Best views in Shetland

Shetland’s landscape really does have a ‘wow’ around every corner and, as the terrain is so varied due to its unique geology, no two vistas are the same – even the cliffs come in a range of different colours from the black lavas of Eshaness to the warm granites at Westerwick and the greys of Sumburgh Head’s old red sandstone.

As you’re driving, there are several viewpoints to look out for that afford some pretty stunning views, and the best of these are on the West Mainland and overlook Weisdale Voe and Whiteness Voe. Their viewpoints, marked by road signs, are halfway up the Weisdale hill and at Wormadale. Both of these views take in the flooded valleys, or voes, that punctuate much of Shetland’s coastline and were formed following the last Ice Age as Shetland began to slowly sink due to a process called isostatic rebound in Scotland and Norway.

The best cliffs for scenic views are Eshaness, Northmavine; Westerwick, near Skeld; Hermaness in Unst and Sumburgh Head, at the southern tip of the Mainland.

At Eshaness, you can stand on a section through the flank of a volcano formed about 360 million years ago. Today the almost black volcanic rock is a reminder of a much more fiery time in Shetland’s journey.

In contrast, the red cliffs at Westerwick are warm and glowing. The offshore sea stacks show the power of the sea that has been chipping away at the land for millennia.

Hermaness is a National Nature Reserve that has some of the best coastal scenery and seascapes and has important breeding colonies of puffins and gannets. In the breeding season, puffins nest on the cliffs, which makes it a good place to photograph one.

Sumburgh Head is a seabird reserve too. The impressive sandstone cliffs provide the perfect nesting location for several seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, shags, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars.

The island of Noss is another place where you will get some stunning views – particularly if you take the boat trip to the gannet colonies, housed on the imposing sandstone cliffs at Noss. The sandstone ledges have provided the perfect place for these birds to build their nests. The result is an apartment block of noisy seabirds.

Within Lerwick, the historic South End of Commercial Street is terrific. View it from the lifeboat pier before weaving your way along the street. Find Bain’s Beach, an unexpected sandy beach in the centre of town, flanked by buildings on either side. The Lodberrie, home of fictional TV detective Jimmy Perez, is probably one of the most picturesque and most photographed houses in Shetland. The Lodberries that line South Commercial Street leave little doubt that Lerwick really is the Venice of the north.

Also in Lerwick, the lanes that lead up from Commercial Street are very picturesque, and from certain spots, afford some excellent views across the harbour and out to Bressay. Pirate Lane is one of the best for its views, its narrow confines and that surreal feeling of ‘I can’t really be in the centre of town, can I?’

St Ninian’s Isle is the picture that adorns most of Shetland’s promotional material – and rightly so, it’s stunning. St Ninian’s Isle is an expanse of sand that has formed a tombolo linking the Mainland to St Ninian’s Isle; this impressive 500-metre sand bar looks great in any weather. In the sun, it shimmers and glistens, and in a winter storm, it’s dramatic and moody.

Other great places to get a fantastic scenic view include the island of Mousa, Culswick Broch, Ronas Hill – Shetland’s highest point – and several of the scenic hikes, including Muckle Roe, Uyea and Deepdale.