Otters Wick

Bay in Shetland

Scotland

Otters Wick

Otters Wick is a picturesque bay located in the Shetland Islands, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Nestled between rolling hills and rugged cliffs, this secluded spot offers a tranquil and idyllic setting for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The bay itself is a small sandy beach, surrounded by large rocky outcrops, creating a sheltered cove that provides a safe haven for various marine life. It is widely known as a popular spot to observe otters in their natural habitat, hence the name "Otters Wick." These playful creatures can often be seen frolicking in the clear waters or foraging along the shoreline, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

The surrounding landscape is dominated by heather-covered moorland, which provides a stunning backdrop to the bay. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the coastal path, enjoying panoramic views of the North Sea and the nearby islands. The area is also home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and seals can sometimes be spotted lounging on the rocks.

While Otters Wick may be off the beaten path, its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a hidden gem worth exploring. Whether you are seeking a quiet stroll along the beach, a chance to spot wildlife, or simply a place to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery, Otters Wick offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Shetland Islands.

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Otters Wick Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.545487/-1.0435061 or Grid Reference HU5285. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Driveway to Gudon

Oliver Dixon

Gudon

With the Wick of Gossabrough.

Oliver Dixon

Small beach at Bottom

On the Wick of Gossabrough.

Oliver Dixon

Ruin at Bottom

Above the beach on the Wick of Gossabrough.

Oliver Dixon

Ness of Queyon

Taken on the B9081 as we pass through East Yell, Yell, Shetland, I am looking across Otters Wick to the Ness of Queyon, the croft of the same name and the Hill of Queyon. The cliffs of Hascosay and Mid Yell can be seen beyond.

Carroll Pierce

Black Skerry

Taken on the B9081 as we pass through East Yell, Yell, Shetland, I am looking east across common cotton-grass and the water of Otters Wick to Black Skerry. The Ness of Queyon is to the left of shot in the middle distance with Mid Yell beyond.

Carroll Pierce

View over Gossabrough

Hay stooks dot the field in front of a bay called the Wick of Gossabrough, named after the small collection of crofts and houses that surround it. The row of buildings on the far side of the bay seems to be called "Bottom" according to the map, and I think that the ruined building in front of them is Gossabrough Haa. Beyond them, in the distance, can be seen a wall on the Ness of Gossabrough, it is in the adjacent square to the east (as are all the building that can be seen), and runs from HU53588307 to HU53508315

Rob Farrow

East Yell: postbox № ZE2 38, Holligarth

A small, lonely postbox serving the hamlet of Gossabrough, which lies alongside the shore of the bay, Wick of Gossabrough, which we see in the background. The box is emptied at 9:30am daily, except Sunday.

Chris Downer

East Yell: postbox № ZE2 59

A small postbox alongside a bus shelter at the junction, a short distance from the post office. The box is emptied at half past nine on weekday and Saturday mornigs.

Chris Downer

East Yell: the White Wife

This unusual monument commemorates a shipping disaster in April 1924. Setting sail from Gothenburg, bound for Chile, the 'Bohus' had been sailing for three days when a navigational error resulted in the ship becoming grounded a short distance from here, some 60 miles off her intended course. Within half an hour most of the ship had broken up. Four of the 39 on board perished, and the survivors owed a lot to the men of Yell who acted swiftly when they saw the tragedy emerging. The ship's figurehead was washed ashore in September 1924 and this is what we see here: erected by local people as a memorial to the tragedy, within sight of where it occurred.

Chris Downer

East Yell: the White Wife looks out

Another view of HU5285 : East Yell: the White Wife, from behind her as she looks out across Otters Wick. Black Skerry is the rock in the centre of the picture. This unusual monument commemorates a shipping disaster in April 1924. Setting sail from Gothenburg, bound for Chile, the 'Bohus' had been sailing for three days when a navigational error resulted in the ship becoming grounded a short distance from here, some 60 miles off her intended course. Within half an hour most of the ship had broken up. Four of the 39 on board perished, and the survivors owed a lot to the men of Yell who acted swiftly when they saw the tragedy emerging. The ship's figurehead was washed ashore in September 1924 and this is what we see here: erected by local people as a memorial to the tragedy, within sight of where it occurred.

Chris Downer

East Yell: north edge of Otters Wick

Looking down on the head of Otters Wick.

Chris Downer

East Yell: the Methodist chapel

A small chapel in the Otterswick area of East Yell.

Chris Downer

Wick of Gossabrough

Looking towards the beach

Graeme Smith

Small Church

A small church near Otterswick

Graeme Smith

Otterswick: Burn of the Mires of Queyintiptins

The course of this, surely one of the longest named streams, can be seen running across the picture left-to-right and then coming towards us into the North Burn of Otterswick, whose northern bank is more prominent across the bottom of the picture.

Chris Downer