Virva

Bay in Shetland

Scotland

Virva

Everland with Ness of Gruting in the distance Credit: Ken Craig

Virva is a small bay located on the western coast of the Shetland Islands in Scotland. It is nestled between the larger bays of Quendale and Gruting Voe. The bay is characterized by its breathtaking natural beauty and rugged coastline.

The area surrounding Virva is primarily comprised of rolling green hills, rocky cliffs, and pristine sandy beaches. The bay itself is sheltered, making it an ideal spot for boating and water activities. The crystal-clear waters of the bay are teeming with marine life, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists interested in fishing and snorkeling.

Virva is also known for its diverse bird population, attracting birdwatchers from around the world. The bay is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Visitors can often spot these fascinating creatures nesting on the nearby cliffs or diving into the water in search of food.

The bay is relatively secluded, offering a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. It is a perfect spot for those seeking a relaxing getaway or a chance to immerse themselves in nature. The nearby coastline provides stunning panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Overall, Virva is a hidden gem on the Shetland Islands, offering natural beauty, wildlife, and a sense of serenity to all who visit.

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Virva Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.607484/-0.82356659 or Grid Reference HU6492. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Everland with Ness of Gruting in the distance

Ken Craig

Winyadepla east shore.

Two prehistoric stone built enclosures, east shore of Winyadepla, Fetlar.

Robert Sandison

Cruss Waters

Fetlar, Cruss Waters, from the air 600 feet.

Robert Sandison

Upper reaches of the Burn of Feal, Fetlar

Looking across to the hillside of Rooin.

Mike Pennington

Planticrubs, Burn of Feal, Fetlar

Planticrubs or planticrues were small square enclosures used for setting seedlings before they were planted out in rigs.

Mike Pennington

Feelie dyke above Burn of Feal, Fetlar

A feelie dyke is an earth dyke, here presumably denoting a previous field system.

Mike Pennington

Farm at Aith

Oliver Dixon

Line of planticrubs

For a full explanation of these miniature "walled gardens", see HU6489 : Line of planticrubs.

Oliver Dixon

Still and Vord Hill from Houll, Funzie

Mike Pennington

Everland

The end of the road on Fetlar.

Mike Pennington

Still from Aithbank

Mike Pennington

Substantial dry stone wall dividing Fetlar domains

An unusually substantial wall still fully functional on the east side of Fetlar. The gap in the wall on the skyline is the route to the Well of Health and Loch Winyadepla.

Jon Beer

Stream running from Grutinpunds to Mongirsdale on Fetlar

The stream runs into a ruined settlement, Well of Health, an idyllic spot. The headland in the distance is the Ness of Gruting. This tiny stream is full of wild brown trout.

Jon Beer

Life in the shallow Waters of Cruss

This is the lowest in the chain of shallow lochans atop the hill to the east of Houbie on Fetlar. All appear too shallow to hold much life but all three of the larger lochans had a pair of red-throated divers and this one evidently holds good brown trout.

Jon Beer

Preparing to fish on the Loch of Winyadepla, Fetlar

Looking towards the shallows at the southern tip of this shallow loch. The western shore has a large colony of Bonxies (Great Skuas) whose guano can trigger algal blooms in warm seasons.

Jon Beer