Mavis Grind facts for kids
Mavis Grind is a very narrow strip of land in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It connects the Northmavine peninsula to the rest of Shetland Mainland. Its name comes from old Norse words meaning "gate of the narrow isthmus." An isthmus is a thin piece of land that connects two larger landmasses and has water on both sides.
At its narrowest point, Mavis Grind is only about 33 meters (108 feet) wide. This makes it a very special place! The main A970 road, which goes to Hillswick in northwest Shetland, crosses this narrow strip. It's located about two miles west of a settlement called Brae.
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A Unique Place to Visit
Mavis Grind is famous for a few reasons. People say it's the only place in the United Kingdom where you can throw a stone from the North Sea on one side all the way to the Atlantic Ocean on the other side! This shows just how narrow it is.
Otters and Wildlife
This narrow land bridge is also a regular crossing point for otters. In Shetland, otters often live in the sea, so Mavis Grind is a convenient path for them to move between different coastal areas. It's a great spot to see these playful animals in their natural habitat.
Viking History and Experiments
In 1999, some local volunteers did an interesting experiment at Mavis Grind. They wanted to see if Viking ships could be carried across the isthmus. This would have been a shortcut for Vikings, saving them from having to sail all the way around the end of the island. The experiment was successful, showing that it was possible! This gives us a glimpse into how Vikings might have traveled long ago.
Ancient Discoveries
Close to Mavis Grind, archaeologists have found signs of an old settlement from the late Bronze Age. This means people were living and working in this area thousands of years ago. These discoveries help us learn about the history of Shetland and the people who lived there long before us.
