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Hermaness National Nature Reserve

Unst, Shetland  >  United Kingdom

Dramatic clifftop for thousands of seabirds. Breeding birds include Northern Fulmar, Northern Gannet, Atlantic Puffin and Kittiwake.

Added* by Renate van den Boom
Most recent update 12 February 2020

Description

Clifftop with a nice boardwalk. It takes about 40 minutes to walk from the parking place to the clifftop. You can walk along the cliff. There are thousands of Northern Gannet. Also lots of Atlantic Puffin, skuas, Northern Fulmar, Kittiwake, European Shag, gulls, Dunlin, Northern Wheatear, pipits and so on.

Details

Access

There's a parking place near Burrafirth. It's well signed. From the parking place follow the footpath all the way to the cliff. It takes about 40 minutes to walk. It's a bit hilly. When you get to the cliff edge, walk to the left to see a huge Northern Gannet colony up close. You can walk all the way round. If you go to the right, you can see Muckle Flugga, Britain's most northerly lighthouse. The cliff edge is not fenced, so be careful, especially with strong winds. Also, be careful where you step, as there are quite a few Atlantic Puffin burrows along the edge. Be aware of dive bombing Great Skua (called bonxies in Shetland) in breeding season. Best to stick to the path. Part of the area is closed in breeding season to protect Red-throated Diver.

You can hike off trail, but it's not recommended as it is very wet with many hidden pools and in breeding season there are lots of breeding birds you will disturb. Circular trail only open out of breeding season.

Terrain and Habitat

Sea

Conditions

Hilly , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Summer

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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