Back Sand

Beach in Shetland

Scotland

Back Sand

Loch of Queyfirth from Hill of Ollaberry The loch is really an arm of the sea, with an outflow at low tide and the sea encroaching at high tide.
Loch of Queyfirth from Hill of Ollaberry Credit: Mike Pennington

Back Sand, Shetland, is a picturesque beach located on the west coast of the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. With its stunning natural beauty and unique features, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

The beach is characterized by its vast expanse of golden sand, stretching for approximately 1.5 kilometers along the coastline. Back Sand is known for its remote and unspoiled atmosphere, offering visitors a sense of tranquility and serenity. The surrounding cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop, adding to the beach's charm.

One of the notable features of Back Sand is the abundance of wildlife that can be observed in the area. Seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks, while a variety of seabirds soar overhead. The beach also offers an opportunity for beachcombing, with numerous shells and interesting rock formations to be discovered.

Back Sand is a great spot for various outdoor activities. The beach is ideal for walking, with the expansive shoreline providing ample space to explore. It is also a popular location for picnics and family outings. The clear waters make it suitable for swimming, although caution should be exercised due to the strong currents.

Access to Back Sand is relatively easy, with a car park located nearby and a short walk to the beach. However, facilities are limited, so visitors are advised to come prepared with food, water, and appropriate clothing.

In conclusion, Back Sand, Shetland, offers visitors a stunning beach experience with its breathtaking scenery, wildlife sightings, and opportunities for outdoor activities. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful and natural escape in the Shetland Islands.

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Back Sand Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.51149/-1.3270996 or Grid Reference HU3781. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch of Queyfirth from Hill of Ollaberry The loch is really an arm of the sea, with an outflow at low tide and the sea encroaching at high tide.
Loch of Queyfirth from Hill of Ollaberry
The loch is really an arm of the sea, with an outflow at low tide and the sea encroaching at high tide.
Blythoid, Ollaberry Looking across Yell Sound to Sullom Voe Terminal.
Blythoid, Ollaberry
Looking across Yell Sound to Sullom Voe Terminal.
Wind turbines on Hill of Ollaberry
Wind turbines on Hill of Ollaberry
Runnadale, Ollaberry Small housing estate at the end of the road.
Runnadale, Ollaberry
Small housing estate at the end of the road.
South Head, Lamba, Yell Sound
South Head, Lamba, Yell Sound
Beacon on Lamba, Yell Sound
Beacon on Lamba, Yell Sound
Common Seal (Phoca vitulina) with very young pup, Lamba, Yell Sound
Common Seal (Phoca vitulina) with very young pup, Lamba, Yell Sound
Small burn entering the Bay of Ollaberry Looking across to Ollaberry and the hill the Back of Ollaberry.
Small burn entering the Bay of Ollaberry
Looking across to Ollaberry and the hill the Back of Ollaberry.
Eastwick, Ollaberry Looking across the small burn and a cabbage patch towards an old kirk.
Eastwick, Ollaberry
Looking across the small burn and a cabbage patch towards an old kirk.
Hillside, Ollaberry
Hillside, Ollaberry
Blythot, Ollaberry, Shetland Picture taken at Blythot, above Ollaberry, looking over East Ness to Gluss Isle in Sullom Voe. Sullom Voe Oil Terminal is in the background
Blythot, Ollaberry, Shetland
Picture taken at Blythot, above Ollaberry, looking over East Ness to Gluss Isle in Sullom Voe. Sullom Voe Oil Terminal is in the background
Bay of Ollaberry The B9079 leads to this small village at the northern end of the Shetland Mainland.
Bay of Ollaberry
The B9079 leads to this small village at the northern end of the Shetland Mainland.
Loch of Queyfirth, Shetland If you take the road from Upper Ollaberry signposted Leon you come over the ridge to the west the Hill of Ollaberry and are greeted with this view of the Loch of Queyfirth and Quey Firth.
Loch of Queyfirth, Shetland
If you take the road from Upper Ollaberry signposted Leon you come over the ridge to the west the Hill of Ollaberry and are greeted with this view of the Loch of Queyfirth and Quey Firth.
Saberstone This spectacular cliff is part of the Walls Boundary Fault, which cuts Shetland from north to south and may be the continuation of the Great Glen Fault in Scotland.
Saberstone
This spectacular cliff is part of the Walls Boundary Fault, which cuts Shetland from north to south and may be the continuation of the Great Glen Fault in Scotland.
Ollaberry A quiet village in Northmavine.
Ollaberry
A quiet village in Northmavine.
Otter Hadd The headland beyond Ollaberry
Otter Hadd
The headland beyond Ollaberry
Looking towards the Taing of Norwick The Taing is the headland beyond this fine but rather inaccessible beach.
Looking towards the Taing of Norwick
The Taing is the headland beyond this fine but rather inaccessible beach.
Ollaberry Fault An extension of the Great Glen Fault of Scotland, outcropping in Shetland. A must for all geologists.The cliff on the far side is granite; that on the nearside is schist.
Ollaberry Fault
An extension of the Great Glen Fault of Scotland, outcropping in Shetland. A must for all geologists.The cliff on the far side is granite; that on the nearside is schist.
Show me another place!

Back Sand is located at Grid Ref: HU3781 (Lat: 60.51149, Lng: -1.3270996)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///archive.mega.depth. Near Toft, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Saberstone Back Sand

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