Shetland's highest peak, Ronas Hill, is located in North Mainland. This area of the mainland portion of the Shetland Isles has been pounded by the sea from Magnus Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to produce some of the most beautiful scenery in this part of the world. High rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and the calm waters of small bays mark the coastline and the inland waters provide fantastic fishing opportunities as they contain abundant amounts of trout.
Visit the picturesque village of Voe, where you will sense a Scandinavian presence dating back to the days when this area was ruled by Norway. The Sail Loft, which is now a hostel, is hard to miss due to its being painted a dark red. Just past Voe, the road branches. You can take the track to the ferry terminal for Yell, located in the village of Toft, but you would be missing out on Brae. This village is fairly large because it serves as the residence of many of the workers at the Sullom Voe Oil Terminal. Brae is also the location of one of the finest hotels in Scotland, Busta House.
Walk across the isthmus that separated the Atlantic Ocean from the North Sea on the peninsula of Northmavine. In Hillswick, on this peninsula, you just have to stop for a drink at the oldest pub in Scotland, Da Bod. Visit the red granite cliffs of Esha Ness and the Tangwick Haa Museum where you will learn about the history of the Shetland Islands and its legacy of deep sea fishing and whaling. The lighthouse at Esha Ness provides you with an excellent vantage point to see the cliffs and stacks along the coast.
Stay at the beautiful Westayre Bed and Breakfast where you will be treated like royalty. You will probably make plans to return even before you leave.
Photographs © Graeme G Storey ShetlandTourism.Com