HU3083 : Ronas Hill

Ronas Hill

450m Elevation
450m Prominence
Scotland Country
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HU3083 : Ronas Hill

John Ireland Photo source

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Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Ronas Hill via Collafirth Hill

This is the most popular route to Ronas Hill, starting from the Collafirth Hill car park. The path leads towards the summit of Ronas Hill, passing through heather moorland and rocky terrain. The views at the summit are breathtaking, offering a panorama of Shetland's rugged landscape and surrounding coastline.

7.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Ronas Hill Circular via Lang Ayre

A challenging but rewarding circular route that begins at the Collafirth Hill car park and descends to the Lang Ayre beach before ascending Ronas Hill. This route combines coastal cliffs, beach terrain, and a summit climb, with opportunities to see unique wildlife and geological formations.

10 km ~4 hours Hard

Ronas Hill via Burn of Monius

A quieter and less-trodden path that follows the Burn of Monius to reach the summit of Ronas Hill. This route offers solitude and a chance to explore Shetland's remote landscape, with several small waterfalls along the way.

6.5 km ~3 hours Moderate

Ronas Hill and North Roe Circuit

A longer, more adventurous hike combining the ascent of Ronas Hill with a circuit around North Roe. This route showcases a variety of terrains, including moorland, rock-strewn paths, and coastal features. It is ideal for experienced walkers seeking a full day's adventure.

15 km ~6.5 hours Hard

Ronas Hill Short Ascent

A straightforward and shorter route to the summit of Ronas Hill, ideal for those with limited time. Starting from a higher elevation point, this route focuses on reaching the summit quickly while still enjoying the expansive views across Shetland.

4 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill Historic County Top (pre-1889) Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996) Current County/UA Top SIB

Elevation

450m

1,476 ft

Prominence

450m

Coordinates

60.5339, -1.4459

HU305834

OS Map

1 3

Explorer: 469N

At the Summit

The summit features a magnificent stone cairn, offering a perfect spot for a well-deserved coffee break and a snap or two for social media.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops transitioning into heather moorland around the summit.

Ronas Hill is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, which dates back to the Devonian period. The rock formations provide an interesting layer of history and topography, allowing for intriguing geological studies.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy stunning views over the Shetland Islands, including the rugged coastlines, other hilltops like Ward Hill, and on a clear day, even the Orkney Islands can be visible.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ronas' is derived from Norn, meaning 'a row of hills', while 'Hill' is straightforward enough.

Historical Significance

Ronas Hill holds ecological importance, providing habitats for various birds and native plant species unique to the Shetlands.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There's ample parking near the trailhead at Brae, which is free and well-maintained.

Public Transport

Buses from Lerwick service the Brae area regularly. Check the Shetland Islands Council's website for current timetables.

Nearby Facilities

Several cafes and small shops in Brae where hikers can restock on snacks or grab a warm drink before or after their trek. Public toilets are also available in the village.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Variable weather can lead to rapid changes in visibility, so be sure to check forecasts. The terrain can be uneven in parts, so watch your footing.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ronas Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ronas Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ronas Hill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ronas Hill search or of course create your own walk for Ronas Hill

Can I organise a walk to Ronas Hill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ronas Hill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ronas Hill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Ronas Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Ronas Hill location map

Grid reference: HU305834

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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