East Burra

28th June 2023

After an early wander around the tombolo I drove up the coast for half an hour to the Burra, twin islands, remarkably similar in shape and elevation, connected to the mainland by a bridge. They both have isthmuses at their southern tips connecting to baby versions of themselves that are uninhabited and have excellent hiking. The more westerly is ocean facing, and I am saving until tomorrow..

I considered a few park-ups on East Burra, and settled for one on a hill top, at the dizzying height of 71 metres, it did however, give exceptional 360 degree views, but especially impressive looking towards the north west coast.

After lunch we took on the track around the remote southern peninsula. I’ve discovered that the small stiles crossing fences here on Shetland are not dog friendly, neither will they gain plaudits from those with arthritic hips. Roja can’t get over these any more. Three years ago he would have leapt them, though even then it wasn’t good for him to land his 30 kilos on his two front paws. A few, he can negotiate by climbing the steps, but once on the steps, the final hurdle is usually too much. Often close by is a gate, so a detour solves the problem. Otherwise it’s a lift from me, but I’m reluctant to let him jump down, so it’s not easy, but just about possible.

The trail is decent until the old community of Symbister, that has been abandoned since the 1930s. After that it’s sheep trods which would be hard work normally, as the ground is very boggy, but at the moment everything is dry.

The slower going meant the trip of 12 kilometres took 3 hours, but the remoteness, and the scenery made any hurry needless.

Back at the van it was dinner time, first for Roja, then for me. A few locals walking their dogs passed by, each stopping for a chat, and agreeing that it was a fine spot for an overnight stay. The sky cleared as the evening proceeded, but we were to be denied a sunset in the very last minutes, by some piece of horizon cloud that had snuck up.