Foula airstrip and pier coastal circuit

Summary

For those not wishing to explore Foula's windswept hills, this shorter circuit explores the cliffs of the east coast from the airstrip to the ferry pier, before returning along a tarred road. There is plenty to see along the way, including the island's memorial to the first World War, Shetland ponies, and nesting puffins and other seabirds.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Very boggy and pathless from the airstrip to the coast, then grassy coastal walking with stiles. Return along minor road.

Getting there

Start

Foula airstrip.

Public Transport

Foula is served by both air and ferry links from mainland Shetland. Only the air service allows a day visit if not planning to stay on the island overnight, with varying amounts of time between flights on different days. Advance booking is needed as the flights are often full.

Start Grid Ref

HT970376

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 92m (Profile)

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Explorer 467 - Shetland - Mainland Central

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk begins from Foula airstrip (the route can also be picked up at the ferry pier), there is a small waiting room and toilets; the flight over to the island is a memorable experience in its own right. Wait for any planes to depart and then begin by heading round the northern end of the runway, continuing across very boggy pathless ground (the wettest part of the whole walk) to reach the coastal cliffs to the east.

Stage 2

Follow the clifftops northwards, soon passing through a signed gate and continuing to reach a memorial to the first World War - Foula had a population of 100 at this time, and lost 6 of its young men. Continue along the cliffs, rounding the bay of Ham Little - look out for puffins and their burrows at the clifftops. There are a couple of wooden boardwalks and another pedestrian gate as you pass round the far side.

Stage 3

After rounding Da Head o da Baa, Foula's main jetty comes into view across Da Voe; the tiny ferry boat is usually kept safely hauled up above the water. Follow a marker post inland towards a house on the south side of Da Voe, and after passing through a gate turn immediately right on a footpath that leads down towards a footbridge over the burn that flows into Da Voe.

Stage 4

Cross this and climb the broad path on the far side to reach a road; the jetty is a short distance to the right here, but our route turns left. After a cattle grid a t-junction with the main Foula road is reached; turn left along this to begin the walk back to the airstrip.

Stage 5

After 1.4km the Baxter Chapel is seen on the right - it is still a working chapel but also has a room acting as a visitor centre for the island, full of information and photographs about Foula. After visiting the chapel, take the next left turning to follow the road back down to the airstrip.

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