Marilyn · Orkney & Shetland
Scrae Field
Scrae Field is a broad peat dome in central Shetland Mainland, rising from the moorland that stretches between Voe and the head of Dales Voe. At 216m it has the wide horizon typical of inner Shetland — peat hags in every direction and the silver glint of distant sea lochs.
Quick facts
- Height
- 216m/ 709ft
- Grid ref
- HU 41788 36135
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
blanket bog 55% · heather moorland 30% · rocky summit 15%
Approach from the A970 near Voe or from the lay-by at Aith Voe, then strike up across open peat to the summit cairn. Distance is short but the going is slow on hag-cut ground; pick a line and commit rather than weaving.
Terrain
Classic Shetland blanket bog — deep peat hags, sphagnum lawns and stretches of bare eroded peat. Cotton-grass and crowberry on the drier ground; expect wet feet whatever the season.
In winter
Mild but very wet underfoot, with the peat saturated for months on end. Frost can briefly stiffen the hags into useful walking surfaces; gales push cloud over the plateau quickly.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow13h 28m
- Edinburgh12h 52m
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 4, OS Explorer 466N
Mobile signal: Poor. EE absent; nearest coverage near Lerwick or Brae.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 03:40
- Sunset
- 22:32
- Civil dawn
- 01:53
- Civil dusk
- 00:19
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Scrae Field — common questions
- How hard is Scrae Field?
- Scrae Field is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Classic Shetland blanket bog — deep peat hags, sphagnum lawns and stretches of bare eroded peat.
- When is the best time to climb Scrae Field?
- The standard good-weather months for Scrae Field are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Scrae Field?
- 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 Scrae Field?
- Poor. EE absent; nearest coverage near Lerwick or Brae.
- How do I get the ferry to Scrae 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 Scrae Field safe in winter?
- Mild but very wet underfoot, with the peat saturated for months on end. Frost can briefly stiffen the hags into useful walking surfaces; gales push cloud over the plateau quickly.
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