Northmavine is tremendous walking country with unforgettable experiences to offer everyone from the long distance hiker to the casual stroller. Many of its most beautiful spots are directly accessible by car. The spectacular Atlantic coastline from the Ness of Hillswick north to Uyea has no comparison elsewhere is Shetland.

Here the unrelenting power of the ocean has carved an astounding display of cliffs, stacks, geos, blowholes, natural arches, caves and gloups. Eshaness lighthouse is a superb place from which to savour the cliff scenery. From here an easy walk leads you to two particularly impressive features. The Holes of Scraada (Old Scratch, or the Devil) were formed when the roof caved in at the end of a deep and narrow sea cave stretching more than one hundred yards in from the coast.

Further on stands the Grind o' da Navir (Gate of the Borer), a huge, vertical sided gateway in the cliffs. Here the sea has ripped a huge chunk of rock out of the cliff face and hurled it inland. Nearby lies the Loch of Houlland, where the ruin of a broch provides an excellent example of Iron Age architecture. The more adventurous will ascend Ronas Hill to where a fine example of a chambered cairn awaits them.

From here, on a clear day, the view is unsurpassed, taking in all of Shetland from Fair Isle to Muckle Flugga. Plenty of time should be reserved to explore the huge red cliffs west of Ronas Hill, Shetland's largest beach at Lang Ayre and the many lochs in the area. Up here it is wise to be well equipped as mists can appear suddenly to restrict visibility. Be warned, the climate here can be every bit as extreme as the Cairngorm plateau.

Other impressive walks can be enjoyed around the Ness of Hillswick, between Hillswick and Braewick, around Fethaland, out to Uyea, along Ronas Voe past Heylor, at Nibon and Mangaster and by Gluss Isle and Bardister, near Ollaberry.