One of my fellow passengers, on the ferry across Handa Sound, remarked that it was an appropriate day for a beach landing and it took a second for me to realise that he meant the date, the 6th of June!
- Beach landing on Handa
We were met on the beach buy 3 of the islands wardens, who pushed the landing ramp up to the bow so we could disembark. One of the wardens then escorted us through the dunes to the other beach then up to the stone built shelter which multi tasks as information hut, shop, meeting place and, well, shelter. There is also a fairly new toilet block adjacent.
- Shelter & Toilet block
There then followed the most pleasant and easy to comply with "Health and Safety" briefing I have experienced. We were ASKED to stick as much as possible to the path and REQUESTED to avoid certain areas. Not just that but we were given the explanations as to why these requests were being made. It's so much easier to do as you're asked than to do as you are ordered.
We then set off on our tour of the island. Now the leaflet you are given in the shelter (available in umpteen languages) suggests you head across the middle of the island towards the cliffs and ultimately a counter clockwise circuit. I suspect the sudden arrival at the top of the 85metre cliffs would, indeed, take your breath away. I, however, would suggest that, especially if it's your first visit, you take the clockwise option. The choice must be made roughly 500m from the shelter where the path splits.
Taking the clockwise path means that the island reveals it's wonders gradually, each one more astonishing and exciting than the last.
- Boardwalk from the Rocky Bay
- Natural Arch
- Geos
- The Cliffs on Handa
- The Great Stack
- Birds on a shelf
- Naff off we'rre sleeping
As we walked along an Arctic Skua encouraged us to keep walking past it's nest.
- Arctic Skua
We spent a long time watching
- Small Stack in Puffin Bay
After a seat and a bite to eat, we set off down the boardwalk across the island back to the shelter.
- Path Across the Island
If you go to Handa pick a good day during the nesting season, give yourself plenty of time and sandwiches, take the longest camera lens you can and binoculars. You wont be disappointed!
