Muckle Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Muckle Head

Coastal inlet Top of the coastal inlet — Coastal inlet Credit: Mat Tuck

Muckle Head is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Unst in the Shetland archipelago, Scotland. It is a headland that extends into the North Sea, forming the northernmost point of the British Isles. With its rugged cliffs and stunning views, Muckle Head is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The headland is characterized by its steep cliffs, which rise to a height of approximately 120 meters (394 feet) above sea level. These cliffs are composed of ancient rock formations, including sandstone and conglomerate, which provide a glimpse into the geological history of the area.

Muckle Head offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the North Sea. On clear days, visitors can see as far as the neighboring islands of Yell and Fetlar. The headland is also known for its diverse wildlife, with numerous seabird colonies inhabiting the cliffs. Species such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes can be observed nesting and fishing in the surrounding waters.

Access to Muckle Head is possible via a coastal path that winds its way along the rugged shoreline. The path offers stunning vistas and allows visitors to explore the area's unique flora and fauna. However, caution is advised as the terrain can be challenging and the cliffs are steep and potentially dangerous.

Overall, Muckle Head is a remarkable coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty and ruggedness of the Shetland Islands. Its dramatic cliffs, breathtaking views, and rich wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Muckle Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.326092/-1.1324088 or Grid Reference HU4860. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Coastal inlet

Top of the coastal inlet

Mat Tuck

The Vadill, Billister, at high tide

Vadill means a place that can be waded across, but the tide is in.

Mike Pennington

House between Billister and Laxfirth

Overlooking the head of the Vadill.

Mike Pennington

Head of the Vadill, Billister

The pink plant on the left is a garden escape, Sweet Rocket.

Mike Pennington

North Nesting Public Hall. Laxfirth

Mike Pennington

Quoys pier

Pier at Quoys

Mat Tuck

Quoys pier

A small piece of land by Quoys Pier. There is a picnic bench and space to pull up several cars, making a useful wild camping spot.

Mat Tuck

Billister: the pier

A tiny harbour on Lax Firth, an inlet from the much larger Dury Voe, which is in the background.

Chris Downer

Billister: old Zetland County Council stone

This small slab of stone is almost hidden in the long grass opposite the pier (see HU4760 : Billister: the pier) and is inscribed with the Zetland County Council emblem with the name Billister Pier below. Zetland County Council is the predecessor (1974) to the present-day Shetland Islands Council.

Chris Downer

Billister: the telephone box

Looking down the lane towards Billister pier, with a red telephone box on the right. The box also acts as the repository for post for the wheelchair-bound lady, who lives in the cottage, as I discovered when I found a letter (visible on the shelf) inside the box. I knocked on the door and she cheerfully told me that her home help or other visitors checked the box before coming in.

Chris Downer

Billister, North Nesting

Three houses of different ages, possibly even built in different centuries.

Mike Pennington

Billister pier, North Nesting

Formerly the route to Whalsay.

Mike Pennington

Ruined crofthouse beside Lax Firth, North Nesting

Mike Pennington

House at Billister, North Nesting

The Bight of Bellister is beyond. Billister may be an OS typo, given that the Bight is called Bellister and this name is also used on larger scale OS maps, although the roadsign says Billister.

Mike Pennington