Marilyn · Orkney & Shetland
Vord Hill
Vord Hill is the high point of Fetlar, the small green island sometimes called "the garden of Shetland". At 159m it rises above the RSPB land at North Fetlar and gives extensive views over Yell Sound, Unst and Out Stack.
Quick facts
- Height
- 159m/ 522ft
- Grid ref
- HU 62253 93504
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 60% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 15%
Access is from the unclassified road at Houbie, with a short hike onto the open hill. North Fetlar is RSPB-managed and access to the summit area is restricted during seabird and whimbrel nesting — check signage.
Terrain
Mixed heather and short grass over thin soils, with serpentine outcrops giving small areas of bare rock. Drier underfoot than most Shetland Marilyns.
In winter
Fetlar ferries run via Yell so two crossings are needed, and winter sailings cancel in any large swell. Snow rare; the main hazard is wind chill on the open ridge.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow15h 7m
- Edinburgh14h 30m
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 1, OS Landranger 2, OS Explorer 470S
Mobile signal: Poor. Remote Fetlar, Shetland; very limited coverage.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 03:32
- Sunset
- 22:36
- Civil dawn
- 01:17
- Civil dusk
- 00:51
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Vord Hill — common questions
- How hard is Vord Hill?
- Vord Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Mixed heather and short grass over thin soils, with serpentine outcrops giving small areas of bare rock.
- When is the best time to climb Vord Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for Vord Hill 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 Vord Hill?
- 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 Vord Hill?
- Poor. Remote Fetlar, Shetland; very limited coverage.
- How do I get the ferry to Vord 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 Vord Hill safe in winter?
- Fetlar ferries run via Yell so two crossings are needed, and winter sailings cancel in any large swell. Snow rare; the main hazard is wind chill on the open ridge.
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