North Mainland

The coastline of the North Mainland is characterised by charming beaches, extraodinary rock formations, tanquil, sheltered voes and remarkable cliffs. The scenery is wild and the coastline is amongst the more spectacular in Shetland. The surrounding waters are home to whales, dolphins and otters as well as gannets and skuas, and the less common migration sooty shearwaters or pomarine squas in the summer.

CRUISING UP THE WEST COAST

The cruise around Muckle Roe will reveal the beautiful small inlets of the Hams of Roe, particularly North Ham edged with huge red cliffs, stacks and a natural arch. A cruise up the west side will take you through St. Magnus Bay where the Atlantic Ocean has battered the land into a scene of astounding beauty. To the north, the isle of Nibbon is a noted beauty spot and Hamar Voe is one of Shetland's few natural year-round anchorages.

Hillswick and Ura Firth are open to the south but safe enough for overnight summer anchoring, to enjoy a meal and drinks at The Booth, one of Shetland's oldest buildings - now a vegetarian cafe as well as supporting a seal rescue centre in the back garden, (01806 503348).

The cliff coast from Hillswick Ness to Uyea Isle is sensational. The drongs stacks and the Dore Holm lead on the basalt cliffs of the Skerry of Stenness, where there is a huge, square cave. Spectacular blow holes, The Holes of Scrada, stretching 132 yards inland, were created when the roof of a deep and narrow sea cave collapsed.

Further north is the Grind o' Da Navir (Gate of the Borer), where the sea has carved a huge, vertical sided geo or ravine into the cliffs.

North of Eshaness lighthouse is another Hamnavoe (meaning - the safe harbour). Ockran Head opens Shetland's longest sea loch, Ronas Voe, with an excellent anchorage at the head, overlooked by Shetland's highest hill (standing at 1477') which is home to around 15 varieties of arctic flowering plant. Also en-route, west of Ronas Hill are the huge red cliffs and the Lang Ayre, Shetland's longest beach.

Fethaland was once Shetland's busiest 'haaf' station, where traditional open rowing boats (sixareens) would return laden with fish after being out in the open sea (far haaf) for days on end. Sixty sixereens were based here and the ruins of twenty lodges still stand.

The gaunt Ramna Stacks, an RSPB bird reserve, mark the entrance to Yell Sound and the tanker lanes into Sullom Voe. Visiting yachts should call Sullom Voe Vessel Traffic System (VTS) on VHF Ch 14 before entering Yell Sound to ensure there is no conflicting traffic.

Marinas In This Region