West Mainland is still a crofting community and is also a centre for the seafood industry with many fish and shellfish farms and inshore fishing boats. The voes are ideal for yachting and canoeing while there are modern marinas at Walls, Aith and Skeld.
The area is home to some of Shetland’s keenest gardeners and the kitchen garden at Burrastow House near Walls is worth a visit, as are the gardens at The Lea in Tresta. The Bixter Firth is one of Shetland’s most sheltered sea lochs and is popular with trout fishers and birdwatchers.
A favourite coastal walk is from Walls to Sandness, taking in the panorama of Foula and the Atlantic, as well as the cliffs and sea stacks of Deepdale. There are also some fine beaches in West Mainland.
