Ness of Burgi Iron Age fort, from Scatness

Summary

This short and straightforward walk - with one trickier rocky section - leads out on a beautiful headland with superb views to both Sumburgh and Fitful Head. The walk visits a well-preserved Iron Age Block House or fort that is 2,000 years old.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Track, then grassy walking except for short rough scrambly rocky section with handrail.

Public Transport

Nearest bus stop is at Scatness junction, 0.5km north.

Start

Near road end but before turning area in Scatness. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.25km / 2 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 35m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: HU388098

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Explorer 466 - Shetland - Mainland South
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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Take the minor road through Scatness to the turning area at the far end. You are requested not to impede the turning area, so find a sensible place to park a short distance back along the road. Begin the walk by heading back to the turning area, noting the kiln on the old stone house on the right hand side. From the turning area continue along the track, going through a gate ahead as the track curves left to a house.

Stage 2

From the gate follow a grassy track. There are great views looking back towards Fitful Head across some ruins and small lochans. When the wall on the left relents the grass track curves left - leave it here and continue straight ahead across the flat grassy land that leads out towards the headland. Soon the peninsula begins to narrow as a rocky bay cuts in on the west side.

Stage 3

There is a brief section across pebbly rocks before another wider grassy section. Soon the peninsula narrows again, this time to a rocky spine - take care and use the metal handrail to aid your progress over a short stretch of rugged rocks. Sumburgh Head is well seen to the east.

Stage 4

Beyond this the going becomes easy grass once more. Continue to an information board that gives some information about the Ness of Burgi Iron Age Block House - which is just ahead on the left side of the peninsula. Dating back 2,000 years this fascinating structure was contemporary with Shetland's brochs. There is a narrow entrance - crouch to go in - leading through the impressive stone structure, with several chambers in the walls; most likely it was some sort of fort or defensive refuge.

Stage 5

Returning back from the Ness of Burgi, it is possible to walk a short distance further along the peninsula for views towards Horse Island, but when the easy grassy going ends it is best to turn back.

Stage 6

Retrace your steps back to the start, enjoying the views once more.

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