Top 20 Natural Monuments in the Shetland Islands

The Shetland Islands are renowned for their dramatic coastal features, including towering sea cliffs, impressive sea stacks, and unique geological formations. You'll find volcanic geology at places like the Eshaness Cliffs, and fascinating formations such as the Holes of Scraada, where a narrow opening descends to a beach through a cliff tunnel. The region also boasts the UK's largest active tombolo at St Ninian's Isle, connecting the island to the mainland with a curving sand and shell beach.

The Shetland Islands are a paradise for seabird enthusiasts. View of Hermaness Cliffs and Sea Stacks, part of the Hermaness National Nature Reserve, is home to over 100,000 seabirds, including gannets and puffins. Similarly, Sumburgh Head is a prominent headland where you can get close to puffins and other nesting seabirds, especially at the Puffin Colony at Sumburgh Head. The uninhabited island of Noss, a National Nature Reserve, also hosts tens of thousands of gannets, guillemots, and fulmars.

Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Sumburgh Head Lighthouse area offers dramatic views and opportunities to see puffins, which is often a hit with children. The Loch of Tingwall and Law Ting Holm provides a more tranquil setting with historical significance. Additionally, the Mavis Grind Isthmus is an easily accessible natural monument where you can see the sea on both sides of a narrow strip of land.

The best time to visit is generally during the spring and summer months, from May to August. This period offers milder weather, longer daylight hours, and the best opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially seabirds like puffins, which are present for nesting. The dramatic coastal scenery is also more accessible and enjoyable during these months.

The Shetland Islands offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous walking and hiking trails, often leading to stunning viewpoints. For cycling enthusiasts, there are many routes available, including challenging ones like the 'North Sea Cycle Route: Shetland Mainland Loop'. You can find more information on cycling routes in the Cycling in the Shetland Islands guide or specific road cycling routes in the Road Cycling Routes in the Shetland Islands guide. Running trails are also popular, with options like the 'Lerwick and Clickimin Loch loop' detailed in the Running Trails in the Shetland Islands guide.

Yes, lighthouses often mark prominent natural features in the Shetland Islands. The Esha Ness Lighthouse stands proudly on high sea cliffs, offering fine views of the dramatic coastline. Further north, the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse and Sea Stacks is an iconic landmark surrounded by sea stacks and arches, providing epic scenery and abundant nesting birds.

The terrain around Shetland's natural monuments is often rugged and varied. Coastal paths can involve clifftop walks with significant drops, while inland areas like Ronas Hill, the highest point in Shetland, feature peatland and heather moorland. Expect exposed conditions, especially near the coast, and be prepared for uneven surfaces. Some trails, like those around Calder's Geo, can be challenging.

Visitors consistently praise the dramatic clifftop scenery and the abundance of seabirds. The sounds and sights of places like Hermaness, with thousands of gannets gliding past and puffins waddling from their burrows, create a truly immersive experience. The raw power of the sea, evident in the geological formations, also leaves a lasting impression. Many appreciate the remote and wild feel of the islands, offering a unique connection to nature.

While many natural monuments are in remote locations, some do have facilities nearby. For instance, the former lighthouse keeper's cottage at Esha Ness Lighthouse is now available as holiday accommodation. Sumburgh Head also features a cafe. For broader options, you'll find more cafes, pubs, and accommodation in the larger settlements like Lerwick or near more accessible natural sites. It's advisable to check specific locations in advance, especially in more isolated areas.

Absolutely. The Eshaness Cliffs, for example, offer a breathtaking display of volcanic geology and provide unique insight into the Earth's geological history, with some of Britain's oldest rocks visible. Ronas Hill, the highest point in Shetland, is characterized by igneous intrusive rock, showcasing a different aspect of the islands' ancient geological past.

Given the often exposed and unpredictable weather in the Shetland Islands, it's crucial to dress in layers. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential, even in summer. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip are highly recommended for the rugged and sometimes slippery terrain. A hat, gloves, and warm base layers are also advisable, as conditions can change rapidly.