Burra Ness juts out into the sound separating the islands of Yell, Fetlar, Unst and Hascosay. This low-lying peninsulaβs highlight is a 2,000 year-old broch, well-preserved on its seaward side, encrusted in lichen and home to nesting storm petrels during summer nights. This walk also takes in some attractive coastal scenery, Burra Ness trig point and a quiet lochan, along with the possibility of spotting seabirds, seals or otters.
Chronological photo guide
Basta Voe coastline
Burra Ness
Cormorants / shags
Fulmar
Burra Ness trig point
Ruined buildings north of the trig point
Burra Ness Broch
Noust
Beach on the north side of Burra Ness
Lochan behind the beach
Final track section
Location
Start / finish at public minor road end 0.5 mi southeast of Cunnister, Isle of Unst
⬀ Easy | Grassy coastline, some boggy areas, mostly with a faint path. Final section on track.
Irregular route shape: start β follow coastline to Burra Ness Broch β continue around coast to lochan southeast of Hill of Burraness β cut across neck of headland to rejoin outward route β Kirkabister β start via track
Cunnister, Isle of Yell, Shetland Isles
Chronological photo guide
LocationO.S. Grid Reference: HU 533960
GPS coordinates: 60.644111,-1.027446
No public transport within 1 mi β infrequent service stops on A968 at Cunnister turnoff (1.5 mi)
Probably space for one car at turning area (leave space for other vehicles to turn), or other options further back towards Cunnister
Key info7 km / 4 mi | β² 70 m |
2 hr
Burra Ness coastline; β³ Burra Ness (15 m);
Burra Ness Broch β β
Irregular route shape: start β follow coastline to Burra Ness Broch β continue around coast to lochan southeast of Hill of Burraness β cut across neck of headland to rejoin outward route β Kirkabister β start via track
On our last visit
Free
If not doing the whole walk, the quickest way to reach the broch is by following the walk route above in reverse (1.5 mi / 1 hr each way, ⬀ Easy).
