Unst is a region located in the Shetland archipelago, recognized as the UK's most northerly inhabited island. Its landscape is characterized by a diverse terrain that supports a range of outdoor pursuits, featuring dramatic cliffs, expansive moorlands, grasslands, and pristine beaches. The island's geological variety, including schists, gneisses, serpentine, and gabbroic rocks, creates varied environments for exploration. This unique setting provides opportunities for several sports like hiking and touring cycling.
Unst offers a variety of…
16
Routes
5
(17)
Average rating
224
People visited

4.8
(4)
44
hikers
12.3km
03:35
310m
310m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
12.3km
03:10
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

16.7km
04:24
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(6)
77
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
14
riders
64.1km
03:51
640m
640m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
riders
53.4km
03:35
810m
810m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

10
riders
120km
07:34
1,480m
1,480m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
17.5km
01:12
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Unst, the UK's most northerly inhabited island, offers a variety of outdoor activities. The primary sports available are Hiking and Touring cycling. There are more than 15 routes documented on komoot, with an average rating of 4.88 stars from over 400 visitors.
Unst features diverse hiking opportunities, including coastal paths and unique nature reserves. Popular areas for hiking include Hermaness National Nature Reserve, Keen of Hamar National Nature Reserve, and Saxa Vord. For detailed routes, refer to the Hiking around Unst guide.
Yes, Unst is well-suited for touring cycling with generally gentle roads and low traffic. The island is part of National Cycle Route #1. Cycling to the 'end of the road' at Hermaness is a notable experience. More information can be found in the Cycling around Unst guide.
Unst offers several family-friendly options, including walks along its pristine beaches like Norwick and Skaw. The island's diverse terrain and natural attractions can be explored by families. Many routes are suitable for various skill levels.
Key natural attractions include Hermaness National Nature Reserve, known for seabird colonies and views of Muckle Flugga. Keen of Hamar National Nature Reserve is unique for its 'sub-arctic desert' landscape and rare plants. Saxa Vord offers panoramic views, and beaches like Norwick are geologically significant.
Unst has a rich Viking heritage, with more than 60 identified longhouse sites. Visitors can explore a reconstructed longhouse and a replica Gokstad ship at Haroldswick. These sites offer insight into the island's past.
Information on hiking routes that are accessible from public transport points in Unst is available. A dedicated guide, Hikes from bus stations around Unst, provides relevant details for planning such excursions.
Unst's outdoor routes are highly regarded on komoot. There are more than 15 routes available, which have received an average rating of 4.88 out of 5 stars. Over 400 visitors have shared their experiences and ratings for these routes.
Komoot offers several guides to help explore Unst. These include Hiking around Unst, Cycling around Unst, and Hikes from bus stations around Unst.
The official tourism website for Unst is Visit Unst. For general inquiries, the Unst Heritage Centre, which also serves as an information point, can be contacted at 01957 711528.
Unst offers a range of trails, and many are suitable for beginners due to the island's varied terrain. Paths along beaches or through less rugged areas provide accessible options for those new to hiking. Always check route descriptions for difficulty levels.

