Ward of Bressay and Kirkabister Ness, Isle of Bressay

Just a short ferry hop away from busy Lerwick, the Isle of Bressay is a world apart. This circular walk follows tracks up to the island's summit - the Ward of Bressay - for its superb views. The circuit continues with a rough and boggy moorland traverse before descending with views to the spectacular arch below the lighthouse at Kirkabister Ness.

Terrain

Minor roads and tracks to the summit, then pathless, peat-hagged moorland. Better going above the coastal cliffs and then minor roads once more.

Public Transport

The Bressay terminal is served by regular ferries from Lerwick.

Start

Bressay ferry terminal. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Users' reports

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 12.5km / 7.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 303m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: HU490382

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Ward of Bressay

Maps, App and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk starts from the Bressay ferry terminal, which is linked by regular car ferry from the centre of Lerwick. There are toilets and parking here if needed. Begin the walk by following the road away from the terminal, then follow the main road which turns to the right at a junction (signed for Kirkabister, Noss and Mail).

Stage 2

Ignore a turning on the left for Gunnista. Eventually the road comes closer to the sea, and passes a marina - all the time, there are views of the masts on the summit of the Ward of Bressay ahead. After passing a church follow the main road which swings left away from the coast, then turn right at a staggered cross-roads opposite the shop; the road is signed for Glebe and Kirkabister.

Stage 3

Ignore a turning off to the right, continuing on the main road until a larger cluster of houses. Immediately after passing a playpark turn left (marked as Fullaburn). The road passes some sheds and then continues as a track, crossing a cattlegrid and beginning the ascent towards the Ward of Bressay. As height is gained there are improving views looking back. Stay on the main track - ignoring any branches to the left - all the way to the telecoms mast on the summit of the Ward - the highest point on the whole island. There is a trig point to the right of the complex of buildings at the top, and the views back over the Sound and over Lerwick are superb.

Stage 4

The continuation of the route from the summit is very rough over peat-hagged moors, but there is ample recompense on the views on the later descent. Follow the track to the right of the summit complex and then strike southeast along the very tussocky and peaty moorland ridge. Great skuas - locally known as Bonxies - nest nearby and often dive-bomb unsuspecting walkers during the nesting season - holding a stick above your head helps to fend them off.

Stage 5

Keep to the height of the land, trying to avoid the worst of the bogs and lochans, eventually turning southwest over Musswells and the Black Hill. At one point a rough track is reached, offering a possible escape route - go straight across this and up South Hill. From here descend south to reach the top of the coastal cliffs above the Ord, near a massive drystone wall. From here the underfoot conditions improve.

Stage 6

Descend alongside a fence, soon passing through a gate. Bressay's lighthouse at Kirkabister can be seen below and is your next objective - from this angle it can be seen to have the most spectacular location, almost built above a massive sea arch. Continue down the slope, keeping right as you approach the lighthouse to pass through a gate and reach the public road.

Stage 7

The lighthouse protects the southern approach to Lerwick, and building - engineered by David and Thomas Stevenson - began in 1856, with the light lit in 1858. The lighthouse is no longer active, having been replaced in 2012 by a more local light operated by Lerwick port authority. Walk north along the road, passing a fine viewpoint looking back to the lighthouse. After 3km the road leads back to the cluster of houses at the Glebe where you turned off to head up the Ward of Bressay earlier. From here retrace your outward route back along the roads to return to the ferry terminal.

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