Island of Noss National Nature Reserve

Summary

One of the best walks in Shetland, this coastal circuit around the stunning Island of Noss visits some of Europe's finest seabird colonies. The highlight is the approach to Noss Head - a magnificent gannetry - but there are superb views, puffins, a fine beach and the chance to see otters or even whales out in the sound.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Coastal path, boggy in places, care needed on high sea cliffs.

Public Transport

Ferry to Noss from the Isle of Bressay - parking at the top of the road, then you have to walk down the hill to reach the inflatable ferry; no public transport to the parking area.

Start

Noss ferry jetty. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.25km / 5.25 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 230m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: HU530410

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Noss Head

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Noss lies on the far side of Bressay the island just east of Lerwick. Before leaving Lerwick check that the small Noss boat is running on 0800 1077818 as often a small swell can stop the inflatable shuttle boat from operating. The Noss ferry runs from late April to late August every day except Mondays and Thursdays. Take the ferry from Lerwick to Bressay and cross the island on the road. If driving the parking area is at the top where there is an information board. Walk down the track to the Noss jetty - a red flag will be flying on Noss if the boat isn't running.

Stage 2

Once on Noss, which was designated as a national nature reserve in 1955, the warden will usually give out some information (follow any seasonal walking route instructions) and there is also an interesting visitor centre. Start this anti-clockwise circuit of the island by walking round the front of the house and left to pass the pony pund, the remains of a Shetland pony stud, and out through a gap in the stone wall to cross behind the sandy beach at the back of Nesti Voe. Bear right onto a grassy path that continues along the coast, the area here is popular with seals, otters and eider ducks.

Stage 3

Cross a stile over a stone wall and eventually the cliffs rise slightly as you head towards the Point of Hovie. Soon the path runs inside the remains of a stone wall and then overlooks Cradle Holm with a sea arch on the far side. Look out for Noss' many puffins around their burrows near the clifftops on this next section.

Stage 4

Soon pass a large almost detached chunk of cliff and continue around the coast as the cliffs continue to rise dramatically as the route climbs. The first views, and smell, of the highest cliff, the Noup of Noss are incredibly impressive and at 180m are the highest cliffs on Shetland's east coast. Nearby the sandy seabed is a spawning ground for sandeels which in turn are an important food for many seabirds. The cliffs here house over 25,000 black and white guillemots and 20,000 gannets as well as many fulmars, shags and puffins.

Stage 5

Continue climbing to eventually reach the round trig point and the summit of the Noup of Ness. From here the route heads downhill staying inside the stone wall and passing a series of geos and small headlands. The inland moorland is home to snipe, dunlin, lapwing, oystercatchers as well as great skuas, or bonxies, who will protect their territories, nests and young ferociously - carry a stick above your head to deter them.

Stage 6

Continue along the low grassy cliffs until a stile over a stone wall. Cross and turn left immediately to head inland (if you have time and energy for a longer walk you can keep following the coast to return to the warden's house) otherwise walk south alongside the wall until a gate on your left, here turn right and follow the grassy track back to the warden's house at the start. If there is spare time the small headland of Big Ness immediately in front of the house is a great place to look for otters as well as passing cetaceans in the Noss Sound.

Route Profile

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