Ayre of Quier

Beach in Shetland

Scotland

Ayre of Quier

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

Ayre of Quier is a picturesque beach located on the island of Shetland, off the northern coast of Scotland. This sandy beach is situated at the southern end of the island, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the North Sea.

Ayre of Quier boasts a long stretch of golden sand, perfect for leisurely walks or sunbathing on warm summer days. The beach is bordered by low sand dunes, which add to its natural beauty and provide a sense of seclusion and tranquility. The crystal-clear waters of the North Sea gently lap against the shore, making it an inviting spot for swimming and paddling, although caution is advised due to the strong currents in the area.

The beach is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, as it provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife. Bird watchers can spot several species of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and gannets, nesting on the cliffs nearby. It is also not uncommon to see seals basking on the rocks just off the shoreline.

Ayre of Quier is relatively remote, offering visitors a sense of solitude and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, amenities such as parking, toilets, and picnic areas are available for the convenience of beachgoers. The surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the rugged Shetland landscape, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Overall, Ayre of Quier is a hidden gem, a beautiful beach that showcases the natural wonders of Shetland.

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Ayre of Quier Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.042235/-1.2149545 or Grid Reference HU4328. 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

Helli Ness to Bard Head

We are at the parking place above Crossie Geo halfway between Lerwick and Sumburgh Head on the mainland of Shetland and I am looking north east across Greenmow and Helli Ness to Bard Head, Bressay. The Isle of Noss can be seen beyond Bressay.

Carroll Pierce

Aith, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

Greenmow and Helli Ness, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

South Voxter, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

Mail, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

Aithsetter, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

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

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