla Field 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 Scalla Field?: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Scalla Field. 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 Scalla Field 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 Scalla Field?: Poor. Central Shetland interior; EE fails. Lerwick is the nearest coverage.
How do I get the ferry to Scalla Field?: 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 Scalla Field safe in winter?: Frozen ground makes winter perversely the best season here. Snow rarely deep but the wind across the open plateau is biting.

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