http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30881 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30881 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24720 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24720 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24133
The only problem is that Saxa Vord is a bit of a black hole in most tourist guides. They recommend viewing Muckle Flugga and the Out Stack from Hermaness National Nature Reserve, involving a two hour hike from the car park. While this is also recommended, there is an alternative way of enjoying the view. Drive north on the B9087 through Haroldswick, until you reach the Saxa Vord resort on your right. This was built as accommodation for the former RAF listening station on Saxa Vord, which closed in 2006. There is a turning to your left which leads up towards the hill. Take this road, and ignore the succession of signs that warn you that this is MoD property and that you should keep out. These signs become increasingly severe in their tone until, when you reach the gates of the old base, they read simply: "Persons entering the area may be arrested and prosecuted". Continue to ignore the signs, but possibly best to have a lawyer's number on your mobile.

Park up close to the gate and walk around to the left, following the perimeter fence. There are cliffs to your left, so bear this in mind as you continue towards the view of the Out Stack, but as long as you keep to within 50 feet or so of the fence you will be fine. In addition to one of Shetland's (and Britain's) most stunning views, you also have the bizarre constructions of a cold war defence fortress to your right.

Go and picnic at the end of the world!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24133 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24132 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24132 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23741
We stayed at the one and only Bed and Breakfast run by Nic who, besides running the island post office and shop, excels at cooking the most tasty and generous breakfasts and evening meals (when he is not practising his penny whistle...) recommended.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23741 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11989 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11989 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11988
Located about twenty miles west of Shetland Mainland, in the wilds of the North Atlantic, Foula is THE ideal getaway spot for people who love landscapes, flowers, birds, cetacean life - and who don't hanker for crowds or pubs or fancy restaurants or even shops (because Foula has none of those!)

As well as the highest cliffs in occupied Britain (over a quarter of a mile of vertical rock!), Foula is a delight to walk and explore, and its tiny population of under 30 residents make you feel very much at home. I've been travelling for over thirty years, have visited more than forty countries - and would go back to Foula again in a heartbeat.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11988 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11956 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11956