Isle of Noss

Key Facts

• Location: Nr Lerwick, Shetland
• Size: 343ha
• Terrain: Unmarked paths on island; coastal cliff paths; some boggy areas
• Access: Small ferry
• Height gain: 236m
• Map: OS Explorer 467; Landranger 4
• Starting point: Isle of Noss jetty. Grid Ref. HU 53052 40997
• Accommodation/food:

  There are no refreshments on the Isle of Noss, although a toilet it available in the Isle of Noss Visitor Centre. That said with its dramatic views the Isle of Noss is a great place for a picnic. The closest food and drink is on neighbouring Bressay for Speldiburn Café, Maryfield restaurant & bar, and the island shop.

• Island Summary:

  One of the best walks in Shetland in a stunning National Nature Reserve, this impressive coastal circuit around the wildlife Isle of Noss passes some of Europe’s finest seabird colonies, particularly its incredible gannetry. Noss lies to east of Bressey and is within easy reach of Lerwick via a  ferry between Lerwick and Bressay, then an inflatable boat from Bressay to Noss. The walk starts in the low-lying north west of the island and climbs steeply to the 180 metre cliffs at the Noup of Noss. Here the cliffs are home to over 25,000 black and white guillemots and 20,000 gannets as well as fulmars, shags and puffins. Inland, the moorland, is home to a large population of great skuas.

• Route description:

  Following the warden’s introduction to the island start this circular walk around the Isle of Noss in front of the house. Turn left past the old Shetland pony stud, then through the gap in the wall. Cross the back of Nesti Voe beach and continue on a grass path along the coast. Cross a stile over a stone wall and, after a short distance, start to ascend the cliffs towards the Point of Hovie. Pass to the left of the stone wall to overlook Cradle Holm and a sea arch. The clifftops here are a great place to lookout for puffins. Continue around the coast and keep ascending the rising cliffs to reach the summit of the Noup of Noss – the highest cliff and home to incredible seabird colonies. Descend to the left of the stone wall past a number of heavily indented geos to reach a stile to cross the stone wall. Follow the coast above the small cliffs back to the warden’s house.

• Getting there:

  Ferry from Lerwick to Bressay, walk/cycle across Bressay and then take the inflatable boat shuttle from the quay at the end of the track below Noss visitor car park.