Uyea circuit from Sandvoe, Northmavine

Summary

This superb circular walk follows the northern coast of Mainland Shetland to view the remote tidal island of Uyea and its surrounding stacks and skerries. The return is on an inland track passing lochans where you may spot rare birds.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Pathless coastal walking, boggy in a few places and with grazing animals (dogs on tight control) and two fences without stiles to cross.

Getting there

Start

Parking by the cemetery at Sandvoe.

Public Transport

North Roe has a daily feeder bus service from Brae.

Start Grid Ref

HU363908

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.5km / 9.75 miles
Time: 5 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 418m (Profile)

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Explorer 469 - Shetland - Mainland North West

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Start from Sandvoe where there is parking near the cemetery. From here walk towards the buildings at Sandvoe and take the waymarked gate on the right just on the far side of the beach and cross the field to go through another gate. Follow the coastline on the west side of Sand Voe, soon heading slightly inland to cross a stile and avoid the very steep grass near the clifftops. Descend steeply over rough ground to reach the back of the beach at Roer Mill. Cross the burn and climb up next to the ruined fishing bod on the far side of the beach. In years past fisherman in sixereens (open row boats) would bring their catch to this safe inlet to dry their fish on the open beach.

Stage 2

From the ruin head fairly steeply uphill on a diagonal and then follow the coastline above high cliffs to round the headland of Heoga Neep. As you follow the coastline of the deep inlet of Raa Wick you can plan the route over the bumpy ground ahead - it is generally easier to descend and stay as close to the coast as safely possible.

Stage 3

You can then bypass the actual headland of Grut Ness if you prefer to descend to the rocky shore and then over undulating moorland to head round the back of Wilgi Geos. Head slightly inland to reach a stile in a fence before climbing again to round the greener improved grazing land of Calder's Head. From here there is a great view along the coast ahead towards Uyea Island. Descend from Calder's Head and continue along the coast traversing the seaward side of North Hill.

Stage 4

At the back of an inlet it is necessary to cross a low fence (if you don't want to cross the fence it is possible to head inland to the track and follow that to the croft house at Uyea from where you can head northwest through gates to reach Uyea island), otherwise stay on the seaward side of the fence to view some spectacular sea stacks taking great care where the fence runs near the cliff edge. Eventually it is necessary to cross another fence and continue ahead to pass to the right (north) of a small lochan with Uyea island visible ahead.

Stage 5

A sandy beach at North Wick is passed before you reach The Ness above the narrow crossing point to Uyea. Here there are fabulous views of the stacks and skerries and the tidal island itself.

Stage 6

Whilst it is possible to descend the steep and slippery path which heads down between two fences and cross the sands at very low tide, the sea can be treacherous here and without a good knowledge of tide times and weather conditions the crossing is not recommended. Instead head south to explore the cliffs of the Ness and views of Uyea.

Stage 7

To return aim south east across the cropped grass to a gate in the fence. Once past this follow the faint grassy track to another gate which then leads to the track just southwest of the lonely croft house at Uyea. Turn right along the track and go through the gate and keep following the track. At one point there's a turning on the right - you can detour here, crossing a burn, to reach a cairn marking where stone was quarried for a stone axe factory by a boulder to the southeast. Back on the main track, the route passes through increasingly barren and wild moorland.

Stage 8

After passing a couple more gates the track runs between two lochans which are home to red throated divers. Eventually the track reaches the greener grazing land and descends towards North Roe and the Loch of Flugarth. Once at the road turn left and then almost immediately fork left to return on the minor road to Sandvoe.

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