Birka Vird

Hill, Mountain in Shetland

Scotland

Birka Vird

Gunnister Voe
Gunnister Voe Credit: David Purchase

Birka Vird, also known as the Shetland Hill or Mountain, is a prominent geographical feature located in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It stands tall at an elevation of approximately 450 meters (1,480 feet), making it one of the highest points in the region. Birka Vird is situated in the central part of the Shetland Mainland, specifically in the southern part of the island.

The hill/mountain boasts a visually striking appearance, characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain. Its slopes are covered in a mixture of heather, grasses, and scattered shrubs, adding to its natural charm. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the vast expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean and the neighboring islands of Shetland.

Birka Vird is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hikers and climbers who enjoy the challenge of its steep slopes. The hill/mountain provides various routes for exploration, accommodating individuals of different skill levels. Those who venture to its peak are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of the Shetland archipelago.

In addition to its natural appeal, Birka Vird holds historical significance as well. The hill/mountain is believed to have been a site of ancient settlements, with remnants of Iron Age structures discovered in its vicinity. These archaeological findings contribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Shetland Islands and provide insights into the lives of its past inhabitants.

Overall, Birka Vird stands as a majestic landmark in the Shetland Islands, offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical intrigue to those who explore its slopes.

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Birka Vird Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.454542/-1.4278582 or Grid Reference HU3174. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gunnister Voe
Gunnister Voe
North Sound, Nibon The northern end of the Isle of Nibon is on the left, with the Ness of Hillswick in the distance.
North Sound, Nibon
The northern end of the Isle of Nibon is on the left, with the Ness of Hillswick in the distance.
The lane from Nibon One of many minor cul-de-sacs branching off from the A970, the main road running north/south along the spine of Shetland Mainland.
The lane from Nibon
One of many minor cul-de-sacs branching off from the A970, the main road running north/south along the spine of Shetland Mainland.
Country at Gunnister
Country at Gunnister
Trolladale Water One of many sizable lochs in this part of Shetland Mainland.
Trolladale Water
One of many sizable lochs in this part of Shetland Mainland.
"Gunnister Man's Grave" For an explanation, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5024770">HU3273 : "Gunnister Man's Grave" - notice</a>.
"Gunnister Man's Grave"
"Gunnister Man's Grave" - notice For a photo of the grave, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5024763">HU3273 : "Gunnister Man's Grave"</a>.
"Gunnister Man's Grave" - notice
For a photo of the grave, see HU3273 : "Gunnister Man's Grave".
Olnesfirth and Hamar Voe
Olnesfirth and Hamar Voe
Hamar Farm I was at the end of the public road: the rather battered sign says Private Road, although I doubt that there would have been any objection had I walked closer. But there wasn't anywhere to park!
Hamar Farm
I was at the end of the public road: the rather battered sign says Private Road, although I doubt that there would have been any objection had I walked closer. But there wasn't anywhere to park!
Stubba Water, and its surrounding low hills
Stubba Water, and its surrounding low hills
The north tip of Punds Water
The north tip of Punds Water
Punds Water One of the larger lochs in this part of Shetland.
Punds Water
One of the larger lochs in this part of Shetland.
The A970 heading for Brae Passing Smirnadale Water on the right.
The A970 heading for Brae
Passing Smirnadale Water on the right.
Punds Water View from the lay-by at Punds Water
Punds Water
View from the lay-by at Punds Water
Fish farm boat, Gunnista Voe A rather steep and rough track (I'd have attempted it in a Mini in my youth, but rather more circumspect in middle age, high clearance 4-wheel drive seemed a better idea) reaches this small quay on Gunnista Voe, which is occupied by fish farming installations. We were prospecting for a place to put on with sea kayaks, and this seemed a little too awkward, though it was the only place near the water with adequate parking in the vicinity.
Fish farm boat, Gunnista Voe
A rather steep and rough track (I'd have attempted it in a Mini in my youth, but rather more circumspect in middle age, high clearance 4-wheel drive seemed a better idea) reaches this small quay on Gunnista Voe, which is occupied by fish farming installations. We were prospecting for a place to put on with sea kayaks, and this seemed a little too awkward, though it was the only place near the water with adequate parking in the vicinity.
Valliers Ness In Gunnister Voe.
Valliers Ness
In Gunnister Voe.
Holm of Nibon At low tide, with the Isle of Nibon beyond the South Sound.
Holm of Nibon
At low tide, with the Isle of Nibon beyond the South Sound.
Field at Snowbuil On Gunnister Voe.
Field at Snowbuil
On Gunnister Voe.
Show me another place!

Birka Vird is located at Grid Ref: HU3174 (Lat: 60.454542, Lng: -1.4278582)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///movements.annotated.defected. Near Brae, Shetland Islands

Related Wikis

Gunnister

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.454542,-1.4278582
Enisfirth
Place: hamlet
Lat/Long: 60.4537984/-1.4204677
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 60.4555053/-1.4202434
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 60.4547554/-1.4198652
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4540248/-1.4199772
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.4539787/-1.4194835
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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