Vats Meadow

Downs, Moorland in Shetland

Scotland

Vats Meadow

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

Vats Meadow is a picturesque area located in Shetland, a cluster of islands in Scotland. Situated amidst the stunning natural beauty of Shetland, Vats Meadow is a diverse landscape that encompasses downs, moorland, and grassy meadows. Covering an extensive area, it offers visitors a range of breathtaking views and a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.

The downs of Vats Meadow are characterized by gently rolling hills and expansive open spaces. These grassy slopes are adorned with a variety of wildflowers, creating a colorful and vibrant scene during the warmer months. The downs provide ample opportunities for leisurely walks, picnics, and birdwatching, with numerous species of birds making this area their home.

Moving towards the moorland, visitors are treated to a different kind of scenery. Here, heather-covered hills stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a purple-hued landscape that is both rugged and captivating. Moorland birds, such as the red grouse, can be spotted here, adding to the area's charm.

Vats Meadow is also home to several small lochs and ponds, adding to its natural diversity. These water bodies are teeming with wildlife, including various species of fish and amphibians. They also provide a tranquil setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Overall, Vats Meadow in Shetland is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of downs, moorland, and meadows. With its stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and serene ambiance, it is a place where one can truly appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

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Vats Meadow Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.599215/-1.3405407 or Grid Reference HU3690. 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 HU3690 : Sandvoe settlement)

Rob Farrow

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.

Rob Farrow

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.

Graeme Smith

Traditional Haystacks

Some good old fashioned haystacks at Isbister

Graeme Smith

The end of the road

The end of the road at Sandvoe

Graeme Smith

Alpacas, Isbister, North Roe

Mike Pennington

Irisbeds, Isbister, North Roe

Mike Pennington

Sandvoe, North Roe

Mike Pennington

Beach at the head of Sand Voe, North Roe

Mike Pennington

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.

Mike Pennington

Benigarth, beside Sand Voe, North Roe

From the beach on a low tide.

Mike Pennington

East shore of Sand Voe, North Roe

Looking towards Orrwick Taing.

Mike Pennington

Beach at the head of Sand Voe, North Roe

Not it's sandiest aspect.

Mike Pennington

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.

Mike Pennington

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

Rude Health

End Of The A970

Isbister is the end of the A970 and where we parked for our walk to Lanchestoo trig point.

Rude Health

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.

Chris Downer

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.

David Purchase

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Vats Meadow is located at Grid Ref: HU3690 (Lat: 60.599215, Lng: -1.3405407)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands