Ward of Clett, Whalsay

Summary

Whalsay is one of the more prosperous of Shetland's smaller islands and is at heart of its fishing industry. This short walk heads through the main settlement then takes in a stretch of the coastline before ascending to the island's highest summit, the Ward of Clett.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Minor roads, grassy coastline, tracks.

Getting there

Start

Symbister ferry terminal, Whalsay.

Public Transport

Regular ferry to Symbister usually runs from Laxo on mainland, but sometimes from Vidlin depending on wind direction; both ferry terminals linked to Lerwick by bus.

Start Grid Ref

HU537623

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.25km / 4 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 165m (Profile)

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Explorer 468 - Shetland - Mainland North East

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Alighting from the ferry, turn left to head around Symbister's fine harbour. There is usually a huge range of boats here, from larger fishing vessels to the smallest creel boats, pleasure craft and boats used in local races.

Stage 2

As you reach the eastern end of the harbour you'll notice the old stone Pier House - this 'bod' belonged to German merchants from the Hanseatic League. It dates back to the 18th century and houses a museum explaining the German links here and the role of the league. On the opposite side of the road is Whalsay's main shop, and from here the road turns inland and heads uphill.

Stage 3

After a short distance turn right at a road junction (signed Clate). Ignore a road heading off to the left, keeping right at a junction. As the road reaches Sandwick it swings left; leave the road here, heading down a grassy track that starts between two bungalows and heads straight south towards the sea. As it nears the coast the grassy track curves left over a bridge and leads into a pasture; keep along the right hand edge of this, with views of Sandwick Bay to your right.

Stage 4

Go through a gap / gateway in a fence and then keep right to get closer to the coastline. You can pass round the end of the next fence on the seaward side with care. The route now keeps mostly on the seaward side of the fences - though there are stiles to enable you to cross over when you need to pass inlets. There are good views across the water towards the islands of Noss and Bressay.

Stage 5

At one point there's a natural rock arch below, and eventually the coastline begins to gain some height. Keep going until you are forced up through a gateway to a track; there's a footpath signpost here. From here it is possible to continue along the coast to the Ayre of Breiwick and beyond, possibly making for a longer walk by then heading for the Ward of Clett over moorland from there. Our route, however, turns left along the track.

Stage 6

When a track junction is reached turn right, soon passing through a gate and swinging back left again alongside a barn. The track now continues uphill towards the summit of the Ward of Clett - the highest point on the island, marked by a trig point. There are extensive views, especially looking over some plantiecrubs (stone shelters once used for growing kale) towards Symbister. Beyond the trig point there are some old military buildings.

Stage 7

Return down the zig-zag track, but ignore the turning you came up from on the left and continue ahead to reach the road at Clate. Follow the minor road to rejoin your outward route in Sandwick, but at the next fork you can vary the return by taking the right hand route. Keep left at the next junction (signed Symbister); the road passes the back of the complex of buildings at Symbister House; the island Heritage centre is here, whilst the house itself is now a school. Beyond the house take a left turn at the road junction to head back downhill towards Symbister, giving better views of the house. On the way down the hill you can fork left down a footpath to shortcut back to the shop and harbour.

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