The White Wife of Otterswick, Yell

Summary

The White Wife of Otterswick is one of Shetland's more unusual and moving memorials - the figurehead of the German ship Bohus which sank in a storm off the coastline here, and which now commemorates the lives of four of the crew who were lost. The straightforward coast walk continues around the Ness of Queyron before returning to the start along a minor road - watch out for the otters for which this is prime habitat, and for porpoises swimming offshore.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Well signed path to the White Wife. Continuation around the headland is a little rough and boggy in places; all fences have stiles. Return along quiet minor road.

Getting there

Start

Road junction at HU519862.

Public Transport

Bus to Aywick.

Start Grid Ref

HU519862

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.75km / 4.25 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 128m (Profile)

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Explorer 470 - Shetland - Unst, Yell and Fetlar

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk begins from a minor road junction at HU519862, just west of East Yell hall. There is usually plenty of space to park considerately here, or alternatively near the hall. Begin the walk by heading down the minor road towards Queyron - signed for the White Wife. As the road begins to turn to a track another signpost for the Wife indicates where to turn right, keeping a fenceline on your left and continuing round a corner to reach a stile.

Stage 2

After crossing the stile descend towards the shoreline and then follow it to the left, soon reaching the striking White Wife. The wife was the figurehead of the German ship Bohus that sank nearby in 1924 during a storm; four of the 39 crew were drowned, including Cadet Eberth who saved four of his shipmates before being swept away himself. The figurehead was washed ashore later that year, and was erected by locals within sight of the sinking. It was then restored in 1986; in 2021 the original Wife was moved to the Old Haa museum, so this is a replica.

Stage 3

Continue round above the low cliffs of the coastline; there are a couple of very boggy sections to negotiate. Pass through a gate and then a rustic wooden seat before continuing out around the now open ground above the coast. There are good views looking south across to the Sullock; continue round the Ness of Queyron.

Stage 4

Cross behind a pebbly bay. When fences are reached once more, the usual route is through the pedestrian gates keeping to the right of the coastal fence, but signs indicate when grazing livestock mean it is better to instead use the stiles and keep to the left of the fence.

Stage 5

Either way, keep to the right with the coast in view. This whole area is ideal otter habitat, and if you are lucky you might catch a sighting of these elusive but beautiful creatures; the name of nearby Otterswick is no accident. They can often be seen swimming out in Ayswick, but like to come ashore on the broken rocks just below the walk. Eventually there is a pedestrian gate in the fence on your left immediately before a small burn - go through this and up the field with a fence on your right to reach a track. Turn right to follow this to a minor road, and continue past the well-stocked community shop. At a junction beyond keep straight ahead to follow a minor road back to the junction at the start of the walk.

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