Swarthoull Loch

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Shetland

Scotland

Swarthoull Loch

Burn flowing into Wick of Aith, Fetlar
Burn flowing into Wick of Aith, Fetlar Credit: Tom Pennington

Swarthoull Loch is a picturesque freshwater loch located in the Shetland Islands, situated off the north coast of Scotland. This serene body of water is approximately 1.5 hectares in size and is nestled amidst the rolling hills and rugged landscape of Shetland.

Surrounded by lush vegetation and bordered by reeds and grasses, Swarthoull Loch is a haven for various species of wildlife. The loch serves as a vital habitat for a plethora of bird species, including ducks, swans, and various waders. Birdwatchers flock to the area to catch glimpses of these beautiful creatures as they glide across the calm waters or nestle in the reeds.

The loch itself is teeming with life, as it supports a diverse range of aquatic species. It is home to various fish species, such as brown trout and stickleback, which thrive in the nutrient-rich waters. The presence of these fish species also attracts otters, which can occasionally be seen swimming or hunting along the loch's shoreline.

Visitors to Swarthoull Loch can enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings by taking leisurely walks along the loch's edge, observing the wildlife, or simply basking in the natural beauty. The loch's idyllic setting makes it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts, who capture the stunning reflections of the surrounding landscape mirrored in the still waters.

Swarthoull Loch is a hidden gem in the Shetland Islands, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the rugged beauty of the Scottish countryside. Whether it is birdwatching, fishing, or simply appreciating the tranquility of nature, this freshwater loch provides a unique and enchanting experience for all who visit.

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Swarthoull Loch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.602596/-0.83243755 or Grid Reference HU6491. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Burn flowing into Wick of Aith, Fetlar
Burn flowing into Wick of Aith, Fetlar
Aithbank, Fetlar The house has since been refurbished as a camping booth.
Aithbank, Fetlar
The house has since been refurbished as a camping booth.
Unsurfaced track View along the non surfaced track near Aithbank.
Unsurfaced track
View along the non surfaced track near Aithbank.
Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina), Wick of Aith
Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina), Wick of Aith
Flat Periwinkle (Littorina obtusata), Wick of Aith
Flat Periwinkle (Littorina obtusata), Wick of Aith
Line of planticrubs Anyone familiar with the landscape of northern England or Scotland will assume first of all that these are drystone sheep fanks but actually they are planticrubs, probably unique to Shetland.  This was the only place I saw a whole row of them.  Planticrubs were built to shelter kale seedlings from the wind so serve as primitive greenhouses.
Line of planticrubs
Anyone familiar with the landscape of northern England or Scotland will assume first of all that these are drystone sheep fanks but actually they are planticrubs, probably unique to Shetland. This was the only place I saw a whole row of them. Planticrubs were built to shelter kale seedlings from the wind so serve as primitive greenhouses.
Planticrub near Loch of Funzie For a full explanation of this miniature "walled garden", see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3271563">HU6489 : Line of planticrubs</a>.
Planticrub near Loch of Funzie
For a full explanation of this miniature "walled garden", see HU6489 : Line of planticrubs.
Camping booth at Aithbank
Camping booth at Aithbank
Fields on Aith Ness
Fields on Aith Ness
Fields, Aith Ness A fertile peninsula on the south side of Fetlar.
Fields, Aith Ness
A fertile peninsula on the south side of Fetlar.
Aithbank The house is now visitor accommodation as a camping böd (it is extremely comfortable). Aith Wick was the landing place for the peat that was cut here on Lamb Hoga.
Aithbank
The house is now visitor accommodation as a camping böd (it is extremely comfortable). Aith Wick was the landing place for the peat that was cut here on Lamb Hoga.
Beach, Aith Wick Once an important trading point and landing place for Lamb Hoga's peats.
Beach, Aith Wick
Once an important trading point and landing place for Lamb Hoga's peats.
Fetlar Interpretive Centre, Houbie
Fetlar Interpretive Centre, Houbie
Line of ruined stone enclosures Aith visible in distance.
Line of ruined stone enclosures
Aith visible in distance.
Fetlar Primary School The school currently (2007) has 3 pupils and 6 staff. Must be one of the highest staff-student ratios anywhere! The school has a Website at <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.fetlar.shetland.sch.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.fetlar.shetland.sch.uk/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Fetlar Primary School
The school currently (2007) has 3 pupils and 6 staff. Must be one of the highest staff-student ratios anywhere! The school has a Website at LinkExternal link
Farmland on the slopes below Aith
Farmland on the slopes below Aith
Winyadepla east shore. Two prehistoric stone built enclosures, east shore of Winyadepla, Fetlar.
Winyadepla east shore.
Two prehistoric stone built enclosures, east shore of Winyadepla, Fetlar.
Cruss Waters Fetlar, Cruss Waters, from the air 600 feet.
Cruss Waters
Fetlar, Cruss Waters, from the air 600 feet.
Show me another place!

Swarthoull Loch is located at Grid Ref: HU6491 (Lat: 60.602596, Lng: -0.83243755)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///bigger.talked.overtones. Near Houbie, Shetland Islands

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