We decided to make a trip down to the south mainland of Shetland, after my early morning dip, again in the sunshine before breakfast!
It was a bit cloudy as we drove south, but by Sumburgh it had cleared.
We walked up to the lighthouse, enjoying the view back to Fitful Head, and all the cliffs with seabirds.
Marwyn’s cousin’s husband used to be head keeper at Sumbugh, and I visited a few times when I first went to Shetland, getting a private viewing of the lighthouse equipment.
As well as the prehistoric features, there’s a laird’s house dating from the 1500s.
The earlier settlement was of the Vikings, who were effectively the owners of Orkney and Shetland. There are remains of their longhouses.
Older still are the iron age wheelhouses, which are really well preserved. You can get inside them which is great!
Overall the site at Jarlshof is fascinating, and as good (to me) as Skara Brae in Orkney which we visited last year.
After Jarlshof we visited another beach for me: Scousburgh sands near Spiggie.
Another beach with fantastically clear water; just beautiful.
Quite a few people there, though only one or two swimmers; the water still about 14C.