Helga Water

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Shetland

Scotland

Helga Water

Papa Stour and Foula Taken on the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking out towards the islands of Papa Stour (left of shot) and Foula beyond.
Papa Stour and Foula Credit: Carroll Pierce

Helga Water is a picturesque freshwater loch located in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Nestled amidst stunning natural surroundings, it covers an area of approximately 0.5 square kilometers. Helga Water is often referred to as a lake, pool, pond, or freshwater marsh, owing to its diverse characteristics.

The loch is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, which are a result of the surrounding peatlands that act as natural filters. This creates a habitat conducive to various aquatic organisms, including fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. The water body also attracts a wide range of bird species, making it a hot spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Surrounded by lush greenery, Helga Water offers a tranquil and idyllic setting for nature lovers. The area is rich in plant life, with an abundance of reeds, sedges, and water lilies lining the shores. These plants not only add to the aesthetic appeal but also provide shelter and food for the diverse array of wildlife found in and around the loch.

Visitors to Helga Water can explore the area on foot and take advantage of the well-maintained footpaths that wind their way around the water body. The gentle slopes and undulating terrain make it an ideal location for leisurely walks and picnics. Additionally, the loch provides opportunities for fishing, with brown trout being a common catch.

Overall, Helga Water in the Shetland Islands is a stunning freshwater loch that offers a haven for both wildlife and those seeking solace in nature. Its diverse ecosystem, pristine waters, and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the region.

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Helga Water Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.485781/-1.5096798 or Grid Reference HU2778. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Papa Stour and Foula Taken on the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking out towards the islands of Papa Stour (left of shot) and Foula beyond.
Papa Stour and Foula
Taken on the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking out towards the islands of Papa Stour (left of shot) and Foula beyond.
The Drongs Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the sea stacks known at The Drongs. Papa Stour can be seen in the distance.
The Drongs
Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the sea stacks known at The Drongs. Papa Stour can be seen in the distance.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland Built in 1900 by the North of Scotland Ferry company. Still functioning, just [in 2004], but the absentee landlord is clearly not interested in maintaining it as a hotel, which is sad.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland
Built in 1900 by the North of Scotland Ferry company. Still functioning, just [in 2004], but the absentee landlord is clearly not interested in maintaining it as a hotel, which is sad.
Hillswick Fire Station, Shetland With local retained firefighters the Hillswick Fire Station is little more than a large garage, just big enough to house the small appliance based on a large van.
Hillswick Fire Station, Shetland
With local retained firefighters the Hillswick Fire Station is little more than a large garage, just big enough to house the small appliance based on a large van.
Hillswick, Shetland Houses at Hillswick, the large two storey house with mansard roof is called Laarsund.
Hillswick, Shetland
Houses at Hillswick, the large two storey house with mansard roof is called Laarsund.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland This hotel was built as a kit in Norway, dis-assembled and transported to Hillswick where it was constructed on its present site in 1900 by the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Co.. Sadly it is currently closed (April 2006) although the local community wish to see it opened again. For more information on Hillswick and surrounding area visit <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/shetland/hillswick/index.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/shetland/hillswick/index.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

UPDATE Oct 07: this hotel is now owned by a local couple and open every day - More information can be found at the official website <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.stmagnusbayhotel.co.uk" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.stmagnusbayhotel.co.uk">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland
This hotel was built as a kit in Norway, dis-assembled and transported to Hillswick where it was constructed on its present site in 1900 by the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Co.. Sadly it is currently closed (April 2006) although the local community wish to see it opened again. For more information on Hillswick and surrounding area visit LinkExternal link UPDATE Oct 07: this hotel is now owned by a local couple and open every day - More information can be found at the official website LinkExternal link
View over Heads of Grocken, Eshaness, Shetland Looking out over the Heads of Grocken with 'The Drongs' the sea stacks in the distance.
View over Heads of Grocken, Eshaness, Shetland
Looking out over the Heads of Grocken with 'The Drongs' the sea stacks in the distance.
Helga water, near Hillswick, Shetland Shetland is unlikely ever to have a hosepipe ban, there are many many lochs and plentiful rainfall. This is Helga Water near the road to Eshaness.
Helga water, near Hillswick, Shetland
Shetland is unlikely ever to have a hosepipe ban, there are many many lochs and plentiful rainfall. This is Helga Water near the road to Eshaness.
Heads of Grocken Looking across the square from above Hillswick on a stormy winter's day. The pony was very inquisitive, and didn't want to be photographed in profile!
Heads of Grocken
Looking across the square from above Hillswick on a stormy winter's day. The pony was very inquisitive, and didn't want to be photographed in profile!
Heads of Grocken Small sea-stacks off the Heads of Grocken, with the Drongs in the distance.
Heads of Grocken
Small sea-stacks off the Heads of Grocken, with the Drongs in the distance.
Beach between Heads of Grocken and the Neap
Beach between Heads of Grocken and the Neap
Entering Eshaness
Entering Eshaness
The bay at Hillswick Looking across the bay with the main settlement on the far shore.
The bay at Hillswick
Looking across the bay with the main settlement on the far shore.
Conflicting signs A waymarked stile gives access to the coast, while a "beware of the bull" sign warns of danger. We crossed through this field on a clockwise circuit of Ness of Hillswick without seeing any warning in the other direction (or a bull).
Conflicting signs
A waymarked stile gives access to the coast, while a "beware of the bull" sign warns of danger. We crossed through this field on a clockwise circuit of Ness of Hillswick without seeing any warning in the other direction (or a bull).
Marsh marigolds Looking across a marshy area towards Hillswick. The marsh marigolds currently in flower will be succeeded by the yellow flags behind them, not yet in bud.
Marsh marigolds
Looking across a marshy area towards Hillswick. The marsh marigolds currently in flower will be succeeded by the yellow flags behind them, not yet in bud.
Sheep above Hillswick Looking down on Hillswick from the sheep pasture on Hillswick Ness
Sheep above Hillswick
Looking down on Hillswick from the sheep pasture on Hillswick Ness
Roadside quarry West of Helga Water
Roadside quarry
West of Helga Water
Single track road view to Braewick
Single track road view to Braewick
Show me another place!

Helga Water is located at Grid Ref: HU2778 (Lat: 60.485781, Lng: -1.5096798)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///combines.cone.narrates. Near Brae, Shetland Islands

Related Wikis

Hillswick

Hillswick is a small village in Northmavine, on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean and lies to the north-north west of Mainland, Shetland, the most northerly...

The Drongs

The Drongs are a group of sea stacks off the coast of Hillswick Ness, Northmavine, Shetland, Scotland. They lie to the west of the Isle of Westerhouse...

Assater

Assater (also spelled Assetter) is a hamlet on Mainland, in Shetland, Scotland. Assater is situated in the parish of Northmaven. It is about 1.3 miles...

Braehoulland

Braehoulland is a hamlet on Mainland, in Shetland, Scotland. Braehoulland is situated within the parish of Northmaven. Eshaness Community Centre is located...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.485781,-1.5096798
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 60.4866373/-1.510334
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4853107/-1.518701
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4850002/-1.5177903
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4846825/-1.5168364
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4843649/-1.5158777
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4842953/-1.5180898
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4843248/-1.5171743
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4843885/-1.5147321
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4844181/-1.5133732
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4844523/-1.5121749
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4845054/-1.5103894
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4838761/-1.5099269
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4833235/-1.5095458
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.482752/-1.5102672
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4830354/-1.5099125
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4837214/-1.5090329
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4840957/-1.5085608
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4844995/-1.5080671
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4848632/-1.5075901
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4848974/-1.5095841
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.485293/-1.5088124
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4856708/-1.5080647
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4860214/-1.5073816
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.486463/-1.5064997
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4869412/-1.5055386
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4871383/-1.5042828
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4873697/-1.502701
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4875693/-1.50139
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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