Skeld, Shetland Day 19 June 9th

Tarland to Aberdeen

Monday

Before embarking upon our sea trip to Shetland we thought it best to stock up on items like food. As we also needed fuel a trip to Asda took place. Now, this was not quite straightforward as Asda has a stack car park. Directions to 'Parking' led us along a one way road where we came face to face with a barrier, too low for our van!

Fortunately, we could park before the barrier, but how to leave? This cannot have been the first time staff in Asda has been confronted with this problem as, when we spoke to them about it, the response was clearly one they had practiced. It involved two men blocking the road and allowing us to leave in regal splendour!

Lunch was taken overlooking the harbour. Well, we would have overlooked the harbour if we had driven a little further. However, we were beside a golf course run by the council that looked quite interesting and quite challenging, Nigg Bay, it was called. As we set off for the port we actually drove around it as it was set on the top of a ridge or promontory between the harbour and….somewhere else!

The port arrangements were, seemingly less well organised than we would expect at, say, Dover. One lined up in the street! On our Arrival there were about 6 cars in the queue - only! And no passports were demanded!

Getting on the boat was similar, except for the fact it only had one car deck, and we had to squeeze between lorries already loaded and chained down - worrying, perhaps. One suck truck was a Tesco van for home deliveries! Now I wonder what that costs??

The cabin was fine and we both had a reasonable night, given that the sea was pretty flat. However, as it was quite a small boat its movements were more obvious although they did not keep us awake. Dinner, however, was the usual standard fare. Both of us are beginning to crave a quality meal that offers great taste rather than great quantities; vegetables that are not over cooked.

Tuesday

The boat sailed into Lerwick (said with the w sounding as a v) via a channel between two islands so we could see the houses and streets quite easily. On departing the boat at about 8 am we headed for the town, about 800 yards. Happily, we could find parking on the port and wandered about the streets. Shops were closed, no cafes to be found and few people. This changed about 9 am when a few more souls appeared but one could hardly call it busy. There was campsite in Lerwick - No chance; closed! However, we got leaflets and details of others and so we set off to find 'Skeld'.

This proved interesting as we had to negotiate the roads……which it turns out are good, at least those which we might refer to as 'main'. The last 7 miles, however, was along a single track road, albeit one with many passing places. However, one had to drive with care and attention but with only one vehicle to be seen over that distance it was not a problem.

Skeld campsite is besides a small harbour at the top of a small loch. There is plenty of room, a bird hide and good facilities. It is remote and very quiet, no shops, pub or indeed anything at all except a few houses…..and us. After chatting to the other campers, eating lunch and planning our stay on Shetland, I went for bike ride along the road we had used to reach to campsite. This was fine, except that it was constantly undulating, and with a stiff breeze blowing made the journey hard work. My 14 miles felt like 30 miles!

There is a lot of bird life here so tomorrow I think we will try doing a little walking, hoping to spot not only birds but also seals and otters before heading for the south of the islands, to Sumburgh Head.