Stuis of Graveland, Yell

Summary

The Stuis of Graveland is a wild peninsula on the west side of Yell, striking out northwards between Whale Firth and Yell Sound. Its dramatic clifftop coastal scenery is revealed only to those prepared to undertake a rough moorland yomp to reach it.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Rugged, pathless moorland initially, requiring careful navigation. Several fences to cross - no barbed wire.

Getting there

Start

Beside minor road just before Efstigarth.

Public Transport

None to start - nearest bus route is 2.5km away at the main road.

Start Grid Ref

HU462926

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.5km / 7.25 miles
Time: 3.5 - 5 hours
Ascent: 330m (Profile)

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Explorer 470 - Shetland - Unst, Yell and Fetlar

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

There is usually space to park with care without blocking any entrances, around 200m short of the farm at Efstigarth. Cross the road and go over the stile on the west side. This leads uphill beside the course of a burn; aim northwest to reach a gated junction of four fences to the west of the farm buildings. Cross two gates to reach the moorland on the opposite side, then aim NW over rough ground.

Stage 2

The moorland forms a broad and indistinct ridge which can be followed northwards towards the summit of Virdi Field, crossing another fenceline along the way. From the summit the views begin to open up, with Whale Firth visible to the east, and some hill lochs backed by Yell Sound, Fethaland and the Ramna Stacks to the west. Head down to the peaty bealach below Stany Hill, stepping over another fence at a support post.

Stage 3

Head north - crossing another fence - to reach the highest point of Stany Hill. From here on the walk really begins to improve, with views to the dramatic cliffs above the projecting rock fin of the Eigg. Continue north, soon joining the clifftops - but keep safely back from the edge as the cliffs here are particularly unstable.

Stage 4

From the cliffs above the Eigg the coastline cuts briefly east. A fence is met at Mass John's House - a geo; if you detour slightly right there is a gate. Continue north along the cliffs of Green Hill, with views to the dramatic perched rock fang of Erne Stack ahead.

Stage 5

By this point the walking is on close-cropped grass. The cliffs are very fine, and it is well worth continuing north along them beyond the Hill of the Standing Stone, losing height as you head towards the end of the peninsula.

Stage 6

Just before the final lower headland there is a deep inlet that almost cuts through the peninsula. There are great views to the very remote and wild coastline of Yell stretching away northwards on the other side of Whale Firth. You can head across a narrow neck onto the Nev of Stuis, overlooking the final small stacks. The long approach walk helps this whole area to feel like one of Yell's most special places.

Stage 7

The downside of the remoteness is that you've now got to get back! There are many fences along the east coastline towards Grimister, so probably the most enjoyable route of return is to retrace your steps - there's a fair bit of height to regain, but with the recompense of more clifftop views before the final yomp across the moors.

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