Blovid

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Blovid

Peat extraction, Virdi Field
Peat extraction, Virdi Field Credit: John Lucas

Blovid is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. Positioned on the eastern side of the mainland, this headland juts out into the North Sea, displaying stunning rugged cliffs and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Situated at approximately 60° North latitude and 1° West longitude, Blovid is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers due to its unique geological formations and diverse wildlife. The headland consists of steep cliffs that reach heights of up to 200 feet, providing nesting sites for various seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Visitors can witness these birds in their natural habitat, as well as spot other marine creatures like seals and dolphins that frequent the coastal waters.

The coastal path along Blovid offers an unforgettable experience, as it winds its way along the edge of the cliffs, providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding seascape. On a clear day, the views can extend as far as the Fair Isle, a small island located around 24 miles to the south.

Blovid also holds historical significance, with remnants of ancient settlements dating back thousands of years. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of human activity in the area, including Neolithic and Iron Age artifacts. These findings provide insight into the lives of the early inhabitants of the Shetland Islands and add an extra layer of intrigue to the natural beauty of Blovid.

Overall, Blovid in Shetland is a captivating coastal feature that combines stunning geological formations, diverse wildlife, and a rich historical heritage, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and history enthusiasts alike.

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Blovid Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.961447/-1.2569434 or Grid Reference HU4119. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Peat extraction, Virdi Field
Peat extraction, Virdi Field
A970 near Southpunds The A970 runs for 71 miles across most of the length of the "Mainland" in the Shetland Islands. It is a good-quality single-carriageway road for most of its route. Travelling from south to north, the road begins at Grutness near Sumburgh Airport and winds around the many hills and inlets passing close to a number of small villages without going through any large ones before Lerwick. After looping around Lerwick, a short spur runs to Scalloway whilst the main route continues northwards towards Brae where it crosses the narrow isthmus of Mavis Grind. At Sandy Lochs the road splits and a four-mile spur goes through Urafirth to Hillswick. The main route continuing to the right towards its northern terminus at Isbister. This last part of the route tends to be narrower with passing places.

<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A970" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A970">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>  SABRE
A970 near Southpunds
The A970 runs for 71 miles across most of the length of the "Mainland" in the Shetland Islands. It is a good-quality single-carriageway road for most of its route. Travelling from south to north, the road begins at Grutness near Sumburgh Airport and winds around the many hills and inlets passing close to a number of small villages without going through any large ones before Lerwick. After looping around Lerwick, a short spur runs to Scalloway whilst the main route continues northwards towards Brae where it crosses the narrow isthmus of Mavis Grind. At Sandy Lochs the road splits and a four-mile spur goes through Urafirth to Hillswick. The main route continuing to the right towards its northern terminus at Isbister. This last part of the route tends to be narrower with passing places. LinkExternal link SABRE
A970 Northwards The A970 runs for 71 miles across most of the length of the "Mainland" in the Shetland Islands. It is a good-quality single-carriageway road for most of its route. Travelling from south to north, the road begins at Grutness near Sumburgh Airport and winds around the many hills and inlets passing close to a number of small villages without going through any large ones before Lerwick. After looping around Lerwick, a short spur runs to Scalloway whilst the main route continues northwards towards Brae where it crosses the narrow isthmus of Mavis Grind. At Sandy Lochs the road splits and a four-mile spur goes through Urafirth to Hillswick. The main route continuing to the right towards its northern terminus at Isbister. This last part of the route tends to be narrower with passing places.

<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A970" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A970">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>  SABRE
A970 Northwards
The A970 runs for 71 miles across most of the length of the "Mainland" in the Shetland Islands. It is a good-quality single-carriageway road for most of its route. Travelling from south to north, the road begins at Grutness near Sumburgh Airport and winds around the many hills and inlets passing close to a number of small villages without going through any large ones before Lerwick. After looping around Lerwick, a short spur runs to Scalloway whilst the main route continues northwards towards Brae where it crosses the narrow isthmus of Mavis Grind. At Sandy Lochs the road splits and a four-mile spur goes through Urafirth to Hillswick. The main route continuing to the right towards its northern terminus at Isbister. This last part of the route tends to be narrower with passing places. LinkExternal link SABRE
Levenwick Broch Broch with associated outbuildings and later wheelhouse. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/908/levenwick" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/908/levenwick">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>
Levenwick Broch
Broch with associated outbuildings and later wheelhouse. LinkExternal link
Shetland ponies near Clothie, South Mainland The square is mainly rough grassland. The few scattered houses in it didn't seem to me more distinctive than the ponies!
Shetland ponies near Clothie, South Mainland
The square is mainly rough grassland. The few scattered houses in it didn't seem to me more distinctive than the ponies!
Peat hill, south of Levenwick Old peat-workings and mires on a hill south of Levenwick.
Peat hill, south of Levenwick
Old peat-workings and mires on a hill south of Levenwick.
Levenwick from the air
Levenwick from the air
Levenwick from the air
Levenwick from the air
Quinni Geo, Levenwick, from the air
Quinni Geo, Levenwick, from the air
Quinni Geo, Levenwick, from the air
Quinni Geo, Levenwick, from the air
More remains of communication dishes Although not marked on the OS map as such, these are the remains of some high power 'tropospheric scatter’ dishes, probably part of the now defunct ACE-HIGH NATO communications system, similar to those south on Scousburgh Hill. The ones on Scousburgh Hill had been removed when we went and no doubt these are next.
More remains of communication dishes
Although not marked on the OS map as such, these are the remains of some high power 'tropospheric scatter’ dishes, probably part of the now defunct ACE-HIGH NATO communications system, similar to those south on Scousburgh Hill. The ones on Scousburgh Hill had been removed when we went and no doubt these are next.
Gorgeous walk The descent from the high point of Lee Taing.
On the left is the Burn of Briegeo as it exits the square to tumble into the sea.
A whole series of picturesque geos resolve as one walks north along here.
The ground is soft, the going easy - the day was wonderful!
Gorgeous walk
The descent from the high point of Lee Taing. On the left is the Burn of Briegeo as it exits the square to tumble into the sea. A whole series of picturesque geos resolve as one walks north along here. The ground is soft, the going easy - the day was wonderful!
Cliff-top wall This short wall is marked clearly on the larger scale map.  It is a good navaid to anyone trying to get a precise location.
Possibly an old stock barrier to prevent animals from venturing onto Lee Taing.
Cliff-top wall
This short wall is marked clearly on the larger scale map. It is a good navaid to anyone trying to get a precise location. Possibly an old stock barrier to prevent animals from venturing onto Lee Taing.
Lee Taing The cliff edge south of Lee Taing.
The unnamed geo is hidden here but the pasture atop the taing invites a detour.
Lee Taing
The cliff edge south of Lee Taing. The unnamed geo is hidden here but the pasture atop the taing invites a detour.
Levenwick Broch Approaching the (shamefully unnamed) Broch one might think it simply a heap of stones in disarray.
But it is lovely example of the structure-type.
True, time and Nature have done much to reduce its height - it is also certain that much stone has been removed to produce the nearby, more modern yet derelict, walled structures. Nevertheless, it is possible to get inside to feel the shelter and protection for which it was built.
Simon Clarke says it all here - <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=26619" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=26619">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>
Levenwick Broch
Approaching the (shamefully unnamed) Broch one might think it simply a heap of stones in disarray. But it is lovely example of the structure-type. True, time and Nature have done much to reduce its height - it is also certain that much stone has been removed to produce the nearby, more modern yet derelict, walled structures. Nevertheless, it is possible to get inside to feel the shelter and protection for which it was built. Simon Clarke says it all here - LinkExternal link
The Broch of Levenwick Inside the Broch it is still possible to feel the shelter and protection for which it was originally built.
A good precis here - 
<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://communities.uhi.ac.uk/sh01sc/weblog/3421.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://communities.uhi.ac.uk/sh01sc/weblog/3421.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>
The Broch of Levenwick
Inside the Broch it is still possible to feel the shelter and protection for which it was originally built. A good precis here - LinkExternal link
Stock Control Wall At the bottom of this wall is a crossing point purposely built into the structure
Stock Control Wall
At the bottom of this wall is a crossing point purposely built into the structure
View of the day Looking north across along the coast on a bright September day
View of the day
Looking north across along the coast on a bright September day
Show me another place!

Blovid is located at Grid Ref: HU4119 (Lat: 59.961447, Lng: -1.2569434)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///nearing.triangle.pianists. Near Sandwick, Shetland Islands

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