Neil Walks Shetland and Beyond: Shetland Mainland Watershed day 5

From Loch of Voe/Sae Water to Islesburgh
30/06/2018

Start today heading North up Su Stanes

Looking back at the end of Yesterdays walk

Su Stanes and a Bonxie

A peep West at Voe

Looking back at Su Stanes and the Loch of Voe as I ascend Hill of Su Setter

The top of Su Setter 170 M +

Bog Cotton busy adding to the Carbon Sink

Remnants of the failed Wind turbine that once stood above Voe ?

Heading down to the Valley floor

Across the Field towards Souther Hill

Lapwing

I spot a Fly Trap as head up the Hill

Corbie

Looking back

View to the North

The Trig point at the summit of Souther Hill 245M

View West To Brae

Red Throated Diver and Chicks

Heading North To Wester Scord and Button Hills

At Wester Scord looking towards Brae over Thieves Knowes.

Heading Nor West

Looking back at Trig point

Turn West before Bonnet Knowe

Another 2 Red Throated Diver Chicks waiting for Mum

Reach the Summit Before Ludowic Stone 252M

On towards Dale Scord Hill

Then head for Riding Hill

Golden Plover tells me the way

Passed Geese Chicks

Its a dry summer

Looking Back

And onward to Gallow Hill

A Glimpse Of Sullom Voe Oil Terminal

As I head to Ladie Hill

Another Landing Strip long enough for a Red Throated Diver

There she is !

Sunny day in Brae

Convenient path on Watershed at Gary Couper Street

Through the Playpark

And The garage car park

Looking back At Brae as I head up the Park

On towards Mavis Grind

Heading to a private housing scheme on route to Ward of Runafirth

The Housing Scheme sits right on the Watershed. You are within the accepted boundaries if you go either side or wind your way through it. I've done all three when planning this. This time I wind my way through it.

Hurray back into the hill

Looking North to Mavis Grind

The top of Runafirth 97 M

The Famous Bousta House hotel. Well worth a visit.

On past Houlls Water

First Glimpse Of Mavis Grind

Mavis Grind 33M isthmus separating the Atlantic and the North Sea. Good place to spot otters

Careful descending here!

I have tried descending here 2 ways, firstly following the fence from the top, secondly joining the fence midway down by edging in between the top rocks in picture on the horizon and the lower cliff face. I would recommend going further West than both these routes, by maybe 50M then coming down the more gentle slope. you will be further off the watershed but still within accepted boundaries.