Sumburgh Head and Jarlshof circuit

Summary

This is a real Shetland classic, combining two of the island's most famous attractions into a great coastal circuit. It begins at Jarlshof - the most remarkable archaelogical site in Shetland. It then runs along the coastline before climbing up to Sumburgh Head and its lighthouse - the southernmost point of Shetland, and renowned for the chance it gives to see puffins at close quarters during the summer season. The return above the clifftops gives superb views.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Mostly grassy coastal walking, some rougher sections. Stiles over all fences.

Public Transport

Bus to start.

Start

Sumburgh Hotel / Jarlshof car park. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.5km / 3.5 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 197m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: HU399095

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Explorer 466 - Shetland - Mainland South
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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Park behind the Sumburgh Hotel - which is also the parking area for Jarlshof. Begin the walk by heading down the grassy path towards Jarlshof, with a fence on your left and a high stone wall on your right. Pass through the archway on the right at the end of the field. There is a charge for admission to Jarlshof itself, which is Shetland's most important archaeological site. The prominent ruin you can see from the entrance is the remains of a 16th century mansion, but beyond it an incredible complex of well-preserved Viking, Iron Age, Bronze Age and Stone Age dwellings can be explored.

Stage 2

From the entrance to Jarlshof turn left through a gate onto the signed coastal path, keeping the shoreline on your right. The path crosses several stiles and passes some fine cairns as it continues along the coastline towards Sumburgh Head which is visible in the distance.

Stage 3

Over the water on your right is the Ness of Burgi peninsula. Continue along the coastal path, keeping close to the shore and eventually crossing another stile over a wall at the start of the ascent to Sumburgh Head. Continue now on the landward side of the wall, climbing up to reach yet another stile.

Stage 4

Continue up by the wall, with stunning views looking back north along the coastline, before eventually bearing left to pass through a gap in a wall. Now turn right up the road towards the lighthouse - paths enable you to shortcut some of the bends in the road. Just before the lighthouse is reached there are great views of nesting seabirds in the season - with the puffins being everyone's favourite.

Stage 5

The lighthouse complex has an admission charge which enables you to visit a marine life centre including live cameras of the seabirds and exhibits about the lighthouse and its keepers, a WWII radar room, panoramic cafe and a climb to the top of the, now redundant, foghorn. There are also many places around the edge of the complex from which to view the cliffs, the hordes of razorbills and other seabirds below, and - of course - the puffins. From the lighthouse go back down the road passing a model whale.

Stage 6

The road leads down to a parking area on the saddle with a small lighthouse of its own. Go through a gap in the wall on the far side to start climbing the grassy slope towards Compass Hill, keeping near to the sea cliffs on the right. Eventually the steep climb eases and a short flatter section leads to the radar station on the summit, walk between the two sets of buildings.

Stage 7

As you descend towards Grutness there are superb views over Sumburgh airport and beyond. Keep close to the cliffs eventually heading towards a gap in the stone wall at the bottom of the hill.

Stage 8

To visit Grutness Pier you could go through this, or around the coast; alternatively turn left beside the wall to reach the road at a bend. Turn right here, and then left at Grutness to head along the A970 road, ignoring the turning on the right for the airport. To return to the start take the next left to reach the Sumburgh Hotel.

Route Profile

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