📌 Haroldswick, Isle of Unst, Shetland Isles
★★★
The Hill of Clibberswick overlooks the highest sea cliffs on the east side of Unst, falling 160 metres into the North Sea from almost directly underneath the hill’s trig pillar. A circuit of the headland from Saxa Vord makes a great half day walk; the ascent is steep but has excellent views, and you could arrange a tasting of Shetland Reel gin before or afterwards at Saxa Vord Distillery, conveniently located at the start of the route.
📷 Chronological photo guide
🌍 Location
📌 Start / finish on minor road just east of Saxa Vord Distillery, 0.5 mi northeast of Haroldswick, Isle of Unst
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: HP 643133
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 60.797241,-0.821204
🚌 Infrequent bus stops on B9087 nearby to west
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
▶ 9 km / 6 mi | ▲ 220 m | ⌛ 2.5-3 hr
Features: △ Hill of Clibberswick (160 m); 🥃 Saxa Vord Distillery ★★
⬤ Moderate | Grassy coastline & clifftops with sustained ascent to summit. Minor road for first & last section. There is one awkward area where rough ground has to be negotiated to bypass a quarry.
Download file for GPS➡️ Clockwise circuit: start – Clibberswick – Hill of Clibberswick via coastline – minor road end at south end of Nor Wick via coastline – Saxa Vord Distillery – start
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: Highland cows & calves, sheep & lambs, rabbits. Fulmars, oystercatchers, black guillemots, snipe, lapwings, wheatears.
Weather: 12°C, sunny with a moderate breeze.
June 2024
