This circular coastal walk explores two headlands in the little visited district of South Nesting. The area is a great place to watch for otters.
Pathless coastal walking, mostly grassy but rough in places.
None to start.
Eswick.
There is limited parking near the road end in Eswick - take care to park considerately without blocking the turning area or any gates. Begin the walk by going through the pedestrian gate into the initially narrow grassy field between the two houses seen from the end of the road - slightly on the right. Keep the fence on your left initially, then pass through a gate when your reach it. Aim directly towards the South Bay of Eswick, keeping to the right of an enclosed area. Once at the bay, bear left to head up a grassy hillside towards the Ward of Eswick aiming for another gate.
Pass through the gate and continue to the top of the hill, where there is a small cairn and a rudimentary bench enjoying fine views.
Now aim southeast, eventually rejoining the coastline; the ground is rough grassland and there is a fence, but sheep paths can be picked up once closer to the sea. There are great views looking towards the islands of Bressay and Noss. Eventually the small modern lighthouse comes into view at The Flaak - continue to reach it.
The lighthouse replaces an earlier one which collapsed into the sea in 1994. Just offshore is the Fru Stack, on which there are traces of early monastic settlement; according to local legend a maiden was imprisoned here by her father to seperate her from her lover, but she escaped with a man who climbed the cliffs to reach her. Continuing round the coast, the next fence can be crossed at a wooden section above the sea. The walk continues above the sea cliffs and passes around the Croo Geo. From the next headland there is a good view towards Ling Ness - the next objective.
Continue round a lower, grassy section of coast, and when a fenceline is reached follow it to the left until a gate. Pass through this and then head down to the bay. Cross the back of the bay to reach a stile over a fence. Cross this and continue, climbing above the coastline, to reach another stile over the next fence. Once over the rise the route descends towards the narrow strip of land that connects Ling Ness to Mainland. Pass through a pedestrian gate in a stone wall and then cross the narrow strip. Once past the pebbly stones ascend the grassy headland beyond.
There are often guillemots to be seen down by the rocky shore. Round the headland then descend towards the strip of shingle that divides the sea from the Loch of Ling Ness - aiming towards the beautifully situated house. Cross the shingle and then aim left to reach a stile.
Now cross a grassy pasture, aiming for a stile just to the left of a stone-built shed. Cross this and then continue, eventually joining a grassy track. This swings left to lead right around the shore of the Dock of Lingness. The track becomes clearer as it continues, reaching the tarmac road near a large metal barn. Turn left along the road to return to the start.
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