Out Skerries circuit: Bruray and Housay

Summary

The isolated island group of Out Skerries is the most easterly part of Shetland - and indeed of Scotland. Locally known simply as Skerries, the group consists of three main islands - Housay and Gruray, which are linked by a bridge, and the now uninhabited island of Grunay. There are certain days each week when a day visit is possible, by ferry or by air. This walk runs right around the coastline of the two connected islands. As might be expected from their position, Skerries are renowned for their birdwatching opportunities with all sorts of rarities stopping over on migration.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Pathless, but all fences have stiles or gates. Largely grassy going, some tussocky sections, rougher on north side of West Voe.

Getting there

Start

Ferry terminal on Gruray, Out Skerries.

Public Transport

Ferry from Vidlin on Mainland Shetland, or from Whalsay; less often from Lerwick. Air link from Tingwall airport.

Start Grid Ref

HU688716

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.75km / 7.25 miles
Time: 3.5 - 5 hours
Ascent: 226m (Profile)

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Explorer 468 - Shetland - Mainland North East

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk begins from the ferry terminal pier on Bruray, where there are public toilets. The pier is sheltered in the impressive natural harbour that is at the heart of the islands - a fine sight when approaching by boat from either the South or Northeast Mouth. Begin the walk by walking towards the houses, then immediately turning right to pass between a bungalow (to your left) and the sheds and works (on your right) to reach the shoreline between. Turn left to start the first part of the walk which heads anti-clockwise around the coast of Bruray.

Stage 2

There are views across to the fine lighthouse on Bound Skerry - the tallest in Shetland - and to Grunay on which the lighthouse keepers once lived, but which is now uninhabited. Cross a stile over a fence and then keep ahead to a gate - noting the airstrip to your left which is used by the air service to the islands. The walk continues around the grassy back of a shingly bay - keep a look out for otters; a sighting of these shy creatures may elude you, but you will almost certainly see eider ducks. At the far end of the bay the ground rises from a ruin to a rocky headland known as the Head of Bloshin - you can ascend this if you wish, or bypass it to keep on grassier ground to the left.

Stage 3

The walk continues around the northern side of Bruray. The coastline becomes increasingly rocky, and as it turns SW it rises into low cliffs. Climb to pass around the top of a steep geo (or inlet); it is possible to divert from here to climb to the highest point of Out Skerries at 53m, just a few hundred metres off route. Otherwise continue until a fence and gate is reached. Cross to the other side, then bear left downhill to pass to the right of a small lochan to regain the road.

Stage 4

Turn right along the road, passing the school and soon crossing the bridge that links to the larger island of Housay; it was built in 1957 but replaced an earlier one from 1899. As you head up the hill beyond, keep left at a fork, and continue past a tiny shop and post office to the house at the end of the road. Pass to the left of this whitewashed house to begin your clockwise walk around the shores of Housay.

Stage 5

The easternmost point is rocky and can be bypassed; beyond it, walk west along the southern coast of the island. Gain a little height and pass around the back of a geo; there are good views along the rocky coastline beyond, out towards Mio Ness. Further on a deep inlet cuts far inland to a bay - the ground leading down is very steep so you need to detour to the right on the descent. Pass around the bay and then continue out until you reach the narrow geo that divides the Mio Ness peninsula from the rest of the island. It used to be possible to cross this and ascend to the cairn on Mio Ness, but further erosion by the sea has divided the peninsula and made the section beyond inaccessible.

Stage 6

Instead begin the walk back along the northern shores, rounding Cobbi Geo and passing through a gap in a stone wall to reach Queyrin Ness and then continue alongside the much more sheltered waters of West Voe. Pass through more gaps and continue close to the shore, heading back towards the inhabited part of the island. Once near the houses a more substantial stone wall is reached - bear right to reach and cross a stile over this, then keep straight ahead, aiming to the right of a barn. Cross a stile onto a track, and go straight over another stile opposite.

Stage 7

There are further stiles as you continue above the innermost shores of West Voe. Eventually descend to a stile right by the shores and continue round the head of the Voe. The walk now continues around the shores of the wilder, northern part of Housay - around North Hill. Continue along the north side of West Voe, across rougher slopes, passing above an old kailyard.

Stage 8

Soon there is a rocky lochan set above the sea, and then the coastline leads round the north side of North Hill. The route climbs here to keep above some more impressive cliff scenery - keep safely back from the edge. Eventually the rugged section ends and the coast descends to the shingle beach at Vogans Voe.

Stage 9

The route now follows the western shoes of North Mouth southwards. At a fence detour to the right until a stile is reached, then return to the coastline. There's a further stile and then a gate as the route leads round above the shore by a fish farm. After a final gate a tarmac road is eventually reached; turn left along this and then keep left to return to the bridge linking back to Bruray. Continue along the road, passing the island's tiny main shop, to return to the ferry jetty and the start.

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