Fair Isle North Lighthouse & Observatory

Summary

This short, easy ramble follows the road from the ferry jetty at North Haven, exploring the coastal features to reach the North Lighthouse with spectacular cliffs nearby before returning via a blow hole and the bird observatory.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Very quiet minor road, short section pathless coastal walking.

Getting there

Start

Fair Isle ferry jetty at North Haven.

Public Transport

Ferry to Fair Isle, no day trips possible. It is possible on some days to make a day trip by air; the airstrip is 1.5km from the walk.

Start Grid Ref

HZ225724

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6km / 3.75 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 130m (Profile)

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Explorer 466 - Shetland - Mainland South

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The Fair Isle ferry the MV Good Shepherd docks at North Haven, if arriving by air follow the road down from the airstrip and turn left at the first junction to eventually reach the pier passing the Bird Observatory on the way where you can also pick up this route. Start by walking along the road from the pier across the back of the sandy bay. This is one of the few relatively sheltered bays on the island, its coastline is particularly dangerous for shipping and has over 100 known shipwrecks including the El Gran Grifon from the Spanish Armada which ran aground 1588.

Stage 2

Continue along the road to the site of the Fair Isle Bird Observatory - the latest building was destroyed by fire in March 2019 and so is now closed. This was established more than 50 years ago, initially in old wartime huts and more recently a purpose-built building. The Observatory undertakes scientific research on bird migration and the island's seabird breeding colonies and was open to staying guests who can take part in bird ringing and other work or just enjoy the location and comfortable surroundings. Once past the building, turn right to follow the road which leads to the North lighthouse.

Stage 3

The road gently climbs and then crosses the open moorland where prostrate juniper, which is rare on Shetland, grows in places amongst the heather. This area provides rough grazing for sheep, with the south end of the island more cultivated. There are approximately 70 islanders, most of whom live on crofts where sheep traditionally provided wool for the famous knitwear which is still produced on the island. Looking over to the right some arches can be seen in the coastal cliffs.

Stage 4

Continue on the road and eventually the North Fair Isle lighthouse comes into view at Skroo. This was automated in 1983 and the lighthouse keeper's cottages which stood on the site were demolished. You can look out to the fog horn which sits on the promontory beyond the lighthouse known as the Nizz. The lighthouse was attacked twice in World War II and although damage was incurred there was no loss of life, unlike at the South lighthouse where three people were killed in two attacks.

Stage 5

The cliffs just east of the lighthouse are home to a large number of nesting seabirds including gannets and you can explore this area to watch them. Otherwise head southeast from the lighthouse over pathless ground to reach the coast and follow it.

Stage 6

Soon this passes the seaward side of a large collapsed sea cave, there are two separate tunnels leading into this large blow hole. From the far side make your way back up to the road and turn left to follow it all the way back to the Bird Observatory where you turn left to return to the pier at North Haven.

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