Shetland Isles Travel Tips
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Baltasound
Baltasound is a scattered village on the Island of Unst in Shetland, positioned in the Bay of Belta Sound, the most northern inhabited isle in the U.K, and was renowned for it's Herring Industry. Stunning scenery fulfils Film Directors dreams with thunderous seas, cliffs, and wide open spaces carpeted in green. It's easy on the eye, with an intriguing history dating back Centuries from Prehistoric Man to Vikings. Walkers can choose from a gentle stroll to St Johns Kirk, or nearby settlements of Buness, Baliasta and Caldback. Fishermen try their luck at Loch Of Cliff where trout is the order of the day, or there is always the Loch Of Watlee. For those who long for a sea adventure, there's fishing, if that's not tempting then possibly the Caves, Out Stack, or Muckle Flugga will be the answer with Puffins, Gannets, and Seals along the way. Landlubbers may enjoy the Unst Boat Haven Museum where small boats are proudly on display. For something different it has to be the unforgettable landscape of the Keen Of Hamar Nature Reserve with rare plants, or there is always the National Nature Reserve of Hermaness whose rugged cliffs and Moorland are full of Kittiwakes, Gannets, and Bonxie's. Magical scenery bewitches visitors unashamedly.
Brae
Brae is a village on the Mainland of the Shetland Isles positioned on the shores of Busta Voe, famed for it's links with the fishing industry, home to over six hundred and fifty people. The wide open spaces carpeted in green beckon to walkers and lovers of the great outdoors with stunning scenery and interesting wildlife. Walkers enjoy a strolll to Mavis Grind, which joins the mainland to Northmavine, and is the meeting point of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean, for the energetic there is always Ronas Hill which is the highest hill in Shetland. Rod Danglers are spoilt for choice with Trout filled lochs, or take to the seas where the sights of Otters and Seals are unforgettable. Museum lovers will enjoy the unfolding story at Shetland Textile Working Museum housed in 19th Century Weisdale Mill which has thought provoking Art on display, and the Textile Museum is where spinners, Weavers and Dyers share the interesting history through fabulous displays of costumes and textiles. Time it right and the ancient Viking Fire festival of Up Helly Aa will be taking place in Brae where Vikings march through the streets followed by hundreds of torch bearers carrying brilliant flaming torches against the backdrop of a wintery sky.
Hillswick
Hillswick is a small village positioned on the northern part of the Shetlands Mainland overlooking the Ura Forth, it has an interesting past that reaches far back into the history books, the wide sweeping beach was where, in days long past fish was dried. The Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary is in The Booth, which was a Trading Post in centuries past, and is where Seals and Otters are nurtured back to health, and there's a chance to rest tired feet whilst enjoying a coffee in their Da Bod Cafe. The wild and dramatic scenery is coveted by Artists and Photographers alike with stunning locations to choose from. Walkers roam gladly along cliff top walks where there is always a chance to glimpse Seals and Otters. Hillswick Ness rewards with soul pleasing views along the path to Esha Ness Lighthouse, or perhaps the sight of The Drongs will please, as these spectacular ancient granite sea stacks rise up from the sea to around a hundred feet or so. The Tangwick Haa Museum in nearby Eshna Ness has interesting exhibits proudly on display including the Lairds Room all housed in an 17th Century building. With spectacular scenery, the chance of sea fishing, and discovering the prehistoric ancient sites what better place to be.
Lerwick
Lerwick is an ancient seaport on the east coast of the Shetland Mainland in Scotland, home to over six thousand eight hundred people. Once raided by the Vikings, now the busy harbour sees ferries that travel to Kirkwall, Orkneys, Bressay, the Fair Isle, Norway, and Iceland. The area is beautiful, wide open spaces and breath stealing views, for a touch of history Scalloway Castle was built in 1600, the exhibition tells an interesting tale. The Shetland Museum will explain the history of these magical isles, with three thousand exhibits over two floors. Or possibly 17th Century Fort Charlotte will be top of the list with guns pointing out over the Bressay Sound. The Bod Of Gremista is a restored Fishing Bod and links with the P & O shipping company, or how about Tingwall Agricultural Museum which has intriguing items on display all housed in an 18th Century grain store. For something special sail to Noss National Nature Reserve, this craggy Isle with cliffs and sandy beaches has an amazing array of Sea Bird colonies, Puffins, and Seals. Time it right and the Up-Helly-Aa Festival in Lerwick will see Vikings marching in a torch lit procession through the streets, which ensures memories of the ever lasting kind.
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