An early start saw the Skipper cycling the three miles back to Roe Sound
for a pre-breakfast ascent of Mid Ward on Muckle Roe. Then we sailed
round Muckle Roe and in through the wonderfully named Swarbacks Minn to
the sheltered waters and voes within. The NE 5/6 continued to blow, with
a forecast increase to 7/8, so we made for the pier at the head of Aith
Voe and berthed inside it in complete shelter next to the Lifeboat. Sure
enough, the wind got up and white horses raced past the end of the pier,
but we were scarcely disturbed, apart from the howl of the wind in the
rigging. A lull for a couple of hours was enough for a quick ascent of
Scalla Field, above East Burra Voe. Fine sailing in the continuing NE
wind took us across St Magnus’ Bay, through the Sound of Papa Stour,and
down the dramatic coast of cliffs, caves, geos, stacks and skerries
backed by green pasture land – a softer landscape than the barer north.
After a night at the neat little marina at Skeld we sailed on south to
the Bay of Scousburgh (photo), excellent shelter from the north, with a
white beach at its head where a large group of seals were basking. From
there it was a doddle to climb the Ward of Scousburgh, with its horrible
summit of masts, extensive buildings, roads and a scrap car!