Black Loch

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Shetland

Scotland

Black Loch

Boat on the shore of a frozen Loch of Girlsta Credit: Mike Pennington

Black Loch is a small freshwater loch located in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 10 acres, it is nestled within the rolling hills and picturesque landscape of the region. The loch is situated about 2 miles northeast of the village of Aithsetter and lies at an elevation of around 250 feet above sea level.

Surrounded by lush vegetation and heather-covered hills, Black Loch is a tranquil and scenic spot that attracts nature enthusiasts and anglers alike. The loch is home to a variety of freshwater fish species, including brown trout and Arctic char, making it a popular fishing destination. Anglers can enjoy the serene surroundings while casting their lines in search of a prized catch.

The loch itself has a relatively shallow depth, with an average depth of around 8 feet. It has a gently sloping shoreline, which provides easy access for fishing or leisurely walks along the water's edge. The water in Black Loch is clear and pristine, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The area around Black Loch is also rich in birdlife, attracting a diverse range of species throughout the year. Visitors may spot various waterfowl, such as mallards, tufted ducks, and goldeneyes, as well as wading birds like oystercatchers and redshanks.

Overall, Black Loch offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Shetland Islands. Its idyllic setting, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for fishing make it a hidden gem in this remote part of Scotland.

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Black Loch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.225093/-1.2297042 or Grid Reference HU4249. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Boat on the shore of a frozen Loch of Girlsta

Mike Pennington

Frozen outflow from Loch of Girlsta

Mike Pennington

The Junction Bus Stop near Girlsta

The A970 runs for 71 miles across most of the length of the "Mainland" in the Shetland Islands. It is a good-quality single-carriageway road for most of its route. Travelling from south to north, the road begins at Grutness near Sumburgh Airport and winds around the many hills and inlets passing close to a number of small villages without going through any large ones before Lerwick. After looping around Lerwick, a short spur runs to Scalloway whilst the main route continues northwards towards Brae where it crosses the narrow isthmus of Mavis Grind. At Sandy Lochs the road splits and a four-mile spur goes through Urafirth to Hillswick. The main route continuing to the right towards its northern terminus at Isbister. This last part of the route tends to be narrower with passing places. Link

SABRE

David Dixon

Motorcyclists on the A970 near Girlsta

SABRE

David Dixon

Loch of Girlsta

The loch at Girlsta is the deepest in Shetland, at about 65ft deep in places. The name "Girlsta" comes from the Old Norse "Geirhildastadr" - meaning "the place of Geirhilda". Geirhilda was a young Viking princess, daughter of the famous 9th century Viking explorer, Flóki Vilgerðarson. According to local folklore, Geirhilda drowned in the loch after falling through the ice and she is buried on the small island within the loch. More information about the story at Link

(Shetland with Laurie) and Link

(Folklore and Shetland Stories)

David Dixon

A970 near Girlsta

SABRE

David Dixon

Wadbister Voe

David Dixon

Girlsta: the Methodist chapel

A small chapel in an isolated spot, west of the village on the road towards Whiteness.

Chris Downer

Girlsta: postbox № ZE2 21

This small postbox stands at a junction on the A970 and is emptied at 9am on weekdays and Saturdays. Judging by the red paint on the neighbouring telegraph pole, the box was previously clasped to it.

Chris Downer

Girsta Service Reservoir

I parked near Girlsta Service Reservoir before climbing the moorland HuMP called Hill of Hamarsland.

Rude Health

Haar over Wadbister Voe

Chalder Ness in the foreground, haar over Ritta Taing in the background.

Mike Pennington

Girlsta from the air

Mike Pennington

Girlsta from the air

Mike Pennington

Girlsta pier from the air

Mike Pennington

Loch of Girlsta, Shetland

Looking NE across the south end of the Loch of Girlsta.

John Dally

Girlsta burn

The outflow burn from the loch of Girlsta. In the past a large mill was in operation at Girlsta and the crofters came here with their corn to be ground into flour.

Robert Sandison