Houll Loch

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Shetland

Scotland

Houll Loch

Gunnister Voe
Gunnister Voe Credit: David Purchase

Houll Loch is a small freshwater loch located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. Nestled amidst the rugged and picturesque landscape, this body of water is an enchanting natural feature of the region.

With an average depth of around 6 meters and a surface area of approximately 2 hectares, Houll Loch is relatively small compared to other lochs in the area. However, its pristine and tranquil surroundings make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and bird-watchers.

The loch is surrounded by lush vegetation, including reeds and grasses, creating a vibrant freshwater marsh ecosystem. These marshy areas serve as habitats for various species of birds, such as mallards, tufted ducks, and swans, which can often be seen gracefully gliding across the water or nesting in the reeds. The loch also supports a diverse range of aquatic plants and insects, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area.

Visitors to Houll Loch can enjoy the peaceful ambiance and stunning views of the surrounding hills and countryside. The calm waters provide a perfect setting for fishing, with brown trout being the most commonly caught species. Anglers can find solitude and relaxation as they cast their lines into the clear waters of the loch.

Overall, Houll Loch is a hidden gem in the Shetland Islands, offering a serene and picturesque environment for both wildlife and visitors to enjoy. Its unique ecosystem and scenic beauty make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

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Houll Loch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.455559/-1.4221322 or Grid Reference HU3174. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gunnister Voe
Gunnister Voe
The lane from Nibon One of many minor cul-de-sacs branching off from the A970, the main road running north/south along the spine of Shetland Mainland.
The lane from Nibon
One of many minor cul-de-sacs branching off from the A970, the main road running north/south along the spine of Shetland Mainland.
Country at Gunnister
Country at Gunnister
Trolladale Water One of many sizable lochs in this part of Shetland Mainland.
Trolladale Water
One of many sizable lochs in this part of Shetland Mainland.
"Gunnister Man's Grave" For an explanation, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5024770">HU3273 : "Gunnister Man's Grave" - notice</a>.
"Gunnister Man's Grave"
"Gunnister Man's Grave" - notice For a photo of the grave, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5024763">HU3273 : "Gunnister Man's Grave"</a>.
"Gunnister Man's Grave" - notice
For a photo of the grave, see HU3273 : "Gunnister Man's Grave".
Olnesfirth and Hamar Voe
Olnesfirth and Hamar Voe
Hamar Farm I was at the end of the public road: the rather battered sign says Private Road, although I doubt that there would have been any objection had I walked closer. But there wasn't anywhere to park!
Hamar Farm
I was at the end of the public road: the rather battered sign says Private Road, although I doubt that there would have been any objection had I walked closer. But there wasn't anywhere to park!
Stubba Water, and its surrounding low hills
Stubba Water, and its surrounding low hills
The north tip of Punds Water
The north tip of Punds Water
Punds Water One of the larger lochs in this part of Shetland.
Punds Water
One of the larger lochs in this part of Shetland.
The A970 heading for Brae Passing Smirnadale Water on the right.
The A970 heading for Brae
Passing Smirnadale Water on the right.
Standing stone, overlooking the Loch of Burraland
Standing stone, overlooking the Loch of Burraland
Punds Water View from the lay-by at Punds Water
Punds Water
View from the lay-by at Punds Water
Fish farm boat, Gunnista Voe A rather steep and rough track (I'd have attempted it in a Mini in my youth, but rather more circumspect in middle age, high clearance 4-wheel drive seemed a better idea) reaches this small quay on Gunnista Voe, which is occupied by fish farming installations. We were prospecting for a place to put on with sea kayaks, and this seemed a little too awkward, though it was the only place near the water with adequate parking in the vicinity.
Fish farm boat, Gunnista Voe
A rather steep and rough track (I'd have attempted it in a Mini in my youth, but rather more circumspect in middle age, high clearance 4-wheel drive seemed a better idea) reaches this small quay on Gunnista Voe, which is occupied by fish farming installations. We were prospecting for a place to put on with sea kayaks, and this seemed a little too awkward, though it was the only place near the water with adequate parking in the vicinity.
Loch of Burraland Sullum Voe oil terminal can be seen in the background.
Loch of Burraland
Sullum Voe oil terminal can be seen in the background.
Valliers Ness In Gunnister Voe.
Valliers Ness
In Gunnister Voe.
Field at Snowbuil On Gunnister Voe.
Field at Snowbuil
On Gunnister Voe.
Show me another place!

Houll Loch is located at Grid Ref: HU3174 (Lat: 60.455559, Lng: -1.4221322)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///hulk.sofas.registry. Near Brae, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.455559,-1.4221322
Croogans
Place: hamlet
Lat/Long: 60.4541899/-1.4166697
Enisfirth
Place: hamlet
Lat/Long: 60.4537984/-1.4204677
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 60.4555053/-1.4202434
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 60.4547554/-1.4198652
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4540248/-1.4199772
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4539787/-1.4194835
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4539102/-1.4188173
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4541099/-1.4181462
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4542742/-1.417559
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4576233/-1.4146591
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4572262/-1.4159365
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4567689/-1.4165165
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4562938/-1.4170893
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.45584/-1.4176189
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4553792/-1.418175
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4548154/-1.4178538
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4536407/-1.4176333
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4529883/-1.4176908
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4522662/-1.4177747
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.451648/-1.4178274
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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