Lunna Ness circuit, from Outrabister

Summary

A moorland exploration of the peninsula of Lunna Ness taking in the dramatic Stanes of Stofast before reaching the headland and returning along the coast, home to otters and numerous seals.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Rough, pathless moorland, boggy in places, stiles, easy coast walking and minor road.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Car park on right side of road just before Outrabister.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

HU503724

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 11km / 6.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 224m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

To reach the start just before the road end at Outrabister follow the road through Lunna, noting the footpath sign on the right hand side just after Mooradale, use the parking area on the right hand side before the private road sign. Start the walk by heading back along the road away from the croft house at Outrabister, stay on the road ignoring the two stiles signed for the Stanes of Stofast. The ruined houses on the left tell of a much more populated time. After passing the houses at Heog and Hamnavoe (with the long natural spit below) look out for a track on the left signed Access Route opposite a ruined building. Go through the gate and follow the track uphill soon heading through another gate and passing the Loch Of Grutwick. Continue through a gate and stay on the grassy track to eventually descend to the pebble beach at Grut Wick.

Stage 2

The route continues north along the coast climbing and staying near the coast at first before descending to cross a burn and follow a lower, and sometimes boggy, area of ground between two hillocks slightly inland. Cross the outflow of a small lochan which you keep on your left and stay to the right of a very wet area of ground and climb to overlook the Loch of Stofast with the mysterious Stanes of Stofast on the horizon beyond. These are made up from a 2000 tonne glacial erratic boulder carried here by a glacier and split in two by frost. Skirt around the west side of the loch, keeping close to the waterside unless you want to detour up to the Stanes themselves.

Stage 3

On the far side of the loch head northeast to a low shoulder and continue ahead veering slightly inland to reach a stile over a stone wall just east of Fugla Water. From here climb the heather moorland northeast at first and then north as the ground steepens to reach the summit of Ward of Outrabister, the highest point on the peninsula at 90m. There are good views from the trig point across the rough interior of Lunna Ness to the south and across the water to Burravoe on Yell to the north.

Stage 4

Descend to the north before aiming northwest to pass between two lochans, the one on the left guarded by a rocky cliff. Stay on the higher ground to skirt this lochan and stay well inland from the wild bay of the Wick of Glachon and then head for the high point of the Hill of State. From here its a straightforward descent towards the island of Lunna Holm ahead.

Stage 5

Reach the furthest point of Land Taing overlooking Lunna Holm and turn left to head back along the west side of Lunna Ness. Debris from feeding otters can be seen all along this section of coast so its worth keeping an eye out for the elusive creatures particularly on a rising tide when they tend to hunt, it is also likely you'll see seals here too.

Stage 6

Follow the coast to the lovely inlet of Feor Wick frequented by eider ducks and usually more seals. Bypass the Point of Feorwick and continue along the coast crossing the outflow of Mill Loch right near the shore where the ruins of an old grain mill can still be seen. Climb a stile and head round the back of Riven Noust.

Stage 7

Cross another stile and continue close to the coast to head out onto the cropped turf of Quidan Ness. Once the crofthouse at Outrabister comes into view head diagonally inland across boggy ground to reach a gate between the house on the right and a large barn. Go through this onto the track and immediately through the next gate to reach the road. Turn left to return to the parking area.

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