Bight of Keen

Bay in Shetland

Scotland

Bight of Keen

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.
East Yell: postbox № ZE2 59 Credit: Chris Downer

The Bight of Keen is a picturesque bay located in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Situated on the eastern coast of the main island, the bay offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, pristine sandy beaches, and the tranquil waters of the North Sea.

The bay is characterized by its horseshoe shape, which provides a natural shelter from the strong winds that often sweep across the region. This sheltered environment makes Bight of Keen an ideal spot for various recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

The bay is surrounded by a diverse range of flora and fauna, including seabirds, seals, and even occasional sightings of dolphins and whales. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, highlighting its ecological importance and the need for its preservation.

The sandy beaches of Bight of Keen are perfect for picnics and sunbathing, with their soft golden sand and clear waters. The bay also offers ample opportunities for exploring rock pools and discovering marine life during low tide.

Bight of Keen is easily accessible by road, with a parking area available nearby. The bay is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're seeking relaxation, wildlife encounters, or simply a scenic spot to enjoy the beauty of nature, Bight of Keen is a must-visit location in the Shetland Islands.

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Bight of Keen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.56359/-1.0103945 or Grid Reference HU5487. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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.
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.
Hogalee Burn The burn rises on the hill of Hoga Lee and flows into the Loch of Vatsetter but, like several other Shetland burns, it has several names along the way.
Hogalee Burn
The burn rises on the hill of Hoga Lee and flows into the Loch of Vatsetter but, like several other Shetland burns, it has several names along the way.
Moorhouse, North Aywick
Moorhouse, North Aywick
Tin house at South Aywick Once quite widespread in Shetland, very few of these houses remain.
Tin house at South Aywick
Once quite widespread in Shetland, very few of these houses remain.
Valley of the Burn of Hogalee Looking towards Vatsetter.
Valley of the Burn of Hogalee
Looking towards Vatsetter.
Whitehill Lighthouse This low light stands about 70ft above the sea and looks north to Hascosay and east to Fetlar.
Whitehill Lighthouse
This low light stands about 70ft above the sea and looks north to Hascosay and east to Fetlar.
Loch of Birrier A dry summer had resulted in a relatively low water level in this shallow loch below the gentle slopes of the White Hill of Vatsetter (to east/right). It was populated by large numbers of birds.
Loch of Birrier
A dry summer had resulted in a relatively low water level in this shallow loch below the gentle slopes of the White Hill of Vatsetter (to east/right). It was populated by large numbers of birds.
Birrier from the bay This broad stack of psammitic rock is linked to mainland Yell by a narrow arch, over which sheep cross to graze its flat top.
Birrier from the bay
This broad stack of psammitic rock is linked to mainland Yell by a narrow arch, over which sheep cross to graze its flat top.
Coast near Ness of Queyon
Coast near Ness of Queyon
Sea Cave at Birrier The small island is joined to the mainland of Yell by a narrow strip of grass over this sea cave which is an obvious through-route for passing sea kayakers exploring this exciting stretch of coast.
Sea Cave at Birrier
The small island is joined to the mainland of Yell by a narrow strip of grass over this sea cave which is an obvious through-route for passing sea kayakers exploring this exciting stretch of coast.
Ness of Queyon In the foreground is the Skerry of the Hogs.
Ness of Queyon
In the foreground is the Skerry of the Hogs.
North Aywick from the sea
North Aywick from the sea
Whitehill Lighthouse, Vatsetter
Whitehill Lighthouse, Vatsetter
Gamla and Whitehill Lighthouse, Vatsetter
Gamla and Whitehill Lighthouse, Vatsetter
The turn for North Aywick North Aywick to the right, Mid Yell straight on.
The turn for North Aywick
North Aywick to the right, Mid Yell straight on.
Aywick Shop
Aywick Shop
Filling up the car at Aywick The pump is in the yard in front of the shop.
Filling up the car at Aywick
The pump is in the yard in front of the shop.
Towards the Loch of Vatsetter A view from the very scenic road between Aywick and Mid Yell.
Towards the Loch of Vatsetter
A view from the very scenic road between Aywick and Mid Yell.
Show me another place!

Bight of Keen is located at Grid Ref: HU5487 (Lat: 60.56359, Lng: -1.0103945)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///flocking.exactly.masses. Near Houbie, Shetland Islands

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