4.0
(63)
416
hikers
14
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Sandwick, located in the south Mainland of Shetland, are characterized by a diverse landscape of rolling hills and a coastline featuring low cliffs and beaches. The region offers a mix of treeless grassland and heath, particularly on nearby islands like Mousa. These varied coastal and hilly terrains provide scenic backdrops for exploration. The area is rich in historical sites, including ancient brochs and croft houses, which can be explored on foot.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.8
(26)
175
hikers
5.93km
01:36
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(12)
69
hikers
3.52km
00:56
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(2)
6
hikers
7.45km
01:57
60m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
4.30km
01:11
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Sandwick
This is where you pass when you go around Ninian's Isle
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Nice short walk around the island, great beach
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Beautiful island. If you love Batur, this is the right place for you. You can walk a trail around the outside of the island once. Past collapsed buildings, sheep, lots of birds, seals and much more. It's worth it. A great trip. The broch is open. At the bottom of the entrance you will find flashlights which you will need for the climb. The steps are tiny and sometimes better, sometimes worse. Some of them can only be climbed sideways. At the top you are rewarded with a great view. But it is also very beautiful just inside.
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Beautiful island. If you love Batur, you've come to the right place. You can walk a trail around the outside of the island once. Past collapsed buildings, sheep, lots of birds, seals and much more. It's worth it. A great trip.
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A prominent headland on the east coast of the South Mainland of Shetland, Helli Ness lies 2 miles (3 km) east of Cunningsburgh and is trimmed by cliffs which reach 20m (65 feet) in height. On the coastal side you will see large glacial erratic rocks and the remains of an old croft house.
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The cliffs in this area provide nesting for Fulmar and Shag. You may also spot Black Guillemot fishing offshore. Don't wander off the path around the RSPB reserve, as it should be kept too. Perie Bard lighthouse can be seen down the coast.
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Mousa Broch is an incredibly well preserved example of an Iron Age broch, with walls and galleries mostly complete. It is open for access to the public and can be explored.
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The Coall (64m) and with a trig point (yay!), on Coall Head is well-worth the climb for the views to the North and South. The cliff edges around here are steep and edges can be over-hanging, so keep your distance! Below sea-kayakers can often be seen exploring the sea caves and clefts, in spring and summer, the sheer cliff faces can be ablaze with colour from the wildflowers.
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There are over 10 easy hiking trails around Sandwick, offering a variety of landscapes from coastal paths to routes exploring historical sites. The komoot community has rated these trails highly, with an average score of 4.0 stars.
Yes, Sandwick offers several easy circular routes. For example, the St Ninian's Isle circular — Shetland Isles is a popular 3.7-mile loop that explores the unique tombolo. Another option is the Fladdabister Circular Trail, which is 2.7 miles long.
Sandwick's easy trails often lead to significant historical sites. The Mousa circular — Shetland Islands trail takes you around the island of Mousa, home to the Broch of Mousa, the best-preserved Iron Age broch. Near St Ninian's Isle, you can also find the St Ninian's Chapel Ruins.
Yes, many of the easy hiking trails around Sandwick are suitable for families. They feature gentle terrain, often along coastlines or through rolling landscapes, making them accessible for various age groups. The St Ninian's Isle circular, for instance, is a great option for a family outing.
Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in Sandwick, but it's important to keep them under control, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds. Always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and local signage regarding dog access.
Easy hikes in Sandwick offer diverse scenery, from dramatic coastal views with low cliffs and beaches to rolling treeless grasslands and heath. Trails like Helli Ness, Greenmow - Shetland Islands provide stunning coastal vistas, while others explore the unique landscapes of islands like Mousa.
Parking is generally available at or near the trailheads for many popular easy hikes in Sandwick. For specific routes like those leading to St Ninian's Isle or the ferry to Mousa, designated parking areas are usually provided. It's always advisable to check local information for specific starting points.
While some areas of Sandwick are served by local bus routes, direct public transport access to all trailheads may be limited. For destinations like Mousa, a summer passenger ferry departs from Leebitton, near Sandwick. Planning ahead with local transport schedules is recommended.
The milder months, typically late spring to early autumn (May to September), are generally the most pleasant for easy hiking in Sandwick. During this time, you can expect longer daylight hours and potentially more stable weather conditions, though Shetland weather can be unpredictable year-round.
Yes, Sandwick's easy trails feature several scenic viewpoints and natural features. The St Ninian's Tombolo Beach is a unique natural sand causeway, and the coastline offers views of low cliffs and beautiful beaches like Cumlewick. The Holes of Burra are also a notable natural attraction nearby.
The easy trails in Sandwick are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 50 reviews. Hikers often praise the dramatic coastal scenery, the rich historical sites like the Broch of Mousa, and the overall accessibility of the routes for a relaxed outdoor experience.
Sandwick and its surrounding areas offer some local amenities, including cafes and small shops, particularly in the main village. While not every trailhead will have immediate facilities, you can usually find options for refreshments and provisions within a short distance, especially before or after your hike.


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