Loch of Houllsquey

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Shetland

Scotland

Loch of Houllsquey

Sand Voe Sand Voe is an inlet at the north of the Northmavine area of Mainland, Shetland.
This view is of the sandy / shingly beach at the southern end of the voe near to the eponymously named settlement of Sandvoe (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2713084">HU3690 : Sandvoe settlement</a>)
Sand Voe Credit: Rob Farrow

Loch of Houllsquey is a freshwater lake located in the Shetland Islands, off the coast of Scotland. Situated in the central mainland of Shetland, this picturesque body of water covers an area of approximately 17 acres (6.9 hectares) and is surrounded by rolling hills and heather-covered moorland.

The Loch of Houllsquey is relatively shallow, with an average depth of around 8 feet (2.5 meters). It is fed by several small streams and springs that flow into it, ensuring a constant supply of fresh water. The lake is known for its clear, pristine waters, which support a diverse ecosystem of aquatic plants and wildlife.

The surrounding area of the loch is rich in flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The lake's reed beds and freshwater marshes provide a habitat for a variety of bird species, including ducks, swans, and wading birds such as curlews and redshanks. The lake also attracts fishing enthusiasts who come to catch brown trout, which thrive in its waters.

Access to the Loch of Houllsquey is relatively easy, with a nearby car park and a walking trail that leads visitors around the lake. The tranquil setting and stunning views make it an ideal spot for picnicking, photography, or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance.

Overall, Loch of Houllsquey is a hidden gem in the Shetland Islands, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of Scotland's natural landscapes and observe a wide range of flora and fauna.

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Loch of Houllsquey Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.600258/-1.3122343 or Grid Reference HU3790. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sand Voe Sand Voe is an inlet at the north of the Northmavine area of Mainland, Shetland.
This view is of the sandy / shingly beach at the southern end of the voe near to the eponymously named settlement of Sandvoe (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2713084">HU3690 : Sandvoe settlement</a>)
Sand Voe
Sand Voe is an inlet at the north of the Northmavine area of Mainland, Shetland. This view is of the sandy / shingly beach at the southern end of the voe near to the eponymously named settlement of Sandvoe (see HU3690 : Sandvoe settlement)
Sandvoe settlement The few houses that make up the settlement of Sandvoe at the north of the Northmavine area of Mainland, Shetland as seen from its little beach on the voe (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2713080">HU3690 : Sand Voe</a>), with the burn seen nearest the camera about to flow into the sea.
Sandvoe settlement
The few houses that make up the settlement of Sandvoe at the north of the Northmavine area of Mainland, Shetland as seen from its little beach on the voe (see HU3690 : Sand Voe), with the burn seen nearest the camera about to flow into the sea.
A lost plane There was an explanation of how this plane got half way up the hill but it was so wet that I didn't read it.
A lost plane
There was an explanation of how this plane got half way up the hill but it was so wet that I didn't read it.
Traditional Haystacks Some good old fashioned haystacks at Isbister
Traditional Haystacks
Some good old fashioned haystacks at Isbister
The end of the road The end of the road at Sandvoe
The end of the road
The end of the road at Sandvoe
Alpacas, Isbister, North Roe
Alpacas, Isbister, North Roe
Irisbeds, Isbister, North Roe
Irisbeds, Isbister, North Roe
Sandvoe, North Roe
Sandvoe, North Roe
Beach at the head of Sand Voe, North Roe
Beach at the head of Sand Voe, North Roe
Benigarth, beside Sand Voe, North Roe The slopes of the hill of Lanchestoo beyond. The house gained some fame as the residence of Simon King during the filming of Simon King's Shetland. It is only accessible by vehicle by driving along the beach.
Benigarth, beside Sand Voe, North Roe
The slopes of the hill of Lanchestoo beyond. The house gained some fame as the residence of Simon King during the filming of Simon King's Shetland. It is only accessible by vehicle by driving along the beach.
Benigarth, beside Sand Voe, North Roe From the beach on a low tide.
Benigarth, beside Sand Voe, North Roe
From the beach on a low tide.
East shore of Sand Voe, North Roe Looking towards Orrwick Taing.
East shore of Sand Voe, North Roe
Looking towards Orrwick Taing.
Beach at the head of Sand Voe, North Roe Not it's sandiest aspect.
Beach at the head of Sand Voe, North Roe
Not it's sandiest aspect.
Land Rover on the beach at Sand Voe, North Roe The crofter has just been to feed sheep on the far end of the beach.
Land Rover on the beach at Sand Voe, North Roe
The crofter has just been to feed sheep on the far end of the beach.
Lanchestoo Trig First top today after navigating past some Shetland Ponies with Tricky Speirs.

Name: Lanchestoo
Hill number: 4919
Height: 130m / 427ft
Area: 22: Shetland Islands
Class: Hu
Grid ref: HU 37516 91596
Summit feature: trig point: OS measurement
Drop: 113m
Col: 17m  HU371902
Lanchestoo Trig
First top today after navigating past some Shetland Ponies with Tricky Speirs. Name: Lanchestoo Hill number: 4919 Height: 130m / 427ft Area: 22: Shetland Islands Class: Hu Grid ref: HU 37516 91596 Summit feature: trig point: OS measurement Drop: 113m Col: 17m HU371902
End Of The A970 Isbister is the end of the A970 and where we parked for our walk to Lanchestoo trig point.
End Of The A970
Isbister is the end of the A970 and where we parked for our walk to Lanchestoo trig point.
North Roe: alpacas The food tub has just been rattled and the alpacas respond as expected, making a bee-line for their owner. This is the only group of alpacas in Shetland; they have been here for four years, having been born in Hazelbury Bryan in Dorset. Some of the youngest in the picture are only a fortnight old.
North Roe: alpacas
The food tub has just been rattled and the alpacas respond as expected, making a bee-line for their owner. This is the only group of alpacas in Shetland; they have been here for four years, having been born in Hazelbury Bryan in Dorset. Some of the youngest in the picture are only a fortnight old.
The end of the road The A970 just comes to a dead stop here at Isbister. Looking south, for the first ten or a dozen miles it is "single track with passing places", but there is so little traffic that it is hardly a problem. After that, and all the way to Sumburgh <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU4009">HU4009</a>, 80km away, it is a splendid road, upgraded (like other main routes in the Shetland Islands) when the oil money was at its peak.

It is, of course, possible to walk further north for nearly 5 kilometres, to the Point of Fethaland (though I did not have time to do this). Only two inhabited islands, Yell and Unst, get even further north and into Myriad HP.
The end of the road
The A970 just comes to a dead stop here at Isbister. Looking south, for the first ten or a dozen miles it is "single track with passing places", but there is so little traffic that it is hardly a problem. After that, and all the way to Sumburgh HU4009, 80km away, it is a splendid road, upgraded (like other main routes in the Shetland Islands) when the oil money was at its peak. It is, of course, possible to walk further north for nearly 5 kilometres, to the Point of Fethaland (though I did not have time to do this). Only two inhabited islands, Yell and Unst, get even further north and into Myriad HP.
Show me another place!

Loch of Houllsquey is located at Grid Ref: HU3790 (Lat: 60.600258, Lng: -1.3122343)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///cube.stepping.loafing. Near Ulsta, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.600258,-1.3122343
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6041911/-1.3163357
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6028059/-1.3190018
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6036387/-1.3172296
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6031575/-1.3180431
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6024879/-1.3198885
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.6009277/-1.3212907
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 60.6020779/-1.3115205
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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