Belmont to Lund, Unst

Summary

This linear walk starts at the Belmont ferry terminal on Unst. It heads to the remains of a coastal broch before a rough moorland section visiting an abandoned settlement and another broch site. From the latter it descends to reach the beautifully situated Lund church, at the southern end of a sandy beach. A track then leads to a minor road, passing a fine standing stone. The walk as described ends at the junction beyond - either pre-arrange a lift from here, return via the outward route (doubling the time and distance given), or walk a further 1km to meet a bus on the A968 if the timetable permits (infrequent service).

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Pathless coastal walking, then a rough moorland traverse; very wet in a couple of places, one fence has no stile.

Getting there

Start

Belmont ferry terminal, Unst.

Public Transport

Belmont ferry terminal is served by bus, but there is no public transport to Lund at the end of the walk - nearest bus at the main road 1km from the end as described.

Start Grid Ref

HP565004

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.75km / 4.75 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 129m (Profile)

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Explorer 470 - Shetland - Unst, Yell and Fetlar

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

From the ferry terminal at Belmont (where there is parking and public toilets) begin the walk by heading northwards beside the main road, passing the 'Welcome to Unst' sign. Soon after this take a track on the left side that slopes down to the coastline. The track swings right at the bottom towards Belmont House - a rare example of a Georgian mansion on Shetland, now restored. Leave the track and instead continue along the grassy shoreline.

Stage 2

Keep to the left of a stone wall; it looks like there will be no way past the end of this, but there is a gate immediately beyond it - though the ground is eroding and needs care. Go through the gate and continue round the grassy shoreline, perhaps meeting some of Shetland ponies. At Hoga Ness the remains of a broch are reached in a key position overlooking the Bluemull Sound. The walls have crumbled but the remaining earthwork ditch around the broch is still impressive.

Stage 3

Now follow the coastline to the north, keeping back from the cliffs and passing a large cairn. The ground becomes rougher and slopes steeply towards the low cliffs, so a little height is gained. Pass the inlet at Gorsendi Geo and continue to reach the ruins of Voeside. Pass through a gate to continue on the south side of Snarra Voe. There's another ruin, and then you need to cross the boggy ground at the back of the voe. The ruins of the old village of Snarravoe seen up a hill are the next place to aim for, but you may need to keep left initially to avoid the worst of the boggy going.

Stage 4

Head up towards the haunting and lonely ruins, and then pass through a gate to their left. Once through this aim to the left in the next field, keeping left of the lone ruin at the top end. Eventually a low fence with no stile is reached - the easiest place to cross is where there is a half-height post near the junction of fences. From here continue north over moorland, passing through a broken fence and then aiming for a stile over the next fence. There are some waymarker arrows on the walk but in reality careful map navigation is needed.

Stage 5

Cross another stile and keep to the left of the lonely Loch of Snabrough. The huge crumbling pile of stones on the opposite side is the remains of another broch. At the far end ignore the gate, keeping left of the fenceline. Eventually the fence swings to the right, leave it here and continue across the moor, aiming past another marker post.

Stage 6

There is a stile over another fence and then more open moorland, with another marker post before you descend aiming to the right of the ruined church at Lund, crossing a stile and keeping to the right of a lochan on the way down. The ruined chapel here - dedicated to St Olaf - dates back to the 12th century when Unst was under Norse rule, but the cemetery remains in use.

Stage 7

This is a beautiful spot, with a fine sandy beach stretching away to the east. From here you could choose to retrace your steps, or perhaps extend the walk by heading around the Bluemull headland. Our linear walk simply follows the track uphill to Lund, then continues along the minor road. There is a parking area near a massive standing stone at HP578033 which would be a good place to have arranged to be picked up, or you can continue to the junction of minor roads 0.5km beyond. From here a further 1km - not included in the distance given - would take you to the main A968 road which has an occasional bus service - but if relying on this, you need to have checked the times in advance.

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