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Ness of Hillswick

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Ness of Hillswick

Ness of Hillwick Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the Ness of Hillswick. The Isle of Westerhouse is visible just off the Pund of Grevasand to the west of the Ness.
Ness of Hillwick Credit: Carroll Pierce

Ness of Hillswick is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. It is a headland or point that juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape.

Situated in the village of Hillswick, Ness of Hillswick is known for its rugged and dramatic cliffs, which rise up to 200 feet above sea level. These cliffs are composed of ancient rocks, primarily made up of volcanic basalt and sandstone, showcasing the geological history of the area.

The headland is also home to an abundance of wildlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. Various seabirds can be observed nesting and soaring above the cliffs, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. Grey seals can often be spotted lounging on the rocks, while otters are occasionally seen frolicking in the nearby waters.

Ness of Hillswick is also steeped in history, with archaeological evidence suggesting human occupation of the area dating back thousands of years. There are remnants of ancient settlements, such as Iron Age brochs and Viking ruins, making it an intriguing site for history buffs.

Visitors to Ness of Hillswick can explore the headland via well-maintained footpaths, which offer stunning panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. The location is easily accessible by car or public transportation, and there are nearby amenities, including a café and a visitor center providing information about the local area and its history.

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Ness of Hillswick Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.467654/-1.4977689 or Grid Reference HU2776. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ness of Hillwick Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the Ness of Hillswick. The Isle of Westerhouse is visible just off the Pund of Grevasand to the west of the Ness.
Ness of Hillwick
Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the Ness of Hillswick. The Isle of Westerhouse is visible just off the Pund of Grevasand to the west of the Ness.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland Built in 1900 by the North of Scotland Ferry company. Still functioning, just [in 2004], but the absentee landlord is clearly not interested in maintaining it as a hotel, which is sad.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland
Built in 1900 by the North of Scotland Ferry company. Still functioning, just [in 2004], but the absentee landlord is clearly not interested in maintaining it as a hotel, which is sad.
Hillswick Fire Station, Shetland With local retained firefighters the Hillswick Fire Station is little more than a large garage, just big enough to house the small appliance based on a large van.
Hillswick Fire Station, Shetland
With local retained firefighters the Hillswick Fire Station is little more than a large garage, just big enough to house the small appliance based on a large van.
Hillswick, Shetland Large traditionally built houses at Hillswick. In the background is Findlins House and Findlins Farm.
Hillswick, Shetland
Large traditionally built houses at Hillswick. In the background is Findlins House and Findlins Farm.
Hillswick, Shetland Houses at Hillswick, the large two storey house with mansard roof is called Laarsund.
Hillswick, Shetland
Houses at Hillswick, the large two storey house with mansard roof is called Laarsund.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland This hotel was built as a kit in Norway, dis-assembled and transported to Hillswick where it was constructed on its present site in 1900 by the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Co.. Sadly it is currently closed (April 2006) although the local community wish to see it opened again. For more information on Hillswick and surrounding area visit <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/shetland/hillswick/index.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/shetland/hillswick/index.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> UPDATE Oct 07: this hotel is now owned by a local couple and open every day - More information can be found at the official website <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.stmagnusbayhotel.co.uk" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.stmagnusbayhotel.co.uk">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland
This hotel was built as a kit in Norway, dis-assembled and transported to Hillswick where it was constructed on its present site in 1900 by the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Co.. Sadly it is currently closed (April 2006) although the local community wish to see it opened again. For more information on Hillswick and surrounding area visit LinkExternal link UPDATE Oct 07: this hotel is now owned by a local couple and open every day - More information can be found at the official website LinkExternal link
View over Heads of Grocken, Eshaness, Shetland Looking out over the Heads of Grocken with 'The Drongs' the sea stacks in the distance.
View over Heads of Grocken, Eshaness, Shetland
Looking out over the Heads of Grocken with 'The Drongs' the sea stacks in the distance.
Heads of Grocken Looking across the square from above Hillswick on a stormy winter's day. The pony was very inquisitive, and didn't want to be photographed in profile!
Heads of Grocken
Looking across the square from above Hillswick on a stormy winter's day. The pony was very inquisitive, and didn't want to be photographed in profile!
The Drongs Taken from the Heads of Grocken.
The Drongs
Taken from the Heads of Grocken.
Heads of Grocken Small sea-stacks off the Heads of Grocken, with the Drongs in the distance.
Heads of Grocken
Small sea-stacks off the Heads of Grocken, with the Drongs in the distance.
The Quilse
The Quilse
Gordi Stack This is the stack seen edge on. From other directions it looks much wider. In the distance to the right are the Drongs - another dramatic rock formation. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/550985">HU2675 : The Drongs</a> for an telephoto view.
Gordi Stack
This is the stack seen edge on. From other directions it looks much wider. In the distance to the right are the Drongs - another dramatic rock formation. See HU2675 : The Drongs for an telephoto view.
The Drongs This is an amazing rock formation, as seen from Gordi Stack.
The Drongs
This is an amazing rock formation, as seen from Gordi Stack.
Cliffs and stack The view south from this point is spectacular. (The stack and the point to the right lie in this grid square, while the cliff to the left is in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU2775">HU2775</a>).
Cliffs and stack
The view south from this point is spectacular. (The stack and the point to the right lie in this grid square, while the cliff to the left is in HU2775).
The bay at Hillswick Looking across the bay with the main settlement on the far shore.
The bay at Hillswick
Looking across the bay with the main settlement on the far shore.
Sheep near Baa Taing Looking down the sheep pasture towards the lighthouse.
Sheep near Baa Taing
Looking down the sheep pasture towards the lighthouse.
Baa Taing light A rope handrail provides safe access to the light in bad weather. The headland is wide and flat, so the conditions that might require the safety rail defy imagination.
Baa Taing light
A rope handrail provides safe access to the light in bad weather. The headland is wide and flat, so the conditions that might require the safety rail defy imagination.
Lochan and cliffs Looking across the lochan at the south end of Hillswick Ness, backed by the cliffs above Queen Geos.
Lochan and cliffs
Looking across the lochan at the south end of Hillswick Ness, backed by the cliffs above Queen Geos.
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Ness of Hillswick is located at Grid Ref: HU2776 (Lat: 60.467654, Lng: -1.4977689)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///steamed.zealous.grove. Near Brae, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Clave Quey Geo Little Bitch Geo Ness of Hillswick Fluga Skerry Vida Field Stour

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