SUNDAY 14TH MARCH
My first day off! I was determined to see something of Shetland beyond the view from the windscreen. I set off for Sandness, on the west coast. I took the same road for Weisdale, only this time I could see! Stunning (of course!). And trees! Trees cannot survive the fearsome winds in Shetland so there are practically none. I presume the valley of Weisdale is moderately sheltered so that it can support a few clusters of trees. Continuing west, I arrived at Sandness and the first thing I noticed was how fiercely the wind turbines were spinning. Great day to pick for a walk! Determined I was, however, and off I set facing the oncoming wind. Well, it did not let up for a moment and it was quite an experience, to be blasted relentlessly like that for three hours. It was also colder on Sunday than usual, and I reckon with the wind chill is was well below zero the whole time. But it was amazing. The sun came out and I was treated to stunning views of Papa Stour, an island famed for its rocky reefs and sea caves. Foula, one of the most remote islands, loomed mistily on the horizon and the most sensational part of the walk was the magnificent Hesti Geo, with its sheer cliffs dropping straight down into the sea and rugged stacks beyond.
