Isleburgh chambered cairn from Mavis Grind

Summary

Mainland Shetland is almost divided in two at Mavis Grind, with only a narrow neck of land joining the northermost part of the island - Northmavine - to the rest of Shetland. This short walk starts from the neck and visits a fine example of a heel-shaped chambered cairn.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Tracks, pathless sections on steeper grassy ground, all fences have stiles.

Getting there

Start

Layby at southern end of Mavis Grind.

Public Transport

Bus to Mavis Grind.

Start Grid Ref

HU340683

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2.25km / 1.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 94m (Profile)

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Explorer 469 - Shetland - Mainland North West

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Park at the large layby just south of Mavis Grind, and begin by heading north along the verge, passing through the pedestrian gate to visit the information boards on the west side of the road. Shetland Mainland narrows to such an extent at Mavis Grind that it is said to be the only place in Britain where you can throw a stone from the edge of the Atlantic and get it to land in the North Sea. For centuries it was used as a portage - an overland shortcut for those wishing to get their boats between the two coasts.

Stage 2

Continue through another pedestrian gate to keep on the grassy land to the left of the road, soon entering a large fenced picnic area. Go straight across this to a pedestrian gate on the far side, and then turn left up the track towards the quarry. This climbs uphill; ignore the first main entrance to the quarry, staying on the track until an upper entrance. Here leave the track and head left over grassy ground and then steeply downhill aiming for the turning area and industrial container down by the shores below.

Stage 3

Now turn right along the track by the shore. Cross a stile and leave the track to head around the back of a bay, crossing another stile to follow a faint path continuing around the shore.

Stage 4

After a pedestrian gate there is a section of path protected by a fence and then the going becomes a little rougher - head over the knobbly ground to reach the chambered cairn a short distance further on. This dates back to the Neolithic period, and is regarded as a very fine example of a heel-shaped burial tomb - it was excavated in 1959, but there was nothing inside.

Stage 5

The return walk is back the same way - there are great views over Mavis Grind as you descend back on the quarry track.

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