Voe Travel Guide

  A firm warning!
by leics
 
  • A firm warning!
      A firm warning!
    by leics
  • Looking across the voe from the war memorial
      Looking across the voe from the war...
    by leics
  • Sullom Voe terminal and harbour
      Sullom Voe terminal and harbour
    by leics
  • Memorial
      Memorial
    by leics
  • Plaque
      Plaque
    by leics
 

Explore Voe

Things to Do  

The War Memorial
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Memorial
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The memorial to those who were lost at Sullom Voe in the Second World War lies in the layby at the furthest point on the access road to which you are advised to travel unless you have oil business.

Scatsta airbase was built for fighters to protect the flying-boat base which existed in the voe. You can still see the remains of structures...piers, concrete bases for buildings and so on...dotted about the surrounding area.

Worth seeking out. The memorial plaque is much more informative about what happened at the site than is often the case.

Updated Aug 27, 2011

Website: http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Shetland/RAFSullomVoe.html

Related to:
 Historical Travel
 Photography

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The sunny side of Shetland
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budapest8 1014 reviews

If your not working in the oil business or fishing then just a normal tourist then read on.....

The sunny side of Shetland
Touring the Westside
Traditionally, the Westside begins at the top of the hill dividing Weisdale from Aithsting and Sandsting. Just below the summit, the road leading down to the leafy gardens of Tresta crosses a fault in the Earth's crust.

Sandness Hill and the coastal walk beyond Huxter have breathtaking views of the wild country on the westernmost point of the Shetland Mainland. The dramatic silhouette of the island of Foula sits out on the Atlantic horizon, while a maze of spectacular coves and sea stacks skirts the beautiful Bay of Deepdale. There is much good walking south to Wats Ness, the Voe of Footabrough and Littlure.

A Crofting Tradition
As well as sheltering salmon and sea trout cages, the voes of the Westside are ideal for yachting and canoeing. Natural harbours shelter modern marinas at Walls and Aith - where berths are reseverved for visiting sailors. The annual regattas at Walls,Aith and Skeld are major events in the social calendar. Like the Skeld Sheepdog Trials and the Walls Show (the longest-running agricultural show in Shetalnd), these community gatherings include concerts and dances where visitors are always welcome.

The Wild West
A walk on Shetalnd's Westside brings you face to face with nature in all its amazing variety. You'll have good views of sals, seabirds, skuas, and moorland species such as skylark, curlew and golden plover.

The long, winding tideline teems with wildlife, with everything from rock pools full of hermit crabs and sea anemones to sheltered, sandy shores with razor shells and cockles.

Written Sep 11, 2005

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Possible short outings from...
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risgan 9 reviews

Possible short outings from Voe are 1.to the nearby island of Muckle Roe which is linked by bridge to the Shetland mainland and provides shelter to the arm of the sea on which Voe is situated or 2.to the scenic north section of the Shetland mainland( Northmavine)which contains Shetland's highest hill( Ronas Hill). This area is reached over the isthmus of Mavis Grind where only around 100 yards is said to separate the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. A longer outing would be by ferry to the North Isles where Unst and its outlying islets form the most northerly part of the British Isles.

Written Oct 5, 2002

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Nightlife  

Bring a bottle of Scotch...
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Bring a bottle of Scotch Whiskey and sit on the shore facing the North Sea. Watch the seagulls and hear the wind blowing. Make sure you have at least 2 Shetland sweaters on and a waterproof anorak.
Great place if your on the run or don't want to run into someone your avoiding like the plague.

Dress Code: Wellington boots, lots of wooley jumpers,jeans, long johns.

Written Oct 4, 2002

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Transportation  

Since public transport will be...
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Since public transport will be limited the best way to get there is by car. Cars may be taken to Shetland on the ferry from Aberdeen. The crossing(overnight) takes 14 hours. It is not uncommon for the sea to be rough. Voe lies on the main A970 road from the island capital of Lerwick to the north mainland and is situated just before the junction to the road leading to the ferry to the North Isles(Yell, Unst and Fetlar). When I was there, I was struck by the high standard of most roads in Shetland.

Written Oct 5, 2002

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If you can't wait to get to...
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If you can't wait to get to Shetland, you can fly here from the UK or Europe - through combination of direct flights from Scotland and quick connections with places further afield.
If you’d like to come at a more restful pace, the trip overnight by sea with P&O Ferries from Aberdeen makes the perfect beginning and end to your Shetland break.

Written Oct 4, 2002

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Warnings and Dangers  

In Shetland Great Skuas are...
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In Shetland Great Skuas are common. If you approach their breeding grounds these large brown sea birds will repeatedly dive bomb you, with their feet passing at speed just above your head. I don't know though if this is a particular problem around Voe.

Written Oct 5, 2002

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Off The Beaten Path  

Voe is off the beaten path
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Voe map
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VOE HOUSE - WALLS
Overlooking the picturesque village of Walls, Voe House is a fascinating building which has been carefully restored using recycled building materials. The original building, now derelict, is thought to have been a 16th century manse. The böd itself probably dates from the mid 18th century and the kitchen area was once a cycle shop

Opening Times:

1st April - 30th September (or by arrangement). 4 public rooms, dining area.

Cost:

£5 per night per person.
£80 per night for exclusive use for families or groups.

Updated Apr 4, 2011

Related to:
 Eco-Tourism
 Adventure Travel

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Shetland's airport for...
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risgan 9 reviews

Shetland's airport for internal flights is at Tingwall,about 15 miles south of Voe. From here it might be possible to fly for a day trip to the outlying islands of Fair Isle or Foula. These are especially interesting for their bird life and Foula has high cliffs. It is also possible to sail to these islands but not to get back on the same day and the crossings are very exposed.

Written Oct 5, 2002

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Favorites  

risgan's General Tip
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risgan 9 reviews

Fondest memory: Voe is a scattered village at the head of the Olna Firth. There are more trees than is usual in Shetland but they are stunted. As far as I can remember the surroundings are relatively green and it seemed like an oasis after passing through the very bleak Lang Kames area north of Lerwick.

Updated Oct 5, 2002

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Map of Voe