Walls in da Wastside of Shetland

Shetland > Walls and Sandness


lochs in the west side of ShetlandThe road to Sandness at the tip of Da Wastside, is a single track one, running through hilly moorland, and darting round the many small lochs found there. Sandness itself is low and fertile with brochs, cairns and Norse ruins.

Walls is a low attractive village, with lots of brochs (signifying its importance 2,000 years ago) Sandness looking over to Papa StourIn the 19th Century, Walls was a centre for fish curing. Today it is still an important port, for fishing vessels, the leisure sailors who use the marina and for the ferry service to Foula.

The walk from Walls to Sandness is superb - the low cliffs have numerous caves and sheltered bays to explore.

Sites of interest include:

  1. St Margaret's Kirk - a now disused kirk (built in 1792) with a well maintained graveyard, St Margaret's Kirk also offers viewsHuxter Mill in Shetland of the seascapes to the North, including views of Papa Stour. The Papil Stone, with it's distinctive markings was found in St Margaret's Kirk, and though drawings of it remain, the stone itself mysteriously vanished.

  2. Huxter - the site of a broch, and three horizontal water mills - Norwegian clack mills (also known as Click Mills) - a similar one can be found in the West Mainland of Orkney.

  3. Walls village - or Waas as it is known in Shetland is nested round an old harbour, and though quieter than it once was, the community is still Walls regattaactive, hosting a regatta every year amongst other events. In Walls can be found a swimming pool, community hall, school, shop, garage, health centre and a magnificent bakery.

  4. Vaila Sound - The island of Vaila shelters Walls from the sea, and it is now inhabited by only one family. On the island of Vaila can be found Vaila Hall - an extremely impressive building (the largest house in Shetland) which is currently undergoing restoration. Looking out to Vaila Sound from Walls provides excellent views.

Map of Walls and Sandness
Map of Walls and Sandness
Getting to Walls and Sandness
Travel from Aberdeen or Kirkwall to Lerwick with NorthLink Ferries. On arrival at 7.00am in the morning, as soon as you leave the boat, you will be in Lerwick. Turn right when leaving Holmsgarth terminal and take the A970. Turn left on to the A971 and pass Tingwall Aerodrome. Following the A971 will take you to Da Westside, and eventually to the bridge of Walls.
Top tips
• During the summer, several village halls in Da Westside offer Sunday teas. These are terrific value with moth watering home-baking and a friendly atmosphere.
• The single track road to Walls is very well maintained, but drivers need to watch out for Shetland ponies wandering across the road in the same way sheep do elsewhere.
Accommodation in the Walls and Sandness
Burrastow House in Walls, Shetland Burrastow House, Walls
website
Rocklea Villa in Walls, Shetland Rocklea Villa, Walls
website

 

Book your ticket online with NorthLink Ferries at www.northlinkferries.co.ukBooking directly with NorthLink Ferries on www.northlinkferries.co.uk is cheaper than booking Make a Bookingwith another website and we never charge for any amendments made to your booking!

The Healthy Working Lives Bronze award logo
© 2006 NorthLink Ferries Ltd Reg No. SC027370. Ferry Terminal, Gourock, PA19 1QP | Powered by Sitekit CMS
Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Photography supplied by Billy Fox, Doug Houghton, Charles Tait, Katryn Amos and Willie Mackay