“Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far.” – Thomas Jefferson
My final full day in Shetland [cue tears] and after a bit of decorating Phil and I headed out for a walk on Unst, the most northern island in the UK.
Getting to Unst involves a drive to the Ferry terminal in Toft, around a 45-minute journey from Lerwick, then driving through Yell to get a second ferry to Belmont on Unst – the most northern Ferry terminal. Prices are very reasonable with a return journey for both boats at £14ish for a car and driver, £5 for an adult and £1 for a child.
There’s a lot to do on Unst, including some beautiful beaches featuring Viking longhouses, lovely local shops and the stunning Muness Castle. There’s also the most northern bus stop – which Ali loves. Today we went with one purpose; to hit the most northern point in the United Kingdom and that we did. Seeing another Stevenson lighthouse (the most northern) on Muckle Flugga, many birds and some incredible cliffs en route it was a brilliant, albeit long, walk and the most northern I’ve ever done.
The Hermaness Visitor Centre at the end of the most northern road was interesting in its own right, but also provided the most northern tea and coffee making facilities and the most northern public conveniences. After a trip to the most northern bakery, we headed back via the boats and a final evening over takeaway and a viewing of the Princess Bride.
Shetlandic word of the day: DAANDER – to saunter; a gentle walk.
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