Mu Ness and the Castle from Uyeasound, Unst

Summary

This circular walk explores the low lying southern coastline of Unst, running from the settlement at Uyeasound to visit Scotland's most northerly castle - Muness, a sixteenth century tower house. Watch out for otters along the coastline; the return walk is then along quiet minor roads.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Grassy clifftop walking with a couple of boggy patches, all fences have stiles or gates. Return along minor road.

Public Transport

Uyeasound has an irregular bus link to the rest of Unst, Yell and through to Lerwick.

Start

Jetty at east end of Uyeasound. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 154m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: HP599008

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk starts from the jetty at the eastern end of the bay at Uyeasound, near the school; there is usually plenty of space to park nearby. Begin by following the road that heads southwards from the jetty alongside the bay, keeping right near the end to head into the yard of a large metal industrial shed. Pass to the right of the shed, crossing a stile over a fence near the sea at the far end.

Stage 2

From here the walk sticks close to the coastline, which in this part of Unst consists mostly of low cliffs dropping into the Scuda Sound - with the island of Uyea just offshore. This coast is frequented by otters, so keep out a close watch. Cross a wooden ladder stile over a stone wall, then another stile over a fence. After a short stretch there is another wall and ladder stile. On the next section there are a few boggy patches, but also views down to some small sandy coves below.

Stage 3

The walk continues in a similar vein, with more stiles over each of the fences. Eventually it keeps to the landward side of the coastal fence. You can cut a corner of the coastline after crossing a stile on the approach to the wide bay at Wick of Fauld. Cross a boggy patch with flag irises and continue on the landward side of the coastal fence once more.

Stage 4

The route heads round the grassy headland at Ness of Ramnageo, with some good views back along the coastline, as well as over to Fetlar. Beyond here the pastures become more open with few fences. Round some rocky geos before continuing to the next bay, Scolla Wick.

Stage 5

Pass through several pedestrian gates, and note where a marker arrow indicates a shortcut if you want to head more directly to the castle and avoid the walk around the Mu Ness peninsula. Otherwise continue close to the coast, passing the ruins of several old houses. Once on Mu Ness the ground becomes a little rockier underfoot, and as the coast turns northwards there are great views over much of the eastern side of Unst.

Stage 6

Head around the northern end of Mu Ness - with views across to the fine sandy beach at Sandwick - before following the coast as it cuts back towards the pebbly beach at Taralee. Cross this and then head up to the pedestrian gate above the far end. From here it is possible to extend the walk by continuing along the coast to Sandwick beach, there joining our Sandwick Bay and Framgord route. Otherwise, aim slightly left uphill for a stile, then slightly right up through the next field to reach the end of a minor road at a stile and signpost.

Stage 7

Turn right along the road to reach the extensive ruins of Muness Castle. You can enter this on the far side and explore the remaining two storeys of this 17th century tower house, which was built by Laurence Bruce. He was granted the Lordship and Bishopric of Shetland in 1573, but after being found corrupt he was banished from the Northern Isles in 1577. However he returned and began building this castle in 1598. In 1627 the castle was attacked and burned by French raiders, and although later repaired it was out of use by the end of the century.

Stage 8

The return to Uyeasound is by continuing along the quiet minor road. Ignore a turning on the left and later one on the right. The road passes a fine standing stone before finally making the descent back to the start at the eastern end of Uyeasound.

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