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West Voe

Bay in Shetland

Scotland

West Voe

Storm Beach These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
Storm Beach Credit: Anne Burgess

West Voe, located in Shetland, Scotland, is a picturesque bay that offers stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. Nestled along the rugged coastline, West Voe is known for its pristine sandy beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and sea stacks.

The bay is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its expansive sandy beach stretches for approximately half a mile, providing ample space for relaxation, picnics, and long walks. The beach is also a haven for wildlife, with various seabirds, seals, and occasionally otters being spotted in the area.

West Voe boasts excellent water quality, making it a fantastic spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Due to its sheltered location, the bay is relatively calm, making it suitable for water activities for all ages and skill levels. The beach also has designated lifeguard areas during the summer months, ensuring a safe environment for visitors.

Surrounding the bay are stunning cliffs and rock formations, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for coastal walks and hikes. The area is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including wildflowers, sea pinks, and rare orchids.

In addition to its natural beauty, West Voe offers convenient amenities for visitors. There is a car park nearby, as well as toilets and a café where visitors can grab refreshments and snacks. The bay is easily accessible by road, with regular bus services from nearby towns.

Overall, West Voe is a hidden gem in Shetland, offering visitors a chance to experience the unspoiled beauty of Scotland's coastline in a peaceful and idyllic setting.

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West Voe Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.336558/-1.6855796 or Grid Reference HU1761. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Storm Beach These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
Storm Beach
These boulders, thrown up by the waves to form a storm beach 30 metres above the sea, demonstrate the power of the seas which pound the exposed north side of Papa Stour
Plantiecrub near Flaes Point A plantiecrub is a small walled enclosure in which cabbage seedlings are grown until they are big enough to plant out in croft gardens. They are usually built well away from the croft to protect the seedlings against the crofters' hens.
Plantiecrub near Flaes Point
A plantiecrub is a small walled enclosure in which cabbage seedlings are grown until they are big enough to plant out in croft gardens. They are usually built well away from the croft to protect the seedlings against the crofters' hens.
Ruined Meal Mills Several traditional mills straddle this little burn. Inside the building was a fixed lower millstone, and a rotating upper millstone driven by the water falling on to the paddles below, which were mounted at 45º to the vertical drive shaft.
Ruined Meal Mills
Several traditional mills straddle this little burn. Inside the building was a fixed lower millstone, and a rotating upper millstone driven by the water falling on to the paddles below, which were mounted at 45º to the vertical drive shaft.
The Loch that Ebbs and Flows The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.
The Loch that Ebbs and Flows
The interior of Papa Stour is mainly moorland, though there are several lochans in the central part. This one's curious name reflects its closeness to the sea, from which it is cut off only by an ayre or shingle spit.
Lang Geo One of the many inlets typical of the north coast of Papa Stour.
Lang Geo
One of the many inlets typical of the north coast of Papa Stour.
Hurdibrack The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west.
Hurdibrack
The last stretch of the footpath back from the west side of the island. In the middle distance is the wall which crosses the entire island, separating the arable land in the east from the pasture to the west.
The Wall This is the wall which cuts across the whole island. The west side (left) has a steep face to prevent animals climbing over it. The east (right) side has a sloping face so that any animals which have managed to cross it can easily be driven back on to the pasture land.
The Wall
This is the wall which cuts across the whole island. The west side (left) has a steep face to prevent animals climbing over it. The east (right) side has a sloping face so that any animals which have managed to cross it can easily be driven back on to the pasture land.
Robie's Noust This is a very dull shot of a square which would certainly have yielded a more interesting image if we had had time to explore it before the ferry left.
Robie's Noust
This is a very dull shot of a square which would certainly have yielded a more interesting image if we had had time to explore it before the ferry left.
The Dales As with the next-door square, HU1861 would certainly have yielded a more interesting shot if we had not had to rush to catch the ferry!
The Dales
As with the next-door square, HU1861 would certainly have yielded a more interesting shot if we had not had to rush to catch the ferry!
Papa Stour Pier and Ferry The ferry runs regularly but infrequently, so that day trips to the island are only possible on Fridays or Saturdays.
Papa Stour Pier and Ferry
The ferry runs regularly but infrequently, so that day trips to the island are only possible on Fridays or Saturdays.
Ruined House
Ruined House
Ruined house The number of ruined buildings on the island seem to far outnumber those still habitable or used.
Ruined house
The number of ruined buildings on the island seem to far outnumber those still habitable or used.
Road and ruins This is the main road for the island. Even this close to the pier the ruins of abandoned crofts can be found just off the road.
Road and ruins
This is the main road for the island. Even this close to the pier the ruins of abandoned crofts can be found just off the road.
View towards Papa Stour Airstrip The cleared and smoothed ground in the upper right of the image is the airstrip for Papa Stour which is located in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU1759">HU1759</a>.
View towards Papa Stour Airstrip
The cleared and smoothed ground in the upper right of the image is the airstrip for Papa Stour which is located in HU1759.
Rocky coastline
Rocky coastline
View from North Ness The view here is from North Ness towards the highest point on the island. The ground shown in the foreground is typical of this rather barren area.
View from North Ness
The view here is from North Ness towards the highest point on the island. The ground shown in the foreground is typical of this rather barren area.
The "New" Pier The image here is taken from the old pier looking towards the new pier. The line of rusting fenceposts serves no useful purpose. The rocks along the shoreline are very popular with young seals - although they proved to be somewhat camera-shy.
The "New" Pier
The image here is taken from the old pier looking towards the new pier. The line of rusting fenceposts serves no useful purpose. The rocks along the shoreline are very popular with young seals - although they proved to be somewhat camera-shy.
A puzzling wall The purpose of this isolated section of wall is far from clear: you might think that perhaps it was in place to stop sheep wandering down onto the rocks beyond, but it would seem to be easy enough for them to walk around the wall.
A puzzling wall
The purpose of this isolated section of wall is far from clear: you might think that perhaps it was in place to stop sheep wandering down onto the rocks beyond, but it would seem to be easy enough for them to walk around the wall.
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West Voe is located at Grid Ref: HU1761 (Lat: 60.336558, Lng: -1.6855796)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///yell.shunning.destiny. Near Walls, Shetland Islands

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Head of the Buird Sand of Creed Stacks of Breidayre Sae Geo Crubarbara Fliss

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