Ollamoor Loch

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Shetland

Scotland

Ollamoor Loch

Papa Stour from Huxter, Sandness Credit: Mike Pennington

Ollamoor Loch is a small freshwater loch located in the picturesque Shetland Islands, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and rugged landscapes, this secluded body of water offers a serene and tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy.

Covering an area of approximately 5 acres, Ollamoor Loch boasts crystal-clear, calm waters that reflect the surrounding heather-covered hills and vibrant wildflowers. It is a natural haven for various species of wildlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. The loch is home to a diverse range of avian species, including mallards, tufted ducks, and grebes, which can often be spotted gracefully gliding across the water's surface.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, Ollamoor Loch also supports a rich ecosystem of aquatic plants, such as water lilies and reeds, which provide shelter and sustenance for numerous aquatic creatures. Frogs, newts, and small fish are frequently found in the loch's shallower areas, adding to the biodiversity of this enchanting habitat.

Access to Ollamoor Loch is relatively straightforward, with a small parking area nearby and a short walk through the heathland to reach its shores. The loch provides an ideal setting for peaceful walks, picnics, and even fishing, with a small number of anglers drawn to its abundant trout population.

Overall, Ollamoor Loch is a hidden gem within the Shetland Islands, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of this unspoiled freshwater environment. Whether it's observing the diverse wildlife, enjoying a leisurely stroll, or simply soaking in the serenity, this picturesque loch is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape.

Show me another place!

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

Ollamoor Loch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.331133/-1.6847082 or Grid Reference HU1760. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Papa Stour from Huxter, Sandness

Mike Pennington

Plantiecrub near Flaes Point

A plantiecrub is a small walled enclosure in which cabbage seedlings are grown until they are big enough to plant out in croft gardens. They are usually built well away from the croft to protect the seedlings against the crofters' hens.

Anne Burgess

Ruined Meal Mills

Several traditional mills straddle this little burn. Inside the building was a fixed lower millstone, and a rotating upper millstone driven by the water falling on to the paddles below, which were mounted at 45º to the vertical drive shaft.

Anne Burgess

The Loch that Ebbs and Flows

The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.

Anne Burgess

Lang Geo

One of the many inlets typical of the north coast of Papa Stour.

Anne Burgess

Hurdibrack

The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west.

Anne Burgess

The Wall

This is the wall which cuts across the whole island. The west side (left) has a steep face to prevent animals climbing over it. The east (right) side has a sloping face so that any animals which have managed to cross it can easily be driven back on to the pasture land.

Anne Burgess

Robie's Noust

This is a very dull shot of a square which would certainly have yielded a more interesting image if we had had time to explore it before the ferry left.

Anne Burgess

The Dales

As with the next-door square, HU1861 would certainly have yielded a more interesting shot if we had not had to rush to catch the ferry!

Anne Burgess

Papa Stour Pier and Ferry

The ferry runs regularly but infrequently, so that day trips to the island are only possible on Fridays or Saturdays.

Anne Burgess

Ruined House

Doug Lee

Ruined house

The number of ruined buildings on the island seem to far outnumber those still habitable or used.

Doug Lee

Road and ruins

This is the main road for the island. Even this close to the pier the ruins of abandoned crofts can be found just off the road.

Doug Lee

View towards Papa Stour Airstrip

The cleared and smoothed ground in the upper right of the image is the airstrip for Papa Stour which is located in HU1759.

Doug Lee

Rocky coastline

Doug Lee

View from North Ness

The view here is from North Ness towards the highest point on the island. The ground shown in the foreground is typical of this rather barren area.

Doug Lee

The "New" Pier

The image here is taken from the old pier looking towards the new pier. The line of rusting fenceposts serves no useful purpose. The rocks along the shoreline are very popular with young seals - although they proved to be somewhat camera-shy.

Doug Lee

A puzzling wall

The purpose of this isolated section of wall is far from clear: you might think that perhaps it was in place to stop sheep wandering down onto the rocks beyond, but it would seem to be easy enough for them to walk around the wall.

Doug Lee

Show me another place!

Ollamoor Loch is located at Grid Ref: HU1760 (Lat: 60.331133, Lng: -1.6847082)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands