BUY ME A COFFEE
Hills: Ronas Hill
Date: Monday 17th August 2020
Company: Myself and Kate
Distance: 11km, Ascent: 505m
Time: 4Hrs 10Mins


Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

On Monday morning, we set off nice and early for an ascent of Ronas Hill, the highest point in the Shetland Isles. As per my previous ascent of Ronas Hill in 2013, we started our ascent from the base of Collafirth Hill where there is a sign advising that the road to the summit of Collafirth Hill is suitable only for 4x4s; the road has a number of sizeable pot holes.

My progress up the hill was hampered somewhat by the weight of my DSLR with 560mm lens. I had decided to carry the heavyweight camera on the off-chance of seeing some wildlife. As it turned out, I saw very little in the way of wildlife so carrying the DSLR was just a burden.

Looking back to starting point and Colla Firth:


We followed the tarmac road as far as the summit of Collafirth Hill before continuing via pathless ascent to reach Mid Field and then Ronas Hill.

Approaching the summit of Collafirth Hill:


Information Sign about Ronas Hill:


During the traverse to Ronas Hill, we passed countless red granite boulders, and on the higher slopes, numerous eroded terraces formed by solifluction.

About to ascend Mid Field:


View during ascent:


Marker cairn passed during ascent of Mid Field:


On my first ascent of Ronas Hill in 2013 we saw virtually nothing due to low cloud. The weather forecast on this occasion was excellent, however the reality was more low cloud .

During this trip, I frequently reviewed the MetOffice iPhone app. More often than not, its forecasts were incorrect. If coming to Shetland, be prepared for any and all weathers and don't trust the forecasts.

Approaching the summit of Mid Field:


From the summit of Mid Field, we descended to the col between Mid Field and Ronas Hill passing a solitary Mountain Hare which sped off into the mist.

Ronas Hill:


During the final stretch to the summit, and while at the summit, visibility was close to zero.

Approaching the summit of Ronas Hill:


At the summit we visited the large chambered cairn, the trig point and shelter, and the summit rock.

Chambered Cairn at the summit of Ronas Hill:


Trig point and summit shelter:


At the summit of Ronas Hill:


Looking inside the chambered cairn:


We then returned to the van via the same route.

Looking back to Ronas Hill from lochan:


Looking back to Ronas Hill from Mid Field:


As is often the case, by the time we reached the van the cloud had lifted above the hill and the summit of Ronas Hill was clear .

An enjoyable but misty brief walk up Shetland's highest.