Ward Hill
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Route planning notes
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Ward Hill Circular Route
A scenic loop that begins at the road head and encompasses the hill’s summit, offering stunning views across the Shetland landscapes.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
481m
1,578 ft
Prominence
481m
Coordinates
58.9006, -3.3405
HY228022
OS Map
6 7
Explorer: 462
At the Summit
The summit boasts a prominent trig point surrounded by a cairn, both perfect for that iconic snapshot. An excellent resting spot to catch your breath and enjoy the view.
Terrain & Geology
Primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, with exposed shale and sandstone that tell tales of ancient seas. Ward Hill's geology provides a fascinating glimpse into the Earth’s history during the Silurian period.
Views & Scenery
On a clear day, the breathtaking vistas from the summit include the surrounding islands, the North Sea, and even the distant mainland of Scotland.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Ward' may derive from a Norse word meaning 'watch', referencing its height and visibility over the sea. 'Hill' is simply what it is.
Historical Significance
Historically, Ward Hill served as a lookout point, providing vital warnings to nearby settlements of approaching ships.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
Parking is available at the nearby road head by the small picnic area, accommodating several vehicles.
Public Transport
Regular bus services operate from Lerwick to nearby settlements, making access relatively straightforward.
Nearby Facilities
Lerwick boasts several cafes and shops for a hearty meal or a quick coffee. Public toilets are located within the town.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- High winds can be common, particularly during winter months. Watch out for slippery paths after rain.
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 Ward Hill?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ward Hill through the maps
Are there other walkers around Ward 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 Ward Hill search or of course create your own walk for Ward Hill
Can I organise a walk to Ward 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 Ward 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 Ward 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 Ward 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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid reference: HY228022
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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