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Thread: Shetland islands

  1. #1
    Master shaunaneto's Avatar
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    Shetland islands

    Anybody have any pointers for running in the Shetlands?

    I'll do my usual thing of maps and walk reports. But any advice welcome.

    I assume most runs will be 3hrs to cover 6miles into a head wind, followed by a terrifyingly fast return with a tail wind. It'll be October.
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  2. #2
    Master Witton Park's Avatar
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    Re: Shetland islands

    The bits I know are like running on the boggy Pennine tops, but close to sea level. I only managed a few short runs in the mornings though from my B&B as I was up there on business.
    Fantastic terrain. Get out to the west. If you want a great B&B, try this. http://www.burrastowhouse.co.uk/en/ as it's fantastic food in a wonderful place.

  3. #3
    Master shaunaneto's Avatar
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    Re: Shetland islands

    Cheers WP

    Yeh, I'm expecting to see a lot of rough ground underfoot. We are staying on West Burra, but will be all over the island as its Shetland Wool Week the GF has dragged me up there for.

    This does mean I'll have plenty of time unsupervised during the day to get out and explore.
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  4. #4
    Master wheezing donkey's Avatar
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    Re: Shetland islands

    I've had two holidays on the Shetlands. If you can, get off "The Mainland" onto some of the smaller islands. If you can get up on to Unst ( northernmost inhabited island ) get up to the Herma Ness bird reserve at it's NW tip - overlooks the Muckle Flugga lighthouse, Britains most northerly habitation when it was manned. More easily attainable, from Lerwick take the ferry E across the narrow sound to Bressay, run across Bressay ( 2 miles, tops ) and get the boat to Noss. You used to have to "rattle" a triangle on the shore of Bressay and the RSPB warden on Noss would come across in his boat to ferry you over. To all intents and purposes, Noss is a 700 acres tilted, round table of turf, with the W side running into the surf and the E side 600 feet vertical cliffs. The bird wardens house was the only habitation on the island. Ian. Oh, if you can get up to Fetlar ( E of Yell ) it's where the Snowie Owls used to nest - don't know if they still do so. V. impressive when the large female soars down the moor to see you off.
    Quote Originally Posted by shaunaneto View Post
    Cheers WP

    Yeh, I'm expecting to see a lot of rough ground underfoot. We are staying on West Burra, but will be all over the island as its Shetland Wool Week the GF has dragged me up there for.

    This does mean I'll have plenty of time unsupervised during the day to get out and explore.
    Last edited by wheezing donkey; 01-09-2013 at 10:54 PM.
    I was a bit of an oddball until I was abducted by aliens; but I'm perfectly OK now!

  5. #5
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    Re: Shetland islands

    Folks, there's no such place as the Shetlands... it's just Shetland.

    Curiously enough, I'm heading there with my mum (whose father was born there) in October and we didn't even know it was Shetland Wool Week, but I've just emailed her a link to their site after reading this here!

  6. #6
    Master shaunaneto's Avatar
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    Re: Shetland islands

    Ahh, Shetland! Thanks for that.

    Pete, you should give us a shout if you've time spare for a social run.

    WD, thanks for that. All noted.
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  7. #7
    Master IainR's Avatar
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    Re: Shetland islands

    Fitful head was pretty impressive.. there is a walk shetland site too.. I was there in december for a job interview... I rejected.. grim place in december.. spra from waves was 100ft high even on high cliffs you were hammered..

  8. #8
    Master shaunaneto's Avatar
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    Re: Shetland islands

    Glad Ive ordered a waterproof camera
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  9. #9
    Master shaunaneto's Avatar
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    Re: Shetland islands

    http://www.walkshetland.com/

    Ahh, so there is.
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  10. #10
    Grandmaster IanDarkpeak's Avatar
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    Re: Shetland islands

    Quote Originally Posted by shaunaneto View Post
    Anybody have any pointers for running in the Shetlands?

    I'll do my usual thing of maps and walk reports. But any advice welcome.

    I assume most runs will be 3hrs to cover 6miles into a head wind, followed by a terrifyingly fast return with a tail wind. It'll be October.
    Ping a PM to Rhys he worked there for a while I seem to remember chasing sheep......I kid you not.

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