A hardy bunch of Swansea Bay members travelled to the most northerly part of the UK for this year’s Coast & Islands multi day O event. It’s a place that had many draws for in terms of beautiful scenery and loads of wildlife to track down, including the elusive Orca.
The Islands require a massive 13-hour overnight ferry trip from Aberdeen to Lerwick which due to the amazing most unlikely weather we had a flat crossing and then arrived with blue skies and light winds. Very un-Shetland like weather!
The event centre was in Brae and the 5 events were all pretty close. Close enough to cycle on most days. Around 300 orienteers made the journey and many stayed in and around Brae, so there was a great buzz. Brae was a great place for daily sea swims post run and home to an award winning fish and chip shop.
The terrain provided remarkably easy running with short grass and low growing heather. So, the main focus was all about navigating the complex rock areas and vague contours.
Day 1: Nibon. Long distance, showed us how beautiful Shetland is. Rugged features and wonderful views of the sea at times. Lakes as useful features to work off.
Day 2: Islesburgh. Middle distance. Glorious sunny day, blue skies blue seas and lovely contours. Happy days.
Day 3: Hamar. Another long day. Plenty of rocks and crags to keep us challenged.
The welcome rest day allowed for some tourism and many headed for the most northern point of the UK and look at the Lighthouse at Muckle Flugga.
Day 4: Muckle Hoo. Another long A bit of a drive and the threat of rain, but thankfully we avoided the worst.
The results and prizes for the many runners at the top of their classes. The maps and terrain were excellent. The organisation was relaxed but efficient and did the job.
Day 5: Lerwick. Sprint day. What a great map and town to be navigating round with a great finish in the castle.
We then had a gathering of 20 or so Welsh Orienteers after for a good chinwag and catch up. Then many of us headed to the Ferry at 17.00 for the return trip to Aberdeen. I was an absolutely fabulous event and the weather was incredible for the location. Not sure we can ever go back as the chances are we’ll never get that weather again!
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