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Hats of Bergilee

Cliff, Slope in Shetland

Scotland

Hats of Bergilee

Swarta Skerry, Noss, Spiggie, from the air
Swarta Skerry, Noss, Spiggie, from the air Credit: Mike Pennington

Hats of Bergilee is a picturesque cliff located in the remote region of Shetland, Scotland. Rising majestically from the North Sea, it is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and rugged beauty. The name "Hats of Bergilee" is derived from the Old Norse words "haattr" meaning cliff and "berg" meaning rock, accurately reflecting the nature of this natural wonder.

Standing at an impressive height of approximately 250 feet, Hats of Bergilee offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The cliff face is composed of layers of sedimentary rock, showcasing a variety of colors and textures, which have been shaped over centuries by the relentless force of wind and waves.

Visitors to Hats of Bergilee are greeted with a sense of awe as they witness the power of nature on full display. The crashing waves below create a mesmerizing spectacle, while seabirds soar overhead, adding to the enchanting ambiance. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as the area is home to numerous species of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots.

Hats of Bergilee is also a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for exhilarating hikes along its rugged slopes. However, caution is advised, as the cliffs can be dangerous and unstable in some areas. It is recommended to adhere to safety guidelines and stay on designated paths.

The remote location of Hats of Bergilee adds to its allure, providing a sense of tranquility and solitude. It is a destination that allows visitors to connect with nature, marvel at its raw beauty, and appreciate the power of the natural world.

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Hats of Bergilee Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.914856/-1.3772429 or Grid Reference HU3414. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Swarta Skerry, Noss, Spiggie, from the air
Swarta Skerry, Noss, Spiggie, from the air
The Nev, Fitful Head, from the air With a view to Ward of Scousburgh
The Nev, Fitful Head, from the air
With a view to Ward of Scousburgh
Fitful Head from the air
Fitful Head from the air
The Ords, Fitful Head
The Ords, Fitful Head
Cliffs at The Nev, north of Fitful Head
Cliffs at The Nev, north of Fitful Head
The bend in the track There is a well-graded track up to the communications masts on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive up, but it is an easy walk from Quendale. At this point, there is a sharp bend. Coming down, I certainly would not want to lose control here, or miss the turn in mist. The consequences are pretty clear! I think that the rocks just left of centre must be Swarta Skerry, in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU3415">HU3415</a>.
The bend in the track
There is a well-graded track up to the communications masts on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive up, but it is an easy walk from Quendale. At this point, there is a sharp bend. Coming down, I certainly would not want to lose control here, or miss the turn in mist. The consequences are pretty clear! I think that the rocks just left of centre must be Swarta Skerry, in HU3415.
The track from Fitful Head A well-graded track serves the communications station on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive, but it gives an easy walk. This is looking back downhill towards Quendale.
The track from Fitful Head
A well-graded track serves the communications station on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive, but it gives an easy walk. This is looking back downhill towards Quendale.
The track from Fitful Head Looking east towards Gord Farm and Quendale. The public are not allowed to drive up this track, which is used by engineers servicing the masts on Fitful Head. But it makes for a very easy walk to this 283m high hill.
The track from Fitful Head
Looking east towards Gord Farm and Quendale. The public are not allowed to drive up this track, which is used by engineers servicing the masts on Fitful Head. But it makes for a very easy walk to this 283m high hill.
Drying the hay at Gord Farm At least two weeks of dry weather must have been very welcome. And another week, at least, to come.
Drying the hay at Gord Farm
At least two weeks of dry weather must have been very welcome. And another week, at least, to come.
Fitful Head: view from a few miles east Looking out from the Northlink ferry to Aberdeen as cloud covers Fitful Head on a beautiful sunny evening.
Fitful Head: view from a few miles east
Looking out from the Northlink ferry to Aberdeen as cloud covers Fitful Head on a beautiful sunny evening.
Mystery Feature An absolute mystery when first located, but close investigation revealed its identity. It turns out to be a Protective Wall for a Target Zone on an old disused firing range (some evidence here <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2622204">HU3513 : Blitzed Target Zone</a>. It faces another Target Zone (down-range) about 450 metres away; see - <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2622226">HU3613 : Unmarked Feature</a>. The platform (maybe planks) on which the targets stood, is missing.
Mystery Feature
An absolute mystery when first located, but close investigation revealed its identity. It turns out to be a Protective Wall for a Target Zone on an old disused firing range (some evidence here HU3513 : Blitzed Target Zone. It faces another Target Zone (down-range) about 450 metres away; see - HU3613 : Unmarked Feature. The platform (maybe planks) on which the targets stood, is missing.
Fire Wall This is the protective wall at a Target Zone on an old disused firing range. There are no names, nor designations, on the map, nor references (that I could find) on the Internet. Looking from this protective wall, across the valley, one can see another obvious Target Zone <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2622226">HU3613 : Unmarked Feature</a> - centre and to the right of the quarry. This Fire Wall but not the Target Zone is shown on the OS map.
Fire Wall
This is the protective wall at a Target Zone on an old disused firing range. There are no names, nor designations, on the map, nor references (that I could find) on the Internet. Looking from this protective wall, across the valley, one can see another obvious Target Zone HU3613 : Unmarked Feature - centre and to the right of the quarry. This Fire Wall but not the Target Zone is shown on the OS map.
Blitzed Target Zone The front edge of the protective wall, behind which, on a raised platform I assume, targets stood. The 'blitzing' suggests that a lot of 'incoming fire' had raked the wall, as the rear edges and the protected front ones appear as sharp as new. The whole area must have been used for weapon training.
Blitzed Target Zone
The front edge of the protective wall, behind which, on a raised platform I assume, targets stood. The 'blitzing' suggests that a lot of 'incoming fire' had raked the wall, as the rear edges and the protected front ones appear as sharp as new. The whole area must have been used for weapon training.
Unmarked Feature In the field I could find no direct evidence on the OS maps for such an obvious feature (unlike the one mentioned below). A later desktop search found a small trace-mark on the larger-scale maps. It is the sheltered Target Zone on a rifle range and linked to - <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2622169">HU3513 : Mystery Feature</a>.
Unmarked Feature
In the field I could find no direct evidence on the OS maps for such an obvious feature (unlike the one mentioned below). A later desktop search found a small trace-mark on the larger-scale maps. It is the sheltered Target Zone on a rifle range and linked to - HU3513 : Mystery Feature.
Claypotts A row of tiny derelict 'cells'. Reminiscent of quarrymen's barracks I have seen elsewhere. Very neat layout about five rooms, all identical.
Claypotts
A row of tiny derelict 'cells'. Reminiscent of quarrymen's barracks I have seen elsewhere. Very neat layout about five rooms, all identical.
Crooellmires A small group of ruins at the head of The Burn of Garth
Crooellmires
A small group of ruins at the head of The Burn of Garth
Target Zone This is the target housing for an old and disused firing range. See here for a very similar one <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/142419">SX7573 : Rippon Tor rifle range</a> It is directly related to another target zone here <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2622169">HU3513 : Mystery Feature</a>. Amazingly all the mechanism for raising torso-sized targets into position is still ready for use (though of course, very rusty). Even the torso shapes are waiting in the little hut <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2626900">HU3613 : Torsos and Flag</a>. Surprisingly, this whole feature does not seem to appear on the OS maps.
Target Zone
This is the target housing for an old and disused firing range. See here for a very similar one SX7573 : Rippon Tor rifle range It is directly related to another target zone here HU3513 : Mystery Feature. Amazingly all the mechanism for raising torso-sized targets into position is still ready for use (though of course, very rusty). Even the torso shapes are waiting in the little hut HU3613 : Torsos and Flag. Surprisingly, this whole feature does not seem to appear on the OS maps.
Target Raising Mechanism Closer inspection of the mechanism <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2623685">HU3613 : Target Zone</a> shows it is still intact but not, of course, usable. Protected by a huge bank and a concrete wall, it is here that target riggers spent their on-range time, raising and lowering torso-shaped targets <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2626900">HU3613 : Torsos and Flag</a>
Target Raising Mechanism
Closer inspection of the mechanism HU3613 : Target Zone shows it is still intact but not, of course, usable. Protected by a huge bank and a concrete wall, it is here that target riggers spent their on-range time, raising and lowering torso-shaped targets HU3613 : Torsos and Flag
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Hats of Bergilee is located at Grid Ref: HU3414 (Lat: 59.914856, Lng: -1.3772429)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///shunts.covertly.fetching. Near Sumburgh, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Outer Sillock The Nev The Kame Scarf Hole Runick of Vaadsgill Hats of Bergilee

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