A fantastic Mother’s Day adventure out!
The Muckle Roe lighthouse has long been on my bucket list of places to visit, by land, when I first saw it from the sea: an intriguing beacon of light warning sailors of the dangerous cliffs ahead and marking the entrance to Swarbacks Minn. I’ve explored the base of the cliff area while out on an RNLI lifeboat exercise, several years ago, and have seen it’s flash from the sea, at night, while out on a shout, but I’ve never visited the lighthouse by land.
Yesterday, Mother’s Day, was a gorgeous sunny day. A cloudless blue sky beckoned me outside to play, and when I tentatively pointed out the day’s weather forecast for total sun all day to my husband, and suggested perhaps we go out for a walk to enjoy it, I secretly, in my hopes of hopes, wished he would suggest we go to the beautiful white sand Muckle Roe beach, and then perhaps out to the lighthouse.
He did!
I might have squee’d!
So we gathered together a rucksack and provisions, stopping at a local village shop for packed lunch components and headed for the hills.
Shetland caters well to walkers and hikers, with many scenic routes conveniently signposted and including well maintained paths (although, I suspect, some of these paths are maintained by the local sheep!). For the walk to the lighthouse there is ample (signposted) car parking near a local B&B and the walk to the beach is just a quick hop over a hill.
There is a small stream cutting the beach in half with large boulders you can traverse over the water on. If you travel up this stream it will take you to an old water mill, complete with old millstone on the top. A fascinating spectacle, if you are six!
From there, back to the beach for a spot of throwing pebbles into the sea and dodging the waves!
And after that… up! The hill you see in the photo above is called Burki’s Hill and it has a path cut into it.
There is a pile of stones nearly at the top of the hill, so the children had to add a few more to it.
Some fantastic views already! Such a beautiful island we live on, especially when the sun shines upon us.
Looking back over Muckle Roe Beach
Looking forward, towards where the lighthouse is
This location is where the youngest felt the need to have a wee lie down as he was exhausted from climbing up Burki Hill. Hubby laid down next to him, pocket unzipped, and our video camera fell out! He didn’t notice until we were nearly at the lighthouse itself, but fortunately it was still there, sitting in the short heather, upon our return journey!
Nearly there! Just around the corner! This is the place where our youngest slipped and fell and got himself very muddy, much to his dismay!
We made it! The youngest is sulking because he’s dirty and wet.
A perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch.
Muckle Roe Panorama, Click to open photo in full screen
Heading home.
All in all it was an absolutely perfect Mother’s Day. Everything I could wish for – a good 3.88 mile walk (according to Run Keeper), great views, fine weather, my wonderful family and afterwards a gorgeous roast Shetland lamb with garlic and rosemary, roast tatties and Yorkshire puddings.
Absolute bliss!
For more information on walking in Shetland visit the Walk Shetland website. The Hams of Muckle Roe Circular is near this lighthouse.
Follow Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary’s board Shetland on Pinterest.
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Mum of three, daydream adventurer, OU Life Sciences graduate, occasional crafter, ex-pat Canadian & quite possibly Britain's most northerly food blogger.
Ursula Hunt says
This looks like you had a great day out
Carolin says
I’m happiest when I’m on the beach and this looks truly stunning. This looks like the perfect Mother’s Day trip to me!
Thanks for linking up with our Parenting Pin It Party x
Carolin recently posted…Easter Eggs: 30 ways to decorate and dye Easter eggs
Emily Leary says
Gorgeous pics – you’ve made me want to go there!
Emily Leary recently posted…Eating, shopping and exploring in Boulogne-sur-Mer
sustainablemum says
What a beautiful place you call home :). Lovely walk and wonderful photos.
sustainablemum recently posted…Pie
Carolyn Abbott says
wow looks lovely place
Holly says
I just love reading these posts and reminiscing on my time in the shetlands through your superior photographs!
Holly recently posted…Yarn Along: Pom Pom Knitted Cushion
Kate - gluten free alchemist says
Sounds like you had a lovely day! I love your posts about your wonderful islands. It looks so beautiful, rugged and empty with some amazing walks. Good job the camera was still waiting for you to find it…… down here it would have been pocketed in a flash!
Kate – gluten free alchemist recently posted…St Clement’s Cakes – gluten free (with dairy free/fatless sponge)
Stacey Guilliatt says
Oh this looks absolutely stunning. I love Scotland for scenic walks, never been to Shetland but it’s on my bucket list! x
Stacey Guilliatt recently posted…Wee wee (he) did it!
Elizabeth says
It’s a beautiful place, our Shetland, especially when the sun shines down upon us! 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…Orange Curd Butterfly Fairy Cakes
Camilla @FabFood4All says
What a gorgeous day and such a beautiful place you live. So glad you found your video camera again!
Camilla @FabFood4All recently posted…ActiFry Chicken Thighs & other quick recipe ideas for when you’re tired!
Elizabeth says
I know, that was a close call wasn’t it! 🙂 It is a beautiful place we live and I hope to get out and explore it more again this year now that my fitness has improved!
Elizabeth recently posted…The Ultimate Super Mario Bros Birthday Party!
Ren Behan says
Stunning photos, what a beautiful coastline. You’re so lucky living near so much beauty. So pleased you had a lovely Mother’s Day x
Ren Behan recently posted…Clearspring Gluten Free Brown Rice Noodles with Spinach and Tomato + Pasta Please Round Up
Elizabeth says
Than you Ren, yes, we are very fortunate to have such beauty on our doorstep. We were thinking, as we walked, there are those who have lived their entire lives never having seen the sea!
Elizabeth recently posted…Warm Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Sauce
Foodie Quine says
What a glorious walk! We had lunch out yesterday followed by a walk on the fantastic Sand Dunes at Balmedie Beach in Aberdeenshire. Totally different but equally spectacular scenery.
Foodie Quine recently posted…A Cock & Bull Feast with Caramelised Cauliflower
Elizabeth says
Ooh sand dunes sounds like a grand adventure too! Delighted you had a lovely Mother’s Day too 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia with Smoked Sea Salt {Bread Machine Recipe} PLUS Win Your Own Adoptive Olive Tree from Pomora and a Year of Gorgeous Olive Oil RRP £135 {Review & Giveaway}
Tricycles For Kids says
bookmarked!!, I like your blog!
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Elizabeth says
Thanks! 🙂
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Coombe Mill says
What a beautiful walk, I bet your hubby knew that’s where you wanted to go and had the walk planned for a while! It’s a shame your youngest fell over and so was in a sulk by the time you made it to the lighthouse, I’m sure he cheered up after the picnic though! It looks like there’s beautiful scenery around there, the sort of place you’ll be going back to visit again and again. Thanks for linking up with Country Kids.
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Elizabeth says
Thank YOU for hosting such a great linky to join up with! 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…The Ultimate Super Mario Bros Birthday Party!
Bex Walton says
I’ll admit, I just had to look up where Muckle Roe lighthouse is (I’d never heard of it and my geography is shocking) but it is now definitely on my bucket list of places to go. It looks so beautiful; the sea and the scenery especially. I’ve always been a bit of a sea baby myself so I am instantly drawn to anywhere near water. This looks like a really beautiful day out and the perfect kind of Mother’s Day trip.
Bex Walton recently posted…10 Things Only Full Time Bloggers Will Understand
Elizabeth says
Ooh yay! I hope you do make it up here one day – it’s definitely an experience to have at least once. 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…DIY Super Mario Bros Birthday Party Invitation {A Step-by-Step Tutorial}
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
That looks absolutely stunning – and what a gorgeous day.
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…Review: Nettlecombe Farm, Isle of Wight
Elizabeth says
It sure is a beautiful place, and the beautiful day made it even more special!
Elizabeth recently posted…#ExtraVeg March 2015 – A Simple Way to a Healthier Diet {A Food Blogging Challenge}
Laura Pearson-Smith says
What a lovely family day! Looks so peaceful x
Laura | A Life With Frills
Elizabeth says
Thanks Laura, yes, it was pretty special. 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…46 Fabulously Frugal Feasts {The Credit Crunch Munch Round Up}
Amie says
WOW, looks an absolutely gorgeous place to visit, hope you had a great mothers day x
Elizabeth says
I had the best Mother’s Day ever – I wouldn’t have changed a single thing about it. 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…The Ultimate Super Mario Bros Birthday Party!