Sands of Breckon and Gloup Ness, Yell

Summary

Sheltered except to the northwest, the magnificent Sands of Breckon is the finest beach on Yell. This walk heads along the northernmost headland of the island - the Ness of Houlland - before visiting the beach. It then continues above the remote coastline to reach the old coastguard lookout on Gloup Ness - with fine views taking in the whole west coast of Unst and Muckle Flugga beyond.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Largely grassy going, some tussocky or wetter sections. All fences have stiles or gates. Final stretch along quiet minor road.

Getting there

Start

Small parking area for Sands of Breckon at Breckon.

Public Transport

None to start; nearest bus is at Cullivoe.

Start Grid Ref

HP526048

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9km / 5.5 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 211m (Profile)

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Explorer 470 - Shetland - Unst, Yell and Fetlar

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

The walk begins from the hamlet of Breckon, where there is a small signposted car park. Begin the walk by heading through the gate onto the track signed for Breckon Sands. This leads past a bench looking over towards the beautiful sands, which are already in view. Cross the stile over the next fence, but rather than turning left direct for the beach, keep straight ahead on a route marked by occasional white stones. Cross a boardwalk over a boggy patch and then head up to cross a stile over another fence.

Stage 2

A faint grassy path now leads north and then northwest across the dune grassland to approach the coastline immediately east of the Ness of Houlland peninsula. Turn left alongside a fence above a geo, and then pass through a gate in the drystone wall that guards the peninsula. Head out along the perfect close-cropped grass of the Ness of Houlland. The route along this northernmost headland of Yell is barred suddenly before reaching Mid Ness by a collapsed rocky gap.

Stage 3

Now head back along the southern side of the Ness, heading at last towards the stunning Sands of Breckon that are now seen directly ahead. Cross a stile over the drystone wall, and then look for an easy way to descend onto this almost perfect beach of white shell sand, sheltered from all wind directions except the northwest.

Stage 4

Head up the wooden steps at the far end of the beach, and then along the path to the gate beyond. You can head straight back to the start from here, but our route is a much longer walk continuing along the coastline. Pass through a pedestrian gate and then continue parallel to the low coastal cliffs.

Stage 5

The going is rougher underfoot on this next stretch, but there are stiles to cross each fence. Climb a little to pass above a geo, and then continue behind the next bay, passing the ruins of an old watermill. After another stile the route continues to the left of a coastal fence - there are wooden walkways across a couple of boggy sections. At the next stile a marker indicates a shortcut to the left alongside the fence to return to the road - otherwise, keep right to continue the walk. Pass through a pedestrian gate to reach an open section of the coast.

Stage 6

From here the route is occasionally marked by white wooden posts. Pass around some more geos, now with increasingly impressive cliff scenery. Looking back the views to the Sands are impressive, whilst to the north the view takes in much of the west coast of Unst, with the great cliffs of Hermaness and Muckle Flugga visible beyond.

Stage 7

Once on the broad final headland of Gloup Ness the route climbs uphill, passing a couple of benches with outstanding views, to reach the old coastguard lookout building on the highest point - bolted to the ground to protect from the almost incessant high winds.

Stage 8

The route - and marker posts - continue briefly west before turning south to head towards Gloup. The marked path joins a track that leads down to the shingle beach. Pass through a gate and continue along the track to reach a minor road, and follow this up to the houses at Gloup. The memorial to the Gloup Fishing disaster - when 58 fishermen were killed by an unexpected summer storm - can be visited by a short detour to the right - or you could extend the walk further by undertaking the whole Gloup walk returning over Scorabeck; otherwise follow the minor road as it leads east.

Stage 9

After 2.5km the road leads back to the start of the lane that led down to the Breckon parking area - turn left here to follow this back to the start.

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