Walk: Isle of Noss – Shetland’s seabird skyscraper

📌 Isle of Noss, Shetland Isles
★★★★

Reached only by two successive ferries from Lerwick via the intermediate island of Bressay, the Isle of Noss requires some planning to reach – and then you have to hope the weather’s playing ball to allow decent views! The reward is one of Scotland’s very best seabird and coastal walks, with tens of thousands of breeding pairs making up the UK’s 7th largest gannetry, several hundred puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, terns and several other special species. Most nest on or around the magnificent cliffs on the east side of the island, which rise to 181 metres above sea level at Noss Head’s circular trig point – described by custodians NatureScot as a “seabird skyscraper”. The moorland interior is barren but an important habitat for great skuas, hit hard by recent bird flu outbreaks. A full circumnavigation of the island on foot is highly recommended, with further opportunities for spotting seals and other marine life, plus fine views back to Bressay. For an alternative, less energetic option, boat tours encircle the island departing from Lerwick, offering views of the cliffs from below.

📷 Chronological photo guide

🌍 Location

📌 Start / finish at ferry jetty, west end of Isle of Noss

🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: HU 530410

🛰️ GPS coordinates: 60.150342,-1.046417

❌ Ferry from east side of Bressay, 🧭 HU 529410 / 🛰️ 60.150523,-1.049351 – but no onward public transport connection

🚗 Car park at minor road end on Bressay, 🧭 HU 525409 / 🛰️ 60.149070,-1.055747 then walk 500m east down track to ferry jetty for ferry to Isle of Noss – ferry details near foot of page

📝 Key info

▶ 8 km / 5 mi | ▲ 240 m | ⌚ 3.5-4.5 hr

Features: 🦆 Noss NNR ★★★★★; △ Noss Head (181 m, sub-2000′ Marilyn)

⬤ Moderate | Grassy coastline, mostly with faint paths. Steep ascent to Noss Head.

➡️ Anticlockwise circuit of island taking in visitor centre & Noss Head. Route marked in red on official reserve leaflet 🔗 here

Download file for GPS

🥾 On our last visit

Wildlife: Great skuas, shags, gannets, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, puffins, gulls, terns, oystercatchers, starlings, whinchats. Sheep & lambs, rabbits, seals.

Weather: Sunshine with increasing low cloud banks, temperature in mid teens with a chilly wind.

June 2024

Noss NNR ★★★★★