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Da Lang Ayre, a curve of red shingle below steep granite cliffs, from above.
Shetland Islands

Da Lang Ayre

Shetland's longest beach, a long red shingle shore below Ronas Hill, reached only by sea or a hard hill walk.

Welcome

Da Lang Ayre, the long beach in Shetland dialect, lies on the remote north-west coast of Northmavine, under the red granite cliffs of Ronas Hill, and it is the longest beach in Shetland.

It is also one of the hardest to reach: there is no road, and it can be reached only by sea or by a long walk, either over the top of Ronas Hill, Shetland's highest summit at 450 metres, or along its flank.

The reward is a mile and a half of red shingle and copper-coloured sand, worn from the granite cliffs that rise more than 200 metres behind it, with caves to explore, endless beachcombing, and out to sea the stacks called the Cleiver and the Hog. You will very likely have it to yourself. The walk is long, steep and challenging, down steep-sided ravines and over ground that is often in mist, and it is not for the inexperienced; do not attempt it between October and February. Take a map, a route guide and good boots.

A short drive awayBraewick CaféSoup and a view of the Drongs, out at Eshaness.23 min by roadSee itBraewick Café
Before you go

No road: a long, steep, challenging hill walk over or around Ronas Hill, or by boat.

Not for the inexperienced, and not between October and February. Take a map and a route guide.

Getting there
A long hill walk over or around Ronas Hill.
When
Not October to February.
Going
Steep, pathless, often misty.
Where it is

North-west Northmavine, below Ronas Hill.

Close byIn Northmavine.
  1. Red sandstone cliffs curve around a sheltered bay with pink sandEshaness, ShetlandThe cliffs of an ancient volcano in Northmavine, with a lighthouse, blowholes, stacks and the storm beach of the Grind o da Navir.7 miles17 min by road
  2. Tangwick Haa MuseumNorthmavine's own history, in a laird's house above the shore.8 miles20 min by road
  3. The Northmavine rocks board on the grass at Mavis Grind, red rock behind it.Mavis GrindThrow a stone from one ocean to the other11 miles20 min by road
  4. Frankie's Fish and ChipsThe most northerly chip shop in Britain.12 miles22 min by road
  5. Low sun through the Valayre ravine, the burn shining over red stones.The Burn of ValayreAn afternoon following a burn, out of the wind.13 miles24 min by road
Directions
CafeBraewick Café9.3 miles
Rocks, stacks and a rough sea off Fethaland, a small island on the horizon.AttractionsFethaland13 miles
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