Garths of Tresta

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Garths of Tresta

Outer Dale, Lambhoga, Fetlar Credit: Mike Pennington

Garths of Tresta is a prominent coastal feature located in the Tresta area of Shetland, Scotland. Situated on the western coast of the mainland, it is characterized as a headland or point jutting out into the North Atlantic Ocean. The name "Garths" refers to the Norse word for a grassy enclosure, which is fitting considering the landscape surrounding this coastal feature.

The headland is known for its rugged and dramatic beauty, with steep cliffs dropping into the crashing waves below. The cliffs are composed of ancient rock formations, showcasing layers of sedimentary rocks dating back millions of years. These rocks provide important geological insights into the history of the region.

Garths of Tresta offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast ocean. On a clear day, visitors can see the nearby islands of Papa Stour and Foula in the distance. The headland is also a prime location for birdwatching, as it serves as a nesting site for various seabird species, including fulmars, razorbills, and puffins.

Access to Garths of Tresta is relatively easy, with a well-maintained path leading to the headland from the nearby village of Tresta. Visitors are advised to take caution while exploring the area, as the cliffs can be dangerous and unstable.

Overall, Garths of Tresta is a captivating coastal feature that offers both natural beauty and a glimpse into the geological and ecological history of the Shetland Islands.

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Garths of Tresta Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.591312/-0.88104174 or Grid Reference HU6190. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Outer Dale, Lambhoga, Fetlar

Mike Pennington

North of Hoganeap, Lambhoga, Fetlar

Mike Pennington

Three Geos, Hoganeap, Fetlar

Although this area seems to be named Three Stacks on the OS 1:10000 map, I am informed by Andrew Leaper of Fetlar that the area in the photo is named Three Geos and that Three Stacks is further north along the coast.

Mike Pennington

South Geo of Heoganeap, Fetlar

Mike Pennington

Looking north from path up to Lamb Hoga

There is a very good track from the car park beside Fetlar Kirk up onto Lamb Hoga with views to Out Skerries, Bressay and across the whole of Fetlar. I had assumed that Lamb Hoga would be pronounced as written but oh no, it's pronounced as a single word "Lahmuga" with the stress on the first sylable "Lahm".

Mark Stockdale

Fields on Aith Ness

Mike Pennington

The Peat Road

The bogs of Lamb Hoga provided Fetlar with high quality fuel. Every year, islanders would move to the peninsula to cast and dry peats. The fuel was then taken off via this road or by boat across to Aith for the eastern side of the island. The beach at Tresta is in the background along with Vord Hill.

Richard Webb

Peat Road, Lamb Hoga

The route which was used to carry winter fuel off the bogs of Lamb Hoga up to the 1950s.

Richard Webb

Bog, Lamb Hoga

The west side of Gillis Field which was the source of Fetlar's peat. The moorland is now home to many bonxies and they were pretty mean today.

Richard Webb

The Dale

A shallow reentrant on the boggy Lamb Hoga plateau. There is a view over the Wick of Tresta towards Aithbank where peats cut here were once landed.

Richard Webb

Fields, Aith Ness

A fertile peninsula on the south side of Fetlar.

Richard Webb

The Peat Road

Lamb Hoga was the source of Fetlar's peat and this was one of the ways the peat was carried to the crofts. Much of the peat was taken out by boat and landed at Airthbank.

Richard Webb