The best walks and hikes around Loch Spiggie

Direct access to the shoreline of Loch Spiggie is restricted because it is an RSPB nature reserve, designed to protect the fragile ecosystem and birdlife. However, you can enjoy excellent views of the loch from the single-track road that encircles it and from various nearby trails that explore the surrounding coastal and farmland scenery.

Yes, the region offers several excellent circular walks. For a unique coastal experience, the St Ninian's Tombolo Beach – St Ninian's Chapel Ruins loop from Bigton is a fantastic option that takes you across a beautiful sandy tombolo.

The Loch Spiggie area is a paradise for birdwatchers. The RSPB reserve is a haven for breeding waders like lapwings and curlews in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, you can see large flocks of whooper swans. For seabirds like puffins and guillemots during the summer, consider the Jarlshof – Puffin Colony at Sumburgh Head loop from Scatness.

Definitely. The area is well-suited for families, with many easy, low-elevation trails. The walks around St Ninian's Isle and the nearby Spiggie Beach are particularly good for a family day out, offering gentle paths and the excitement of a sandy beach.

Hiking around Loch Spiggie offers a mix of dramatic coastal cliffs, rolling green farmland, and stunning sandy beaches. Many routes provide expansive views over the freshwater loch on one side and the North Sea on the other, creating a unique and beautiful Shetland landscape.

Dogs are generally welcome on public paths, but it's crucial to keep them under close control, especially on a lead. This is particularly important due to the presence of livestock in the farmland and sensitive ground-nesting birds within the RSPB reserve area.

There are several small car parks and lay-bys that serve as starting points for hikes. For walks to St Ninian's Isle, there is parking available at Bigton. You can also find parking near Spiggie Beach, though the track may be rough. Always park considerately and do not block access for local residents or farm traffic.

While most trails are easy, there are options for those seeking more of a challenge. The Little Voe – Vital Public Hall & Library loop from Dunrossness is a moderate hike of about 6.1 miles (9.9 km) that requires a good level of fitness and explores the rugged coastline.

The routes around Loch Spiggie are well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the stunning coastal views, the unique experience of walking the St Ninian's tombolo, and the abundant opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Yes, the area is rich in history. The walk to St Ninian's Isle leads to the ruins of a 12th-century chapel. A short drive away, you can also explore the world-renowned Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, which showcases thousands of years of human history.

Yes, the area has some beautiful sandy beaches perfect for walking. Spiggie Beach and Scousburgh Sands are both highly-regarded local spots. They offer lovely, quiet stretches of sand ideal for a gentle stroll and spotting wildlife.