Ayre of Sandwick

Beach in Shetland

Scotland

Ayre of Sandwick

Trondra: Stream Sound from Southerhouse Looking along Stream Sound, separating the islands of Trondra (left) and East Burra; the timy island between them is apparently unnamed. In the background, the West Voe of Quarff cuts into the big hills of the Shetland mainland. — Trondra: Stream Sound from Southerhouse Credit: Chris Downer

Ayre of Sandwick is a picturesque beach located in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Situated on the east coast of Mainland Shetland, it is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The beach stretches for approximately one mile and is framed by rugged cliffs, offering visitors breathtaking views of the North Sea.

The sandy shoreline of Ayre of Sandwick is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The beach is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and occasionally otters. Birdwatchers can spot species such as puffins, guillemots, and fulmars nesting in the cliffs adjacent to the beach.

The crystal-clear waters of Ayre of Sandwick are ideal for swimming, although the temperature can be quite chilly even during the summer months. The beach is also a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing, allowing visitors to explore the coastline and nearby caves.

Ayre of Sandwick offers a peaceful and secluded setting, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing day out. The beach is easily accessible by car, with a small parking area available nearby. Visitors can enjoy picnicking on the soft sand, taking long walks along the coast, or simply admiring the stunning views.

Overall, Ayre of Sandwick is a hidden gem in the Shetland Islands, offering a beautiful beach experience and a chance to connect with nature in a tranquil setting.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Ayre of Sandwick Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.107648/-1.2997006 or Grid Reference HU3936. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Trondra: Stream Sound from Southerhouse

Looking along Stream Sound, separating the islands of Trondra (left) and East Burra; the timy island between them is apparently unnamed. In the background, the West Voe of Quarff cuts into the big hills of the Shetland mainland.

Chris Downer

West Burra: postbox № ZE2 8, Southerhouse

A small postbox serving the Southerhouse hamlet, emptied on weekdays and Saturdays at 7:30am. The backdrop is the Clift Hills, on the western edge of the Shetland mainland, rising into the mist.

Chris Downer

Hamnavoe: Sands of Meal

Looking across this short sandy beach in a bay to the south of Hamnavoe.

Chris Downer

Hamnavoe: Meal Kirk

A small, simple parish church in the eastern part of Hamnavoe.

Chris Downer

Trondra: pirate scarecrow

An unusual scarecrow in a field alongside the B9074.

Chris Downer

Lang Sound

Robert W Watt

Meal Kirk, Hamnavoe

Built in 1907 as a mission church of the Church of Scotland. Small grey-harled church with white painted window surrounds and quoins. Simple bellcote on east gable. Improvements are planned to increase use of the building by the community.

Rude Health

Bruna Ness

Bagged with Tricky Speirs with view towards the bridge that connect Trondra to West Burra. Name: Bruna Ness Hill number: 104041 Height: 59m / 194ft Area:22: Shetland Islands Class:0 Grid ref: HU382368 (est) Drop: 43m Col: 16m

Rude Health

Old Boat Near Setter

Old boat near hamlet of Setter with view across to Hamnavoe.

Rude Health

Trondra, Island High Point

Bagged with Tricky Speirs. Name:Trondra Hill number: 104032 Height: 61m / 200ft Area:22: Shetland Islands Class: 0 Grid ref: HU395363 (est) Drop: 61m Col: Sea

Rude Health

Shetland Ram

This was as close as I got to this nervous Shetland ram grazing in the field that contain the island high point of Tronda.

Rude Health

Brough Hill

Bagged with Tricky Speirs. Name: Brough Hill Hill number: 104033 Height: 61m / 200ft Area:22: Shetland Islands Class: 0 Grid ref: HU377351 (est) Drop: 49m Col: 12m

Rude Health

Hamnavoe: lifebuoy at Meal Beach

This lifebuoy is both functional and artistic, and is hooked to the kissing gate at the top of the path leading down to the beach.

Chris Downer

Hamnavoe: across Meal Beach

Looking across the HU3735 : Hamnavoe: Sands of Meal from rocks at the back of the beach.

Chris Downer

Hamnavoe: sandcastle on Meal Beach

Clearly the HU3735 : Hamnavoe: Sands of Meal have provided some youthful enjoyment today.

Chris Downer

Hamnavoe: burnt schoolwork on Meal Beach

Not the kind of debris one expects to find on a beach; investigation nearby revealed that it was the furthest straggler of a barbecue a few yards away.

Chris Downer

Hamnavoe: an evening view

Looking across the eastern side of Hamnavoe - bottom-right is the car park for Meal Beach - with the islands of Papa and Hildasay in the background. The land in the distance is the westside of the Shetland mainland.

Chris Downer