The Niv

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

The Niv

Yell Sound and the island of Bigga Taken on the Toft-Ulsta ferry as we make our way from Shetland's mainland to Yell, I am looking northwards up Yell Sound past the island of Bigga.
Yell Sound and the island of Bigga Credit: Carroll Pierce

The Niv is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a headland that juts out into the sea, forming a distinct point on the island's coastline. The Niv is known for its rugged and dramatic landscape, characterized by sheer cliffs and rocky formations.

Standing at an impressive height, the cliffs of The Niv offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding waters and the nearby islands. The exposed rock faces showcase the geological history of the area, with layers of sedimentary rocks displaying various colors and textures. These cliffs also serve as nesting sites for seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.

The Niv is accessible by foot, and there are well-maintained paths that lead visitors to the headland. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this coastal environment. The area is home to a variety of wildflowers, grasses, and mosses, adding a vibrant touch to the landscape.

Due to its exposed location, The Niv is often subjected to strong winds and crashing waves, which have shaped the land over time. The constant erosion caused by the sea has created sea caves and natural arches along the coastal cliffs, adding to the area's allure.

The Niv is a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts who seek to experience the raw beauty of Shetland's coastline. Its stunning views, rich biodiversity, and geological formations make it a must-visit location for anyone exploring the islands.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

The Niv Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.513597/-1.1996296 or Grid Reference HU4481. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Yell Sound and the island of Bigga Taken on the Toft-Ulsta ferry as we make our way from Shetland's mainland to Yell, I am looking northwards up Yell Sound past the island of Bigga.
Yell Sound and the island of Bigga
Taken on the Toft-Ulsta ferry as we make our way from Shetland's mainland to Yell, I am looking northwards up Yell Sound past the island of Bigga.
West Yell: Ness of Sound A small (almost) island attached to Yell by an isthmus. In the background is Ronas Hill, on the mainland of Shetland.
West Yell: Ness of Sound
A small (almost) island attached to Yell by an isthmus. In the background is Ronas Hill, on the mainland of Shetland.
Ulsta: view towards Uynarey Looking across the road junction at the north end of the village, with the island of Uynarey a short distance across Yell Sound. The main A968 across Yell is the major road at this junction.
Ulsta: view towards Uynarey
Looking across the road junction at the north end of the village, with the island of Uynarey a short distance across Yell Sound. The main A968 across Yell is the major road at this junction.
Uynarey from the Yell Sound ferry Uynarey is an uninhabited island in Yell Sound just to the north of the bigger Bigga ! The photo was taken as the ferry approached the Ulsta terminal on Yell.
Uynarey from the Yell Sound ferry
Uynarey is an uninhabited island in Yell Sound just to the north of the bigger Bigga ! The photo was taken as the ferry approached the Ulsta terminal on Yell.
Ruins at Clothan, West Yell The Ness of Sound is in the background, and North Mainland is beyond that.
Ruins at Clothan, West Yell
The Ness of Sound is in the background, and North Mainland is beyond that.
Ruin at North-the-burn, Setter, West Yell
Ruin at North-the-burn, Setter, West Yell
Ness of Sound, West Yell
Ness of Sound, West Yell
Road near West Yell With Ness of Sound and farther away the island of Uynarey.
Road near West Yell
With Ness of Sound and farther away the island of Uynarey.
Ness of Sound, West Yell A haar in Yell Sound obscures north Mainland.
Ness of Sound, West Yell
A haar in Yell Sound obscures north Mainland.
Looking towards Uynarey across Yell Sound
Looking towards Uynarey across Yell Sound
West Yell School House The Ness of Sound isthmus is in the centre of the view.
West Yell School House
The Ness of Sound isthmus is in the centre of the view.
Ness of Sound The Ness of Sound is linked to Yell by a tombolo - a double beach - formed when sand is washed in from both ends of a strait.
Ness of Sound
The Ness of Sound is linked to Yell by a tombolo - a double beach - formed when sand is washed in from both ends of a strait.
West coast of Yell towards Taing of Setter The Ness of Sound and ayre are visible in the distance across South Wick of Sound.
West coast of Yell towards Taing of Setter
The Ness of Sound and ayre are visible in the distance across South Wick of Sound.
Sound, Yell The tombolo connecting the Ness of Sound to Yell.
Sound, Yell
The tombolo connecting the Ness of Sound to Yell.
Setter, Yell The crofter and two sheep are reaping the oats at the same time!
Setter, Yell
The crofter and two sheep are reaping the oats at the same time!
Roadside sheep, Ulsta Sheep between Setter and Ulsta.
Roadside sheep, Ulsta
Sheep between Setter and Ulsta.
Ness of Sound light Taken from the Yell Sound ferry crossing on a foggy day.
Ness of Sound light
Taken from the Yell Sound ferry crossing on a foggy day.
Uynarey From the Yell Sound ferry.
Uynarey
From the Yell Sound ferry.
Show me another place!

The Niv is located at Grid Ref: HU4481 (Lat: 60.513597, Lng: -1.1996296)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///triangles.flinches.minerals. Near Ulsta, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Haa Geo The Niv

Related Wikis

Uynarey

Uynarey is one of the Shetland islands in Yell Sound, just to the north of Bigga, and east of Brother Island. It is an RSPB reserve. The name comes from...

Brother Isle

Brother Isle (Old Norse: breiðare øy meaning broad beach island) is a small, uninhabited island in Shetland, Scotland. It lies between the islands of Yell...

Bigga, Shetland

Bigga is an uninhabited island in the Yell Sound between the Mainland and Yell in Shetland, Scotland. == Geography and geology == Just over 1,000 metres...

Ulsta

Ulsta is a village in the south-west of the island of Yell, Shetland, Scotland. North Ness Hall is the local community facility. The car ferry to Toft...

Have you been to The Niv?

Leave your review of The Niv below (or comments, questions and feedback).