Hellier of Aith

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Hellier of Aith

Fetlar Gardens On Fetlar, sheep are everywhere - so vegetables were grown inside these little 'walled gardens' to protect them from the sheep.
Fetlar Gardens Credit: Anne Burgess

Hellier of Aith is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, off the northern coast of Scotland. It is a headland situated on the western side of Aith Voe, a deep inlet that cuts into the mainland. This coastal feature is characterized by its rugged cliffs, rocky outcrops, and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The name "Hellier of Aith" is derived from the Old Norse term "Hellir," meaning a cave or shelter. This name is fitting as the headland is known for its numerous sea caves that have been carved out by the relentless force of the North Atlantic Ocean over centuries. These caves provide a haven for a diverse range of marine wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and even otters.

The headland itself is composed of a mixture of sedimentary and volcanic rocks, which have been shaped by the powerful forces of erosion and weathering. This geological diversity adds to the visual appeal of Hellier of Aith, with its contrasting colors and textures.

Access to Hellier of Aith is possible via a footpath that winds its way along the coastline, offering visitors a chance to explore the headland and admire its natural beauty up close. However, caution is advised, as the cliffs can be steep and unstable in some areas.

Overall, Hellier of Aith is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the raw power of nature and provides a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to experience the untamed beauty of the Shetland Islands.

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Hellier of Aith Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.587241/-0.83647822 or Grid Reference HU6389. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fetlar Gardens On Fetlar, sheep are everywhere - so vegetables were grown inside these little 'walled gardens' to protect them from the sheep.
Fetlar Gardens
On Fetlar, sheep are everywhere - so vegetables were grown inside these little 'walled gardens' to protect them from the sheep.
Burn flowing into Wick of Aith, Fetlar
Burn flowing into Wick of Aith, Fetlar
Aith Ness The cliffs below Gillis Field and the Head of Lambhoga are visible in the distance.
Aith Ness
The cliffs below Gillis Field and the Head of Lambhoga are visible in the distance.
Rain Geese on Loch of Funzie, Fetlar Rain Goose is the local name for Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata).
Rain Geese on Loch of Funzie, Fetlar
Rain Goose is the local name for Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata).
Aithbank, Fetlar The house has since been refurbished as a camping booth.
Aithbank, Fetlar
The house has since been refurbished as a camping booth.
Aith Ness from Wick of Tresta
Aith Ness from Wick of Tresta
The Mires of Fundy - RSPB Reserve The view from the hide at the Mires of Fundy.  All quiet on a sunny Spring evening although the red-necked phalaropes were thought to be resident.
The Mires of Fundy - RSPB Reserve
The view from the hide at the Mires of Fundy. All quiet on a sunny Spring evening although the red-necked phalaropes were thought to be resident.
Loch of Funzie exhortation A bird watcher was incensed having seen a Fetlar islander go fishing in his waders for trout in this section of Loch of Funzie.  And despite the notice!!  All for the protection of red-necked phalaropes, a bird uncommon in the UK but not so worldwide.
Loch of Funzie exhortation
A bird watcher was incensed having seen a Fetlar islander go fishing in his waders for trout in this section of Loch of Funzie. And despite the notice!! All for the protection of red-necked phalaropes, a bird uncommon in the UK but not so worldwide.
Loch of Funzie
Loch of Funzie
Unsurfaced track View along the non surfaced track near Aithbank.
Unsurfaced track
View along the non surfaced track near Aithbank.
Loch of Funzie View of the Loch of Funzie
Loch of Funzie
View of the Loch of Funzie
Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina), Wick of Aith
Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina), Wick of Aith
Flat Periwinkle (Littorina obtusata), Wick of Aith
Flat Periwinkle (Littorina obtusata), Wick of Aith
Geo of Litlaland, Funzie Ness, Fetlar
Geo of Litlaland, Funzie Ness, Fetlar
Multi-coloured cliff, Bight of Raabis, Fetlar
Multi-coloured cliff, Bight of Raabis, Fetlar
Shags (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), Muckle Cupla, Fetlar
Shags (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), Muckle Cupla, Fetlar
Common Sea Urchin (Echinus esculentus), Wick of Aith, Fetlar Not usually seen above water, even at low tide.
Common Sea Urchin (Echinus esculentus), Wick of Aith, Fetlar
Not usually seen above water, even at low tide.
Line of planticrubs Anyone familiar with the landscape of northern England or Scotland will assume first of all that these are drystone sheep fanks but actually they are planticrubs, probably unique to Shetland.  This was the only place I saw a whole row of them.  Planticrubs were built to shelter kale seedlings from the wind so serve as primitive greenhouses.
Line of planticrubs
Anyone familiar with the landscape of northern England or Scotland will assume first of all that these are drystone sheep fanks but actually they are planticrubs, probably unique to Shetland. This was the only place I saw a whole row of them. Planticrubs were built to shelter kale seedlings from the wind so serve as primitive greenhouses.
Show me another place!

Hellier of Aith is located at Grid Ref: HU6389 (Lat: 60.587241, Lng: -0.83647822)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///cracker.prospers.bracelet. Near Houbie, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.587241,-0.83647822
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.5903845/-0.8383828
Aith
Place: hamlet
Lat/Long: 60.5898398/-0.8384938
Toilets
Lat/Long: 60.5880104/-0.8293247
Aithbank Camping Böd
Opening Hours: Mar 1-Oct 31 00:00-24:00
Tourism: hostel
Website: http://www.camping-bods.co.uk
Lat/Long: 60.5880818/-0.8293136
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5907675/-0.839465
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5909717/-0.8405138
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.5906155/-0.8398049
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5904853/-0.8380297
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5903215/-0.8371739
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5900241/-0.8356238
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5895986/-0.8343536
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.589339/-0.8337103
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5891704/-0.8330699
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.588639/-0.8315398
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5887462/-0.8317889
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5885229/-0.8297705
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5886326/-0.8307098
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 60.588272/-0.8275608
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5883973/-0.8286726
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.5881027/-0.8275622
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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