Birka Water

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Shetland

Scotland

Birka Water

The Loch of the Grey Yowe, behind Ronas Hill The first thing that was a little odd to me about this loch on Shetland was the name. I had always associated yowes being used for ewes to occur much further south; the Scottish Dictionary has its use in Angus and Buchan and yet here it was as far north in Scotland as you could go. The second surprise was that, in spite of the northern isles having a poor summer, the loch was really quite low. It had and still has, at least one nice trout in it. Spot-on navigation is needed to find the loch. You can&#039;t see it until you&#039;re within 50 yards or less. — The Loch of the Grey Yowe, behind Ronas Hill Credit: AlastairG

Birka Water is a small freshwater loch located on the island of Shetland in Scotland. Situated in the central part of the island, it covers an area of approximately 12 hectares and has a maximum depth of around 10 meters. The loch is surrounded by rolling hills and moorland, giving it a picturesque and tranquil setting.

Birka Water is known for its crystal-clear and calm waters, making it an ideal spot for various recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The loch is home to several species of fish, including brown trout, which attract anglers from near and far.

In addition to its recreational value, Birka Water also serves as an important habitat for a diverse range of plants and wildlife. The loch is surrounded by reed beds and freshwater marshes, which provide a suitable environment for various aquatic plants and bird species. Visitors to Birka Water may spot a variety of waterfowl, such as ducks, swans, and geese, as well as wading birds like herons and sandpipers.

The area around Birka Water is also rich in archaeological history. The nearby Birka Ness is known for its Viking-age settlement, and the loch itself has yielded several artifacts from the past. These historical remnants and the natural beauty of the surroundings make Birka Water a popular destination for both nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Birka Water Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.568601/-1.4246772 or Grid Reference HU3187. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Loch of the Grey Yowe, behind Ronas Hill

The first thing that was a little odd to me about this loch on Shetland was the name. I had always associated yowes being used for ewes to occur much further south; the Scottish Dictionary has its use in Angus and Buchan and yet here it was as far north in Scotland as you could go. The second surprise was that, in spite of the northern isles having a poor summer, the loch was really quite low. It had and still has, at least one nice trout in it. Spot-on navigation is needed to find the loch. You can't see it until you're within 50 yards or less.

AlastairG

Drainage in North Roe, Shetland

The drainage here is from Clubbi Shuns eastward to Roer Water, a public water supply. The channel between the two lochs is fairly wide at the western end but splits into two unequal burns at its eastern outflow.

AlastairG

Drainage in North Roe, Shetland

This shows the western end of the connection shown in HU3386 : Drainage in North Roe, Shetland. These interconnected lochs both contain brown trout.

AlastairG

Clubbi Shuns, Shetland

This loch forms part of the catchment area for the public water supply for the area. It drains into Roeg Water where the water is drawn off. Like its neighbour, Clubbi Shuns contains a stock of brown trout.

AlastairG

Landmark, viewpoint, shelter

This distinctive granite boulder sits in a commanding position in fairly desolate moorland. Time and probably sheep have worn a circular depression round its base. This provides very welcome shelter in which to enjoy a lunch break when the, not infrequent, high winds blast the moorland. The comfort has been enhanced by carefully positioned boulders which make very acceptable seating.

AlastairG

Moorland drainage, Shetland

In a landscape of peat bogs, running water is actually rather rare. This burn is one of the very few which are crossed while walking along the north side of a chain of lochs between Roer Water and Birka Water.

AlastairG

Looking across to Maadle Swankie from Clubbi Shuns, Shetland

Even in a region of strange placenames, this pair are a bit odd. They are located north of Ronas Hill.

AlastairG

Loch a Grey Yowe

Said to take its name from the moss covered boulder on the shore of the loch.

Robert Sandison

Birka Water

North bay of Birka Water.

Robert Sandison

Clubbi Shuns

View of the Clubbi Shuns from Oxna Leog.

Robert Sandison

Many Crooks Burn

The main burn on the Many Crooks, Ronas Hill.

Robert Sandison

Tonga Water, Ronas Hill.

View from the south bay, the name 'Tonga' comes from its shape and jutting land points.

Robert Sandison

Lang Clodie Wick

Taken from very unstable cliffs above Innri Geo, and the falls of Lang Clodie Wick are just visible in the background. An itinerant Gannet can also be seen.

Tim Harrison

The Roonies

This desolate area on the NW side of Ronas Hill is populated by Bonxies and a few sheep. Helvadale Hill is in the background. You can see the low cloud coming in, and it started raining about 20 minutes after the photo was taken, making for a wet walk back to the car.

Tim Harrison