Banna Min beach and Kettla Ness, West Burra

Banna Min is one of Shetland's most beautiful beaches, set along the west side of a stunning tombolo leading out to the Kettla Ness peninsula, the southernmost part of West Burra. The peninsula beyond the beach gives enjoyable walking above a wild coastline.

Terrain

Pathless coastal walking, boggy in a few places, some fences without stiles to cross.

Public Transport

Bus to Papil.

Start

Banna Min beach car park. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.75km / 4.75 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 145m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: HU368309

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a parking area (signed for Minn Beach) at the end of the road south through West Burra, beyond Papil. Before beginning the walk it is worth taking a look at the traditional thatched cottage just north of the parking area - this is Easthouse - restored by the Burra History Group, and sometimes open as a small museum.

Stage 2

Begin the walk by taking the signed track leading south from the parking area. Soon there is a stunning view ahead to Minn Beach - on the western side of a fine tombolo leading to the southern part of West Burra. The sandy beach is truly magnificent - a rival to that on the tombolo to St Ninian's Isle on Mainland. Continue across the tombolo to the far end of the beach, cross the stile and then bear right to begin your circuit around the peninsula. Keep to the right of the beach cottage, rounding the Lotra of Minn; there are good views northwards to Virda across the Banna Minn.

Stage 3

Soon the clifftop walk is interrupted by a low fence, which can be bypassed to the left side. Beyond this the walk - on close-cropped turf - continues above the cliffs, passing the blocky islet of the Fugla Stack and ascending towards a hill topped by a cairn. There is stile over a fence before the cairn is reached.

Stage 4

Now the walk continues towards the southernmost part of West Burra, still with cliffs on your right. Pass to the right of a small lochan, and eventually reach the Heugg peninsula - it is worth heading out on this, descending a little and crossing a rocky patch to reach the cairn on the end. This gives fine views back of the cliffs and caves.

Stage 5

Continue around the gentler Kettla Ness, and pass to the right of another lochan before climbing the low hill that forms the southernmost part of West Burra. From here there are grand views down the coast towards the southern end of Mainland, with Fitful Head prominent.

Stage 6

The walk now returns up the eastern coastline. The cliffs here are lower, looking across to neighbouring East Burra. There are a couple of low wire fences with no stiles, but as they have no barbed wire most people can step over them. Eventually some ruined buildings are passed before the route returns to the tombolo and Minn beach. From here cross the stile and retrace your steps back to the parking area.

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