Balfour coast walk, Shapinsay

Summary

Balfour is the tiny but attractive capital of Shapinsay, served by regular ferry from Kirkwall. The walk takes views of the Scots Baronial Castle (private) and offers a mix of easy grassy walking and rougher tidal shoreline with the chance to see seals as well as plentiful birdlife. The return is along a minor road, visiting a hide overlooking the RSPB's Mill Dam reserve. This walk should not be attempted at high tide.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Grassy path, then rough pebbly shoreline. Final section is on tarmac road.

Getting there

Start

Ferry pier, Isle of Shapinsay.

Public Transport

Shapinsay is served by regular ferry from Kirkwall; the walk begins from the pier.

Start Grid Ref

HY479164

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 62m (Profile)

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Explorer 461 - Orkney East

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Starting from the ferry pier, bear left and head between the rounded stone posts leading into the parking area in front of the Gatehouse - which formerly served Balfour Castle but now operates as a pub. Pass through the gap in the wall just to the right of the Gatehouse, then turn left behind it and through (or over) the gate giving access to the coastal pastures (the grounds of the castle are private). Head for the stone tower which was prominent from the ferry as the island was approached.

Stage 2

This is the Dishan Tower - locally known as the Douche. Originally built in the seventeenth century as a dovecot, it was converted into a saltwater shower by David Balfour - who owed the castle and after whom the village was renamed. Continue on a grassy path round the shoreline as it turns west - there are usually grazing cattle. There are views towards the Castle; the oldest part was a house dating back to 1782 but it was remodelled and extended in the nineteenth century in the Scots Baronial style.

Stage 3

Eventually a drystone wall is reached - head through the gate. The pastures become a little rougher now as the walk continues around Twi Ness and Stromeberry, with views across to Kirkwall and the ferries to-ing and fro-ing from the other islands. Cross a stile over a fence and continue north along the coast.

Stage 4

Another drystone wall is reached with another gate - don't go through the gate here, instead taking to the pebbly shoreline and crossing over the remains of Grukalty Pier (which is an extension of the wall). The next section of the walk gives rough, tidal going - take care. Keep to the shore beneath the earthy ramparts of Red Banks.

Stage 5

Eventually the Vasa loch is reached, and the going becomes easier. Continue along the grassy strip that separates the loch from the sea. This area is sometimes used for nesting by arctic terns - if these graceful birds attack, keep to the shore instead to avoid bothering them. Look out also for seals, which love to haul out on the Skerry of Vasa just offshore.

Stage 6

Soon the route becomes a grassy track and passes a bench. Join the tarmac road and follow it inland. Keep straight ahead at two junctions to reach a t-junction at the top of the hill, then turn right to begin the walk back to Balfour.

Stage 7

About half way back is a parking area for the Mill Loch RSPB reserve on the left - head through this to visit an excellent hide overlooking the loch. The RSPB have managed the water levels to create ideal habitat for breeding water birds.

Stage 8

Back on the road, continue south to eventually return to the coast. Turn right at the t-junction by the shore to head back through the village. The old stone tower is the remains of a 19th century gas tower. Further on is a shop on the left, and then a cafe / restaurant and island heritage centre amidst a row of attractive buildings on the right, before the pier is reached once more.

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