Explore a stunning sandy beach before following the coastline to Fugla Ness lighthouse and returning through the settlement of Hamnavoe.
Coastal path with stiles through grazing land (dogs to be under strict control), optional rocky detour to lighthouse.
Bus to Hamnavoe.
Meal Beach car park.
The walk starts from Meal in the north of West Burra which is reached via a causeway from the island of Tronda. There is a car park and toilets at Meal, start the walk by heading down the path signed for Meal beach opposite the car park. The beach is a stunning crescent of white sand. Cross the beach and climb the rocks on the far side to reach a stile over a fence.
Follow the coastline to the shingle beach at Urmlee where the path crosses the remains of noosts - depressions cut in the turf where boats were once hauled up and secured. Stay on the edge of the shingle ignoring a stile on the right and at the far end of the beach go over the stile straight ahead and climb up to another stile and once over bear left to continue on the coastline over the low cliffs of Lu Ness.
Continue out to the small headland of Biargar, crossing another stile on the way, and from the headland aim north to climb to reach a fence with a stile and a gate just to the right. Go over the stile and bear left (NW) downhill to reach another stile. Archaeologists have found evidence of neolithic houses, burnt mounds and an underground souterrain in this area dating from six thousand years ago. Cross the low ground ahead and soon the small lighthouse at Fugla Ness comes into view.
The route to the lighthouse crosses a number of rocky stretches and can be avoided if need be. However the small lighthouse makes an excellent place for a break and a spot of wildlife watching. From the lighthouse retrace the route across the narrow rocky strip and continue along the coast towards Hamnavoe, climbing a stile to follow a faint path towards the village.
The path becomes clearer as it nears the marina and crosses a section of boardwalk to reach the village. Head up between two houses and turn left onto the road, soon turning right at the main road to head uphill through Hamnavoe (note the shell-covered building on the left). Turn right at the junction for Meal to return to the start.
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