Ten days in Shetland in August were the undoubted high point of the year by every measurement except mere metres, with mostly Mediterranean weather and a view from every hill (wandering Foula cliff tops in T-shirt and shorts). Best summits are the two Noups (Foula and Noss) although Ronas Hill also has a strongly individual character, like a chunk of Cairngorm plateau with stunning sea views all round. At a purely practical level, August seems to be the best time for anyone wanting to bag all the Shetland Marilyns -Noss is only open and accessible from late May to the end of August, while Vord Hill on Fetlar is 'closed' until the end of July, being in a statutory bird sanctuary.
