A straightforward walk around a headland with a natural arch and sea stacks taking in the high point of the Ward of Symbister.
Mainly pathless coastal moorland and grazing land (dogs must be under tight control), a couple of fences need to be crossed.
Bus to Houss.
Houss.
East Burra is reached from the island of Tronda from where it is linked via a bridge. The walk starts from the end of the road at Houss where there is very limited parking - don't block the turning area which is needed daily for large council vehicles. The route starts by heading through the gate on the left as you face south (this gate is also needed for farm vehicle access so must be kept clear). Once through the gate follow the grassy track across the field down to Ayre Dyke, the narrow point connecting Ness to East Burra.
Go through the gate and cross Ayre Dyke keeping to the right hand side of the fence. On the far side keep right to follow the track soon bearing right through a gate where the track heads inland. Follow the coast noting the mussel beds in West Voe and looking out for otters and seals. Follow the edge of the channel of the Houb, crossing a fence near the water, the remains of houses can be seen across the water. Cross the end of the channel and continue heading southwest along the coast soon crossing another fence, again near the shore.
Pass around the back of the Bay of Clivland and continue to Scaalie Point as the cliffs get higher, the island of South Havra can be seen ahead. Soon the natural arch on the Point of Stakka comes into view.
Follow the coastline out onto the headland to view the Stacks of Houssness at the southern end before turning to head north along the cliffs. There are a number of small sandy bays on this side of Clift Sound. Look out for a large lump of cliff just before Scarfi Taing and head NNW here to climb the Ward of Symbister.
The high point of Houss Ness is only 62m above sea level but commands a great view in all directions including across West Voe to the tombolo at Minn. From the small rocky summit head north to cross a fence and then after a very short distance aim diagonally to the left (NW) to reach a gate in the fence. Go through this and continue heading NW to pick up the grassy track that leads back down to Ayre Dyke. Cross back over this and through the field to return to the start point.
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