How to reach Out Stack from the island of Unst (Shetland, Scotland)?

How to reach Out Stack from the island of Unst (Shetland, Scotland)? - Confident young lady in casual wear carrying heavy carton boxes with toys and looking away while leaving old house

I would like to reach or at least sail by the northernmost point in the UK. This is Out Stack, an uninhabited rock north of the island of Unst, Shetland, Scotland. It is possible to see Out Stack from the north coast of Unst, although getting there requires a four to five hour hike.

Wikitravel claims one can get to Out Stack by fishing boat, but it fails to identify where fishermen hang around.

Back in 2012 there seems to have been bird watching tours that went to Muckle Flugga, just 600 m south of Out Stack. But the website of the tour company looks down.

I'm on Unst right now. Any tips on doing this?



Best Answer

In the late 70s or early 80s getting out to Muckle Flugga, Out Stack, Foula, Sule Skerry or any of the bird sanctuaries, there were a number of skippers who would take you if you were part of, or associated with Greenpeace.

With the greater focus on protecting these reserves, it has become much harder to visit them, and the occasional tours have all but gone, so for your current visit, as you are on Unst already, your best option is to go to Haroldswick and ask at the boat haven there. Assuming the weather is appropriate, you should be able to find someone who will quote you a cost to sail past the Stack.

Be aware that there are a lot of weather and sea conditions that would preclude a journey like this - it gets pretty rough...




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Shetland Day 4 - Unst | Britain's Northernmost Isle




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