The Horns of Hagmark, Unst

Summary

This superb circuit climbs to the summit of the Hill of Clibberswick, which has some of Unst's finest coastal cliff scenery, including the dramatically named Horns of Hagmark. The route descends to give views over the beautiful Norwick beach before returning to the start point, the former RAF base at the Saxa Vord resort.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Minor roads, then grassy clifftop walking.

Public Transport

Bus to Haroldswick.

Start

Saxa Vord (former RAF base now a spaceport ) - sometimes named Valsgarth on OS maps. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 9km / 5.5 miles
Time: 3 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 260m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: HP642132

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

There are spacious car parks at Saxa Vord former RAF base which is now a developing Spaceport for the launch of satelites; it is situated just north of Haroldswick and is named 'Valsgarth' on some OS maps. Begin the walk along the minor road heading southeast, turning right at the Skeggie road junction. Ignore the turning on the left for Gerratown, instead taking the next left, signed for Clibberswick. At the end of the public road a quarry is currently being expanded and has destroyed the original path to the first stiles on the walk. Pass around the quarry area - we've been advised this is currently easiest to the right side - to rejoin the original route at the coast beyond.

Stage 2

The walk now continues along the grassy coastline on delightful short-cropped grass. There are good views across to the Keen of Hamar across the bay of Harold's Wick. Cross a stile over a fence by an old ruin to continue by the coast.

Stage 3

After another stile the going becomes rockier underfoot. Pass to the left of a walled enclosure, and then climb a little to pass around the top of a deep geo or inlet. Continue east from the top of the inlet to reach the eastern coast of the peninsula - and the first sight of its dramatic cliffs.

Stage 4

Turn left to follow the rising clifftops, with superb rock scenery throughout, to reach a trig point marking the summit of the Hill of Clibberswick - the highest point of the peninsula at 160m. On a calm day this is a great spot to relax and enjoy the stunning views taking in much of Unst.

Stage 5

Continue by the top of the cliffs, eventually a short descent to the right leads you to a stile over a fence. Just beyond this several rocks project up above the line of the top of the cliffs - these are a landmark when seen from the sea and are known as the Horns of Hagmark. The coastal scenery continues to be quite spectacular; there are great views back from above the promontory above Ship Stack.

Stage 6

Continuing above Girr Wick, the route passes some old kailyards (once used to shelter growing kale) to reach a stile just above the coast. There are great views across the beautiful sandy beach of Nor Wick stretching away to the north. From the low cliffs above the south end of the beach aim left up the field towards the houses at Millfield. Pass through a gate to gain a track that passes behind these before becoming a minor road.

Stage 7

Turn left at the road junction at Kirkaton, then left again at the next junction to follow the B9087 back towards Saxa Vord (Valsgarth). You can either continue to the crossroads before turning left, or cut through the furthest part of the old RAF camp to return to the start.

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