Hermaness & Muckle Flugga
Hermaness National Nature Reserve
Britain's northernmost seabird reserve, where clifftop viewpoints overlook Muckle Flugga, Britain's northernmost lighthouse, and the rocks offshore.
Hermaness National Nature Reserve lies at the north end of the island of Unst. A round trip of about 7 km along the trail crosses peat moorland, where great skuas nest and may swoop at walkers to drive them away, before reaching cliffs 200 metres high. In summer, tens of thousands of gannets, puffins and guillemots gather on the cliffs. In front of the cliffs stand Muckle Flugga Lighthouse, Britain's northernmost lighthouse (built in 1858 by the Stevenson family), and Out Stack, the northernmost rock in the UK. Admission is free. Getting there requires driving from Lerwick and taking two consecutive ferries, a journey of about 2 to 2.5 hours. Set off early and plan to spend a full day.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Viking Unst (Hamar Longhouse & Skidbladner)
- Unst Bus Shelter
- Skaw Beach
- Muness Castle
- Old Haa Museum
- Isle of Noss
- Weisdale Mill & Bonhoga Gallery
- Shetland Museum and Archives