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Bight of Bellister

Bay in Shetland

Scotland

Bight of Bellister

Coastal inlet Top of the coastal inlet
Coastal inlet Credit: Mat Tuck

The Bight of Bellister, also known as Bellister Bay, is a picturesque bay located on the west coast of the Shetland Islands in Scotland. Nestled between the settlements of Walls and Sandness, this bay offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.

The bay is characterized by its rugged coastline, with towering cliffs that provide a dramatic backdrop to the sparkling blue waters below. The shoreline is dotted with small pebbled beaches, perfect for leisurely walks or picnics on sunny days. Visitors can also enjoy exploring the numerous caves and rock formations that have been carved out by the sea over time.

Bellister Bay is rich in wildlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. The bay is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, which nest on the cliffs during the breeding season. In addition, seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks or swimming in the bay.

For those interested in history, the bay is also home to the remains of a Viking settlement. Known as the Walls Peninsula, this area has archaeological sites dating back over a thousand years, including the ruins of a Norse longhouse. Exploring the ancient ruins provides a glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage.

Overall, the Bight of Bellister is a beautiful and diverse bay, offering something for everyone. Whether it's enjoying the stunning scenery, spotting wildlife, or delving into history, visitors are sure to be captivated by the charm and tranquility of this Shetland gem.

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Bight of Bellister Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.325634/-1.1241822 or Grid Reference HU4860. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Coastal inlet Top of the coastal inlet
Coastal inlet
Top of the coastal inlet
The Vadill, Billister, at high tide Vadill means a place that can be waded across, but the tide is in.
The Vadill, Billister, at high tide
Vadill means a place that can be waded across, but the tide is in.
House between Billister and Laxfirth Overlooking the head of the Vadill.
House between Billister and Laxfirth
Overlooking the head of the Vadill.
Head of the Vadill, Billister The pink plant on the left is a garden escape, Sweet Rocket.
Head of the Vadill, Billister
The pink plant on the left is a garden escape, Sweet Rocket.
North Nesting Public Hall. Laxfirth
North Nesting Public Hall. Laxfirth
Quoys pier Pier at Quoys
Quoys pier
Pier at Quoys
Quoys pier A small piece of land by Quoys Pier. There is a picnic bench and space to pull up several cars, making a useful wild camping spot.
Quoys pier
A small piece of land by Quoys Pier. There is a picnic bench and space to pull up several cars, making a useful wild camping spot.
Billister: the pier A tiny harbour on Lax Firth, an inlet from the much larger Dury Voe, which is in the background.
Billister: the pier
A tiny harbour on Lax Firth, an inlet from the much larger Dury Voe, which is in the background.
Billister: old Zetland County Council stone This small slab of stone is almost hidden in the long grass opposite the pier (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2758868">HU4760 : Billister: the pier</a>) and is inscribed with the Zetland County Council emblem with the name Billister Pier below. Zetland County Council is the predecessor (1974) to the present-day Shetland Islands Council.
Billister: old Zetland County Council stone
This small slab of stone is almost hidden in the long grass opposite the pier (see HU4760 : Billister: the pier) and is inscribed with the Zetland County Council emblem with the name Billister Pier below. Zetland County Council is the predecessor (1974) to the present-day Shetland Islands Council.
Billister: the telephone box Looking down the lane towards Billister pier, with a red telephone box on the right. The box also acts as the repository for post for the wheelchair-bound lady, who lives in the cottage, as I discovered when I found a letter (visible on the shelf) inside the box. I knocked on the door and she cheerfully told me that her home help or other visitors checked the box before coming in.
Billister: the telephone box
Looking down the lane towards Billister pier, with a red telephone box on the right. The box also acts as the repository for post for the wheelchair-bound lady, who lives in the cottage, as I discovered when I found a letter (visible on the shelf) inside the box. I knocked on the door and she cheerfully told me that her home help or other visitors checked the box before coming in.
Billister, North Nesting Three houses of different ages, possibly even built in different centuries.
Billister, North Nesting
Three houses of different ages, possibly even built in different centuries.
Billister pier, North Nesting Formerly the route to Whalsay.
Billister pier, North Nesting
Formerly the route to Whalsay.
Ruined crofthouse beside Lax Firth, North Nesting
Ruined crofthouse beside Lax Firth, North Nesting
House at Billister, North Nesting The Bight of Bellister is beyond. Billister may be an OS typo, given that the Bight is called Bellister and this name is also used on larger scale OS maps, although the roadsign says Billister.
House at Billister, North Nesting
The Bight of Bellister is beyond. Billister may be an OS typo, given that the Bight is called Bellister and this name is also used on larger scale OS maps, although the roadsign says Billister.
Track at Billister, North Nesting The head of the Bight of Bellister is just visible on the left.
Track at Billister, North Nesting
The head of the Bight of Bellister is just visible on the left.
Fish farm in Loura Voe, Dury Voe Taken from the Whalsay ferry (photographer grid reference taken from GPS).
Fish farm in Loura Voe, Dury Voe
Taken from the Whalsay ferry (photographer grid reference taken from GPS).
Swarta Skerry, Dury Voe
Swarta Skerry, Dury Voe
Green Isle, Dury Voe Taken from the Whalsay ferry (and position checked by GPS).
Green Isle, Dury Voe
Taken from the Whalsay ferry (and position checked by GPS).
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Bight of Bellister is located at Grid Ref: HU4860 (Lat: 60.325634, Lng: -1.1241822)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

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Nearby Locations

Quoys Bight of Bellister Scarve Skerry Loch of Garths Muckle Head Ayre of Garths

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.325634,-1.1241822
Bight of Bellister
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 60.3254393/-1.1236954
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3242744/-1.1328395
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.3240447/-1.1324756
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Wick of Copister Shetland
South Bay of Eswick Shetland

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