Best lakes around Nesting And Lunnasting are found within traditional crofting communities on the north-east coast of the Shetland mainland. This area features diverse landscapes, including coastal scenery, numerous lochs, and intimate sea inlets. The region is known for its rural character and offers opportunities for nature observation and exploring historical sites. The lochs provide varied environments, from deep freshwater bodies to tidal, brackish waters.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
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Nice place with great shop and beautiful houses
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The South Loch of Stofast is overlooked by it's impressive "Steens" (Stones). The best view of these fractured blocks, is from the South, with one rock profile said to resemble resembling a sphinx gazing out to sea - some people however think it looks like the profile of Queen Victoria. Which do you see?
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The South Loch of Stofast is overlooked by it's impressive "Steens" (Stones). The best view of these fractured blocks, is from the South, with one rock profile said to resemble resembling a sphinx gazing out to sea - some people however think it looks like the profile of Queen Victoria. Which do you see?
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Hamnavoe, a small village on Burra offers the visitor a fascinating variety of tiny alley ways and footpaths to explore that thread between the older dwellings. Sea views, countless rocky coves and sandy beaches are all within easy walking distance.
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The loch is the home of the only resident Mute Swans on Shetland as well as several other species of waterbird. The Law Ting Holm is a promontory at the north end of the loch, it used to be an island accessible by causeway, but the water level was lowered in the 1850's which connected it to the mainland. This was the site of Shetlands earliest parliament.
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Burravoe is the village in the southeastern corner of Yell on the coast of the natural harbour named Burra Voe. It's a little place with the oldest house on Yell, the Old Haa Museum which is thought to have been built in 1637.
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The lakes in Nesting And Lunnasting offer a diverse range of experiences, from deep freshwater lochs like the Loch of Girlsta, known for its unique Arctic Charr population and historical significance, to tidal lochs such as the Loch of Strom. The region also features scenic spots like the Loch of Benston, home to wild swans, and areas with ancient historical sites near the Loch of Skellister.
Yes, the region has several lakes with historical importance. The Loch of Tingwall and Law Ting Holm is notable as the site of Shetland's earliest parliament. Additionally, the Loch of Girlsta holds a legend of a Norse princess, Geirhild, who is said to have drowned there around 870 AD. The Loch of Skellister also has an ancient settlement and field system nearby, appealing to those interested in archaeology.
The Loch of Tingwall and Law Ting Holm is home to Shetland's only resident Mute Swans, along with other waterbird species. The Loch of Benston is also known for its wild swans, making it a tranquil spot for nature observation. The Loch of Girlsta is particularly special for its unique population of Arctic Charr, a relic from the last ice age, found nowhere else in Shetland.
Yes, the Loch of Tingwall and Law Ting Holm is considered family-friendly, offering opportunities to see Mute Swans and explore a historical site. The nearby Hamnavoe Harbour also offers sea views, rocky coves, and sandy beaches within walking distance, with fascinating alleyways to explore, making it suitable for families.
The lakes in Nesting And Lunnasting provide good fishing opportunities. The Loch of Girlsta is renowned for its excellent stocks of brown trout, with many fish averaging 10 oz and a record trout over 10 lbs. Boat fishing is recommended there. The Loch of Strom supports a varied fish population, including brown trout and sea trout, which may enter the loch from July onwards. Angling is concentrated towards the northern, more freshwater end of Strom. Fishing permits are required for the Loch of Strom.
You can enjoy various outdoor activities near the lakes. For hiking, consider routes like the easy Meal Beach and Hamnavoe Circular or the moderate Lunna Ness Circuit. You can find more hiking options in the hiking guide for Nesting And Lunnasting. Road cycling is also popular, with routes such as the Brae & Lunna Ness loop from Vidlin. Explore more cycling routes in the road cycling guide.
Yes, there are several easy walking routes. The Meal Beach and Hamnavoe Circular and the Ling Ness circular are both considered easy hikes. For more options, refer to the easy hikes guide around Nesting And Lunnasting.
The region offers several scenic viewpoints. The View of Burra Voe and Burravoe provides a beautiful perspective overlooking a natural harbour. Additionally, the Hamnavoe Harbour itself offers sea views and picturesque surroundings.
The Loch of Girlsta is the deepest loch in Shetland, reaching depths of up to 25 meters. It is also one of the largest freshwater lochs in the area.
Visitors appreciate the diverse landscapes, from the tranquil waters of the Loch of Benston with its wild swans, to the historically rich Loch of Tingwall and Law Ting Holm. The opportunity for nature observation, exploring ancient sites, and the rural charm of the crofting communities are frequently highlighted.
Yes, the Nesting And Lunnasting area features attractive coastal scenery and intimate sea inlets. While many lakes are inland, places like the Hamnavoe Harbour offer sea views, rocky coves, and sandy beaches within easy walking distance, blending lake and coastal experiences.


Still not found your perfect lake around Nesting And Lunnasting? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.