north mavine

 

North mavine

To enter north Mavine you must cross Mavis grind which is a narrow isthmus joining the Northmavine peninsula to the rest of Shetland Mainland. It is just 33 metres wide at its narrowest point where it’s said you can throw a stone from the north sea over the causeway to the Atlantic I had tried and failed? while staying at the excellent decca appartments at lerwick the appartments owner steve, said his grandads photo was on the info board dragging a boat across, i know the informationboard photo well its a great photo, i told him about the failed stone throw he said you stand at the centre of the road and throw one stone each way at high tide!ok that would work if it weren’t for this strip of road north mavine would be a big island it is a large area of Shetland and at one time was the more populated area

        

mavine sign in the sun

    When there was less roads and cars boats would get dragged across this isthmus to save a huge row or sail around the northern area of the islands there is now two information boards at Mavis and a big silver lettered sign like a small version of the Hollywood sign to welcome visitors over onto the north The parish of Northmavine has some of the finest views and best hill and coastal walking. Tucked in between the rugged coastline and wild hills are dozens of small crofting settlements, making this one of the most picturesque corners of the islands. Popular sights include Ronas Hill (Shetland's highest summit) and the spectacular cliffs at Eshaness.

Northmavine is home to around 840 residents, mainly living in the communities of Hillswick, Ollaberry, Sullom and North Roe. I couldn’t count how many times I have cycled ran walked drove over Mavis on countless runs cycles and other mini adventures kayaking was a favourite from muckle roe harbour probably the best way to see the islands is from a kayak

This time it’s different I nearly could have missed out this area altogether had I not had the final three trig points yet to do, as most of the others were easy accessed after work leaving me three awkward to get to trig points. 

the scattered islands and bays of Yell Sound and Shetland's largest sea loch, Sullom Voe

• The first bombs to drop in Britain during the Second World War landed in Sullom. The Germans were targeting HMS Cardiff, HMS Coventry and a number of cargo ships berthed at Sullom Voe. The only casualty was a rabbit, which was said to have inspired the popularity of the song 'Run Rabbit Run' during the war.