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Muckle Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Muckle Head

Broch at Brindister Voe
Broch at Brindister Voe Credit: Mike Pennington

Muckle Head is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming the southwestern tip of the mainland Shetland.

The headland is characterized by steep cliffs that rise up to approximately 100 meters (330 feet) above sea level, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding rugged coastline. These cliffs are composed of layered sedimentary rocks, showcasing a variety of colors and textures.

Muckle Head is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as an important nesting site for various seabird species, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. The area surrounding the headland is also home to numerous marine creatures, such as seals and dolphins, which can often be spotted swimming in the nearby waters.

The headland is easily accessible by foot, with a well-maintained coastal path that allows visitors to explore the area and enjoy the natural beauty it offers. Hiking along the cliff edge offers a thrilling experience, as the path provides breathtaking views of the crashing waves below.

Muckle Head is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers, who flock to capture the dramatic landscapes and wildlife that call this coastal feature home. Its remote location and untouched beauty make it a hidden gem within the Shetland Islands, providing a truly unforgettable experience for those who venture to this stunning headland.

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Muckle Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.305456/-1.4635436 or Grid Reference HU2958. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Broch at Brindister Voe
Broch at Brindister Voe
Horses at Brindister
Horses at Brindister
Pier at Brindister
Pier at Brindister
North Newton and Brindister Voe
North Newton and Brindister Voe
View from Muckle Head Looking east from the top of Muckle Head that sits out in the North Voe of Clousta. The small islet is cut off at high water and there is a tidal pool on the right.
View from Muckle Head
Looking east from the top of Muckle Head that sits out in the North Voe of Clousta. The small islet is cut off at high water and there is a tidal pool on the right.
Noonsbrough Settlement Noonsbrough houses and pier with yacht moored
Noonsbrough Settlement
Noonsbrough houses and pier with yacht moored
Brindister Voe The head of Brindister Voe coastline and Linga Isle in the distance
Brindister Voe
The head of Brindister Voe coastline and Linga Isle in the distance
Longa Ness Coast of Longa Ness from Brindister
Longa Ness
Coast of Longa Ness from Brindister
Lunch stop in Brindister Voe During a week of high winds and rough seas, it was difficult to find a sheltered route to paddle in Shetland. Brindister Voe gives the westerlies little fetch to build waves, but as the open sea was approached to the north, a building swell gave some idea of how serious conditions could become. A retreat to this little beach gave us time to consider our options, all of which would be committing to water we could not see in advance, with no hope of retreat against the wind. Discretion being the better part of valour, we turned back into the Voe.
Lunch stop in Brindister Voe
During a week of high winds and rough seas, it was difficult to find a sheltered route to paddle in Shetland. Brindister Voe gives the westerlies little fetch to build waves, but as the open sea was approached to the north, a building swell gave some idea of how serious conditions could become. A retreat to this little beach gave us time to consider our options, all of which would be committing to water we could not see in advance, with no hope of retreat against the wind. Discretion being the better part of valour, we turned back into the Voe.
The Brigs of Clousta Da Brigs o Clousta at low tide.
The Brigs of Clousta
Da Brigs o Clousta at low tide.
Buildings at Vementry, Shetland These buildings are on the Shetland Mainland. The uninhabited Isle of Vementry is close by, across the sound.
Buildings at Vementry, Shetland
These buildings are on the Shetland Mainland. The uninhabited Isle of Vementry is close by, across the sound.
Vementry, Shetland Farmhouse and farmbuildings at Vementry.
Vementry, Shetland
Farmhouse and farmbuildings at Vementry.
North Loch of Hostigates, Shetland There are two neighbouring lochs shown as 'Lochs of Hostigates' at Braewick, near Aith. This is the more northerly of the two.
North Loch of Hostigates, Shetland
There are two neighbouring lochs shown as 'Lochs of Hostigates' at Braewick, near Aith. This is the more northerly of the two.
Vementry
Vementry
Road Junction Clousta down to right and Noonsbrough along road ahead
Road Junction
Clousta down to right and Noonsbrough along road ahead
Road side Road embankment with the head of Voe of Clousta in background
Road side
Road embankment with the head of Voe of Clousta in background
Roadside and Voe View along the minor road with Voe of Clousta to the side
Roadside and Voe
View along the minor road with Voe of Clousta to the side
Loch of Clousta View east across the south bay to the hill of Roonions.
Loch of Clousta
View east across the south bay to the hill of Roonions.
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Muckle Head is located at Grid Ref: HU2958 (Lat: 60.305456, Lng: -1.4635436)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///blip.received.recital. Near Aith, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Muckle Head Green Holm

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.305456,-1.4635436
Fish Farm
Lat/Long: 60.30921/-1.4682492
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Ness Head of Hamar Shetland
Picts Ness Shetland

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