North Mainland

This is a full-day tour (which can be shortened to a half-day if necessary). The tour will begin in Lerwick with a little potted history of the town before heading to the dramatic North Mainland where visitors will have the opportunity to stand on the flank of a volcano. This rugged landscape is guaranteed to take your breath away. Northmavine is almost – but not quite – a separate island and on the way we will stop at the narrowest point, Mavis Grind (The Gate on the Narrow Isthmus) where the North Atlantic almost cuts through to the North Sea.

On the tour we will visit:

• Collafirth Hill, one of the highest hills in Shetland which sits in the shadow of the highest point, Ronas Hill. The landscape is rugged and tundra-like in appearance with granite boulder fields and spectacular views across Shetland.
• Eshaness, the spectacular cliffs that stand from the north-west point of Shetland and were formed by volcanic activity about 390 million years ago. The coastline here is punctuated with stacks, caves, geos and blow-holes and is sure to take your breath away.
• Tangwick Haa Museum. This museum is built in an old Haa house – the laird’s (landlord’s) house – and dates to the late 17th-century. It was the home of the Cheyne family who later gifted it to the community and it is now run as a vibrant community museum. It boasts a reconstructed laird’s room, styled as it would have been in the 19th-century and temporary exhibitions that change every year, covering an aspect of life in the area.
  

Eshaness circular walk:

A tour to the North Mainland can be adapted to include the 3-hour Eshaness Circular walk, detailed below:

Coastal walk which take in the breathtaking views of the volcanic Eshaness cliffs and Calder’s geo.  Walk to the Grind o’ da Navir, a natural amphitheater, formed by the power of the North Atlantic ripping the rock from the cliffs.  Walk back via the Hols o’ Scraada, a natural feature formed by the collapse of a sea cave.  Finally, walk back via the Broch at Houlland to view the remains of the fascinating Iron Age structure, sitting on the edge of the loch of Houlland.
 
To view route map, click here.

Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 3 miles