HP6316 : Saxa Vord radome

Saxa Vord

284m Elevation
284m Prominence
Scotland Country
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HP6316 : Saxa Vord radome

Mike Pennington Photo source

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Saxa Vord Trail

A picturesque path that takes you through lush grasslands and rocky outcrops leading directly to the summit of Saxa Vord.

3.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m hill SIB

Elevation

284m

932 ft

Prominence

284m

Coordinates

60.8275, -0.8411

HP631166

OS Map

1

Explorer: 470N

At the Summit

The summit boasts a prominent trig point which serves as a brilliant photo opportunity, and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes.

Terrain & Geology

Mixed rocky and grassy terrain with some boggy patches to watch out for.

Saxa Vord features unique geological formations predominantly composed of metamorphic rocks, including schist and gneiss, with scenic coastal cliffs that narrate the earth's ancient history.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Unst, and Yell, along with the distant hills of mainland Scotland on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Saxa Vord' translates to 'rocky point' in Old Norse, a nod to its rugged terrain.

Historical Significance

Historically, this area has been significant for navigation, aiding seafarers for centuries with its prominent elevation.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a parking area at the bottom of the Saxa Vord trail, with sufficient space for several vehicles.

Public Transport

Regular bus services connect Lerwick with nearby villages, but check local timetables for the latest updates.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities at nearby Baltasound, including a small shop and a couple of cafes to replenish your energy levels post-hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes, as conditions can shift rapidly. Additionally, watch your step in boggy areas and while navigating rocky patches.

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 Saxa Vord?

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

Are there other walkers around Saxa Vord?

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 Saxa Vord search or of course create your own walk for Saxa Vord

Can I organise a walk to Saxa Vord?

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 Saxa Vord.

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 Saxa Vord?

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 Saxa Vord 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

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: HP631166

View on OpenStreetMap

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