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
- Prominence
- 159 m
- Grid ref
- HU 62253 93504
- 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
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
- 04:35
- Sunset
- 21:45
- Civil dawn
- 03:29
- Civil dusk
- 22:51
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Vord Hill — common questions
- Is Vord Hill a hard climb?
- Vord Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Mixed heather and short grass over thin soils, with serpentine outcrops giving small areas of bare rock.
- What is Vord Hill's prominence?
- Vord Hill's prominence is its full height — 159m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. 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 Vord Hill?
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Vord 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 Vord 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 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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