Sands of Mail

Beach in Shetland

Scotland

Sands of Mail

Mail Burial Ground Adjacent to the sea as is usual on Scottish islands. — Mail Burial Ground Credit: Oliver Dixon

Sands of Mail is a picturesque beach located on the island of Shetland, Scotland. Known for its stunning natural beauty and pristine white sands, it is a popular destination among locals and tourists alike.

Situated on the west coast of Shetland, Sands of Mail offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach stretches over a mile long, providing ample space for visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll or simply relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings. The sand is soft and powdery, perfect for sunbathing or building sandcastles.

The crystal-clear waters of Sands of Mail are also a big draw for visitors. The beach is known for its calm and shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming, particularly for families with young children. It is also a favored spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, as the underwater world here is teeming with marine life and vibrant coral reefs.

Nature lovers will appreciate the rich biodiversity found in and around Sands of Mail. The beach is home to various seabird species, including puffins and terns, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. In addition, the surrounding dunes and grassy areas provide habitats for a variety of plant species, adding to the overall beauty of the landscape.

Facilities at Sands of Mail are limited, with no permanent structures or lifeguards present. However, there is a small car park available nearby, providing easy access to the beach. Visitors are advised to bring their own food, water, and other essentials as there are no amenities in the immediate vicinity.

Overall, Sands of Mail is a hidden gem on the island of Shetland, offering visitors a peaceful and scenic retreat surrounded by natural wonders. Whether it's enjoying a picnic on the soft sands, exploring the underwater world, or simply taking in the stunning views, Sands of Mail is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers.

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Sands of Mail Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.033474/-1.2323553 or Grid Reference HU4227. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mail Burial Ground

Adjacent to the sea as is usual on Scottish islands.

Oliver Dixon

South Voxter, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

Mail, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

View to Mousa

Just about showing Mousa's famous Broch, towards the right hand end of the island.

Des Blenkinsopp

North from the Viewpoint

There is a lay by here for looking across to Mousa, and this scene northwards. Not much dry land in HU4326, what this square's mostly about is views to somewhere else.

Des Blenkinsopp

Shoreline with joining stream

Small sandy pebble beach with joining stream to the sea

Mat Tuck

Road bridge

Road bridge buttress as it passes over the stream. It should have been the location of an Ordnance Survey OSBM Bolt, which seems to have been destroyed in the rebuilding of the road.

Mat Tuck

Coastal Walk

View out to sea and the Coastal Walk stile

Mat Tuck

House under renovation, Cunningsburgh

Mike Pennington

Vadsgarth, Cunningsburgh

Mike Pennington

Small beach at the Sands of Mail

The road is the A970 approaching Cunningsburgh.

Gordon Brown

A970 at Cunningsburgh

Cunningsburgh, formerly also known as Coningsburgh (from the Old Norse: Konungsborgr meaning "King's castle"), is a hamlet on the coast of Mainland Shetland, nine miles south-west of Lerwick, about halfway between there and Sumburgh Head.

David Dixon