Westerwick coast, from Silwick

Summary

The coastline stretching west from Silwick and past Westerwick has some of (if not the) most spectacular cliff scenery in the UK, with arches, magnificent stacks and caves. This walk takes in the best section of the coast before taking shortcuts on the return. Please note that this walk crosses sensitive grazing land, including lambs and calves; please close all gates and note that the owner requests that dogs should be left at home.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Mostly grassy going above high sea cliffs. There are many fences with some awkward stiles and some rougher going in places.

Getting there

Start

Silwick.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

HU292422

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.5km / 5.25 miles
Time: 3 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 280m (Profile)

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Explorer 467 - Shetland - Mainland Central

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk starts from the end of the public road in Silwick - there is a large turning area by a barn at the very end; it is usually possible to park very carefully tight on the left to avoid impeding the turning circle (needed for large farm vehicles). Go through the gate on the track, then as the track bends right leave it and keep ahead towards the coastline, passing to the right side of a deep geo - with Berga Stack visible down it.

Stage 2

Turn right to begin walking along the mostly grassy cliff edges - there is no real path. The coastal scenery is spellbinding - with Erne's Stack and its companions rising like jagged mountains. Soon a fence is reached, but it should be easy enough to step over to the left of a corner post. There are dramatic views straight down to a tiny beach in the shadow of the great stacks.

Stage 3

As you round the next bay a fine single stack - the Skerry of the Wick - is seen, backed by a cliff-girt peninsula. Further on there is another fence to cross (no barbed wire - can be stepped over unless short). The views of the Skerry change with every step.

Stage 4

It is worth continuing right out around the next headland, losing a little height that must be regained, to make the most of the truly stunning views the cliffs afford. Head back up the west side of the headland, climbing to pass above a geo facing north, and continue to cross the next fence at a stile. Now continue down towards Westerwick, aiming for a gate in the corner of the field to the right of the old stone building by the shore.

Stage 5

Pass through the gate, and then through a pedestrian gate right alongside the building, before dropping down to cross the burn. On the far side take a grassy track that climbs through a gateway, heading inland and uphill to reach a minor road. Turn left along this to the turning area at the end, then turn left over a stile. Cross the field to a pedestrian gate at the far corner., then continue uphill with the coastal fence on your left.

Stage 6

There are further gates to pass through cross-fences, and a final gate gives access to the open, unfenced clifftops once more. One final fence is crossed at a stile. There are stunning views looking back to the cliffs and a tiny beach at their foot (visible at low tide). Continue round the next headland. There are views down to a rock arch from the back of a geo, and further sea stacks. There's a further deep geo that cuts north towards Lambi Loch, necessitating a detour, with a further arch visible in the far wall of the geo.

Stage 7

Continue along the clifftops on the far side of the geo out onto the Nev, with a view to the dramatic rock architecture of the Giltarump. Continuing northwards along the coast, there are further stacks and a rock tunnel (unseen) at Fografiddle. There is a low fence to step over before the ascent to Drongi Field.

Stage 8

It is possible to continue the coast walk to Culswick and beyond - a superb walk, perhaps continuing as far as Olas Voe. Our route returns from here, however, cutting ESE across the moorland to reach a fence near a small lochan, where there is a half post to aid stepping over. Beyind this the outward route is retraced downhill to Westerwick, continuing the way you came until the stile at HU285424. After crossing this stile you can continue directly back over the moorland by walking uphill with the fence on your left. Pass through or over a sliding gate at the top fence corner then continue with the fence to your left to reach a large barn where there are often cattle. Head down the track from the barn to return to the start.

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