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Whalsay Island, Shetland Day 25 Monday June 15th
So after a short stay at Detling Marina we headed across the Shetland towards Whalsay ferry. We had planned to stop at South Nesting Campsite and then travel to the island the following day. But trips are for plan changes!
As the drive took us very close to the ferry, we thought a visit would help us sort out the booking. When we reached the deserted line up, and the sea was smooth, we decided to make the crossing there and then. The golf course had no competitions scheduled and the evidence form Shetland GC was that access should be simple.
It s a small boat, a simple drive on system, open to the elements but high-sided, I guess to protect the cars when the sea and wind a rather more frisky. The crossing was simple and easy, during which we could see the salmon farms that provides the shops with their fish.
Whalsay is a small island, maybe 6 miles long. Surprisingly it also seems to have a significant population. The main settlement, Symbister, has two schools, there is a bus service, and the main road is of tarmac and runs the full length of the island. It is, mostly, a single track road with passing places but, there is only a limited amount of traffic. At the far is Whalsay Golf Club founded in 1976. It is Britain's most northerly course.
According to the green keeper( part-time volunteer) it was built and designed by the locals. And the 16th hole is the one to look out for. Which I did. Eventually. After playing the first 15. It was definitely worth the wait.
It is 'only' 6000 yards long but plays, and feels, much longer. In essence there is little ball run. This is because the course lies on peat so rarely dries out. At the moment it is quite wet after an awful winter which damaged several greens. Also, there are some lengthy walks between some tees which adds to the length. It also boats some amazing views since it lies along the tops of the cliffs and you play out to several points. From the course one can see not only the mainland but also the Outer Skerries.
Of course playing a course one does not know makes life difficult and one is not always sure what lies ahead. However, in spite of this I lost no balls on holes 1-17. Even on the 16th but perhaps my luck was running out by then. It is a stunning right-left dog leg from an elevated tee with the cliffs and sea to the left. Tee shot survived by clinging on the grass a few metres from the cliff edge. Trouble remains as the cliffs cut into the fairway just before the green. However, I did make it successfully eg no lost ball!
The 18th proved less accommodating. It's a interesting final challenge, from an elevated tee around a natural lake - or in my case into a natural lake! Poor tee shot dropped in by about 10 feet; a drop was needed. It looked easy 120 yards over the pond to the fairway. A good strike, clean and full with an 8 iron; but who forgot that it was straight into the wind! Fifth shot with a 6 iron made the shore safely and I was able to play out on a green that was long and reasonably flat.
All in all great fun and enjoyable but as always it would be better playing with someone.
After the golf, we left for the ferry and the trip to the mainland. All went well. We then headed for our next campsite at South Nesting Hall, a journey along the edge of the sea and cliffs, a single track road for maybe 10 miles. In the distance I saw a large marquee and joked that they had set it up for us. Well, no, but it had been set up for a music festival, at midsummer, alongside our camping spot! A biker's music festival! Joy!!
We did not stay but headed to Skeld, our first campsite, which took another 25 miles. Since it was now 7.30 pm we arrived late but at least we had some quiet and and guaranteed nights rest.
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