Loch of Papil

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Shetland

Scotland

Loch of Papil

Fugla Stack, Burra, from the air Credit: Mike Pennington

Loch of Papil is a small freshwater loch located on the island of Mainland, Shetland, in Scotland. Situated in the southwestern part of the island, it is nestled amidst rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. The loch covers an area of approximately 13 hectares and has a maximum depth of around 6 meters.

Surrounded by lush vegetation and boggy ground, Loch of Papil is a haven for wildlife and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The loch is particularly known for its diverse bird population, attracting both resident and migratory species. Visitors can often spot common waterfowl such as mallards, tufted ducks, and teal, as well as more elusive species like the great northern diver and the common scoter.

The loch is also home to a variety of fish, including brown trout and arctic char, making it a popular spot for anglers. Fishing permits can be obtained locally, allowing visitors to enjoy a peaceful day by the tranquil waters.

The surrounding area of Loch of Papil offers stunning views and opportunities for exploration. There are several walking trails nearby, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Shetland countryside. Additionally, the loch is close to the village of Sandwick, where visitors can find amenities such as shops, cafes, and accommodation.

Overall, Loch of Papil is a serene and picturesque freshwater loch, offering a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.

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Loch of Papil Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.064949/-1.3409696 or Grid Reference HU3631. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fugla Stack, Burra, from the air

Mike Pennington

Fugla Stack, Kettla Ness, West Burra, from the air

Virda Vatn in the background.

Mike Pennington

The southern part of Houss Ness

Seen from just south of the summit of Ward of Symbister.

David Purchase

Cliffs on the west side of Kettla Ness

It looks as though there will soon be another landslide on this dramatic coast.

David Purchase

At Gossigarth on Kettla Ness

Looking towards Banna Minn and Duncansclett.

David Purchase

Approaching Clivland Bay, Houss Ness

A small bay backed by numerous ruined buildings.

Julian Paren

Stream emerging at Clivland Bay

Plenty of bubbles in peaty brown water.

Julian Paren

Symbister, East Burra

An extensive set of ruined buildings.

Julian Paren

Burnt Mound at Symbister

One of three burnt mounds indicated on the 1:25,000 OS mapping. This was a smaller mound. Often features like this are marked on maps yet are hard to find. A Eureka moment followed after the GPS location was checked. I understand the purpose of burnt mounds is a contentious issue.

Julian Paren

Symbister

This croft site was abandoned in the early 1950s largely because there was no road to it. [P. Guy, Walking the Coastline of Shetland, South Mainland, Shetland Times, Lerwick, 2000.]

Peter Wyatt

Derelict Croft

The ruins of the croft at Gossigarth with Banna Minn showing behind

David White

West Burra: overlooking Bridge End

A fine view past the war memorial and down South Voe, the marina nestling below.

Chris Downer

East Burra: the Baptist church

Looking across the dip between the two Burras towards this small church on East Burra.

Chris Downer

East Burra: Houss from West Burra

Looking across South Voe towards the scattered dwellings of Houss with the mighty slopes of Shetland's south mainland on the far side of Clift Sound beyond.

Chris Downer

Houss: view from Papil

Looking across the water separating West Burra (our side) from East Burra, on which we see a few of the buildings, one of them ruined, in the hamlet of Houss. Immediately to the south (right) of these is the narrow strip of land connecting Houss Ness to the 'main' part of East Burra. The Clift Hills, on the mainland, are the backdrop, shrouded in cloud.

Chris Downer

Houss: a house with a dramatic backdrop

Looking across to a Houss house, as it were, from West Burra. I haven't been able to exactly locate the house on the map but it's somewhere hereabouts. In the background, a couple of vessels, below the cliffs of the Clift Hills, are catching a very rare bit of sun today - the rarity of the fine weather hinted at by the low mist towards the top of the hills.

Chris Downer

Boats at The Taing

The boats seen here are moored at a yard on the east coast of the Voe of North House, on the small peninsula called The Taing on East Burra. East Burra is a very narrow island (as is West Burra) that is linked to Mainland Shetland via bridges to Trondra and West Burra. The bridge between West and East Burra is a simple stone arch bridge in Bridge End.

Rob Farrow

The Taing and Voe of North House

The Taing is a small promontory of East Burra island into Clift Sound, with the Voe of North House on the right. The little stream entering the Voe at this point is a drain from the small Loch of Houss a few hundred yards to the north. A closer view of the end of the Taing can be seen here HU3831 : Boats at The Taing and of the cottages on the left of the image, here HU3831 : Cottages on The Taing

Rob Farrow

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Loch of Papil is located at Grid Ref: HU3631 (Lat: 60.064949, Lng: -1.3409696)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands