Date: Wednesday 27th October 2021
Company: Just myself
Distance: 11km, Ascent: 505m
Time: 3Hrs 5Mins
Having ascended Ronas Hill twice previously, with limited views due to low cloud, after reviewing the MetOffice forecast I opted to ascend a third time as the forecast was looking good. I should of course have known by now that MetOffice forecasts for Shetland are incorrect most of the time.
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
I again parked at the base of Collafirth Hill ascending the tarmac road up Collafirth Hill on foot. A sign at the base warns that the road is only suitable for 4x4 vehicles due to the condition of the road. While this was certainly the case on my previous two ascents, during the walk I found that the road has been resurfaced and there would have been no problem driving up it to the parking area atop Collafirth Hill.
Looking back to Collafirth during initial ascent of Collafirth Hill:
The ascent up Collafirth Hill was as steep as ever; it certainly doesn't get any easier with increasing age.
Transmitters at the summit of Collafirth Hill:
Ronas Hill signage near the summit of Collafirth Hill:
After reading the Ronas Hill signage, I set off towards Mid Field and then on towards Ronas Hill.
One of several cairns passed en-route to Ronas Hill:
One of several cairns passed en-route to Ronas Hill:
While it was frustrating to again be walking in low cloud, a continous theme of my recent visit, it was even more frustrating to have carried my heavy DSLR and lens up the hill without being able to take any photographs due to the mist.
Shurgie Scord appearing out of the mist:
On reaching the summit area, I visited the chambered cairn, and the summit shelter and trig point before returning back roughly the way I had ascended.
Chambered Cairn atop Ronas Hill:
Inside the Chambered Cairn:
A wee note left in the summit shelter book:
Summit Shelter:
Descent from Ronas Hill:
Following my ascent of Ronas Hill I drove to Eshaness for the remainder of the day - days are short and nights are long at this time of year in Shetland. Eshaness is one of my favourite places in Scotland!
Cliffs at Eshaness:
Eshaness Lighthouse:
I was treated to a lovely sunset at Eshaness but alas there was no aurora on this occasion.
Sunset at Eshaness:
