Is this the best beach ever?

We’ve had some wonderful times on Shetland so far which can be seen by looking back over the past 10 days. However, today’s expedition to Breckon via the Shetland Gallery ranks with the best.

The weather made it, of course, with blue skies, fluffy cumulus clouds and clear sharp air. A breeze from the north kept temperatures just in double figures.

The gallery was very interesting, well worth stopping off to see. The work of local artists and crafters were on display along with that of the owner who was more than happy to talk about the inspiration she and the other artists gained from the Shetland environment.

The journey from the gallery became ever more interesting and beautiful as we headed further north towards Breckon. Unst came into view and was a backdrop to most of today’s walk.

Parking at the end of the road at Breckon we walked out to Gloup along the single track taking in the monument to the souls lost in the great storm of 1881 while out haff fishing.

Lunch was taken in a warm, sheltered spot overlooking the Wick of Whallerie where we were policed by wheatears, saw a seal in the bay and watched gannets plummet into the sea.

At the cliff top was a fascinating tableau of a lookout station, staffed by a mannequin looking out to sea complete with binoculars, kettle and telephone. See extra.

Then followed a majestic walk along the cliff tops to Breckon beach weaving around the many geos which indent the cliff line. See second extra. The Cambrian schists and gneisses rocks were so beautiful. All the time Unst and the lighthouse Muckle Flugga were clearly visible.

At last we came to the beach and it was worth coming to it at the end of the walk. So mesmerisingly spectacular. Can you spot the person on the beach? We walked the full length pausing to sit, watch and listen for half an hour in a sheltered spot at the far end .

We finished the day by walking out to the Ness of Houlland across the buttercups and daises of the machair for another view of the beach, coming back past an ancient settlement which was first occupied over 4000 years ago.

What a day.

One of the things we’d really like to do on Shetland is to enjoy some local seafood. It is hard to come by. I talked to a fisherman on the jetty by the name of John Arthur Robertson who was fishing for lobster and crab and also told us about Christopher Thomason who farmed mussels selling them all over the world from his plant in Cullivoe.

We will be having mussels. We need to buy some white wine! We were hoping for some white fish or mackerel but not been successful in sourcing any so far.

Tweedy mentioned FiFife who has a place in Burravoe near the Old Haar museum which is where we’re heading tomorrow. Visiting Shetland has put me in touch with even more blippers!