Ayre of Northburn

Beach in Shetland

Scotland

Ayre of Northburn

Houses at Ulsta Seen from Easter Knowes on the road to Burravoe. — Houses at Ulsta Credit: Oliver Dixon

Ayre of Northburn, located in the picturesque Shetland Islands of Scotland, is a stunning beach renowned for its natural beauty and tranquility. Situated on the west coast of the mainland, Ayre of Northburn offers visitors a unique coastal experience.

The beach stretches over a mile, with pristine white sands that contrast beautifully with the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the North Sea. The shoreline is adorned with an abundance of fascinating rock formations, including stunning sandstone cliffs and intriguing caves, making Ayre of Northburn a haven for geology enthusiasts.

Nature lovers will also delight in the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the area. The beach is home to various bird species, such as puffins, guillemots, and fulmars, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching. Seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

Ayre of Northburn is not just a beautiful beach but also holds historical significance. It is believed to have been an important Viking trading site, and remnants of their presence can still be found in the form of ancient ruins and artifacts. This adds an intriguing layer of cultural heritage to the beach.

Visitors to Ayre of Northburn can enjoy leisurely walks along the shore, taking in the breathtaking scenery and the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. The beach also offers excellent opportunities for picnicking, beachcombing, and even water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.

In conclusion, Ayre of Northburn is a true gem of the Shetland Islands. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat by the sea.

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Ayre of Northburn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.520442/-1.1735946 or Grid Reference HU4582. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Houses at Ulsta

Seen from Easter Knowes on the road to Burravoe.

Oliver Dixon

West Yell: Ness of Sound

A small (almost) island attached to Yell by an isthmus. In the background is Ronas Hill, on the mainland of Shetland.

Chris Downer

West Yell: postbox № ZE2 39

A small postbox, a modern replacement for the old box still in its pillar a little beyond (see HU4582 : West Yell: disused postbox for a close-up). Its collection time, daily except Sunday, is 10:15am.

Chris Downer

West Yell: disused postbox

A George V-reign postbox, long disused and situated a couple of yards from its modern replacement (see HU4582 : West Yell: postbox № ZE2 39). An Ordnance Survey benchmark is etched into the stone pillar.

Chris Downer

Ulsta: the post office

A tiny post office serving the little village of Ulsta, open weekdays from 9am till 1pm. I was glad to make use of it as a cashpoint. The almost makeshift postbox in the wall is seen here: HU4680 : Ulsta: postbox at the post office.

Chris Downer

Ulsta: postbox at the post office

No more than a slot in the wall of HU4680 : Ulsta: the post office, this is Ulsta's postbox and is evidently emptied from inside the post office. I would usually give this image the title "Postbox № ..." but it seems to have escaped inclusion on the Royal Mail's list, possibly because the list exists to inform which size information plate is required and this box does not have one.

Chris Downer

Ulsta: view towards Uynarey

Looking across the road junction at the north end of the village, with the island of Uynarey a short distance across Yell Sound. The main A968 across Yell is the major road at this junction.

Chris Downer

Uynarey from the Yell Sound ferry

Uynarey is an uninhabited island in Yell Sound just to the north of the bigger Bigga ! The photo was taken as the ferry approached the Ulsta terminal on Yell.

Rob Farrow

Ruins at Clothan, West Yell

The Ness of Sound is in the background, and North Mainland is beyond that.

Mike Pennington

Ruin at North-the-burn, Setter, West Yell

Mike Pennington

Ness of Sound, West Yell

Mike Pennington

House at Sound, West Yell

Overlooking Yell Sound.

Mike Pennington

Kirkhouse, West Yell

Ronas Hill is in the background.

Mike Pennington

Everhoull, West Yell

Ronas Hill in the background across Yell Sound.

Mike Pennington

West Yell: a house with a view

A small house alongside the A968, with fine views across Ness of Sound, the headland that is connected to Yell by an isthmus. Uynarey is the island behind it.

Chris Downer