Sand of Swarister

Beach in Shetland

Scotland

Sand of Swarister

Winding moorland road B9081 north of Burravoe. — Winding moorland road Credit: Oliver Dixon

Sand of Swarister is a picturesque beach located on the island of Shetland, Scotland. Situated on the west coast of the mainland, it is renowned for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This secluded beach offers visitors a tranquil and serene environment to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Stretching approximately 500 meters in length, Sand of Swarister is backed by low-lying dunes covered in marram grass, adding to its charm and providing a natural barrier from the elements. The beach is accessed via a short walk along a well-maintained path, making it easily accessible for visitors of all ages.

The sand on this beach is exceptionally fine and soft, making it ideal for leisurely walks or simply relaxing while soaking up the sun. The shallow waters, protected by a natural offshore reef, are safe for swimming and paddling, making it a popular spot for families with young children.

The beach offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding rugged coastline and the North Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the neighboring islands in the distance. The beach is also home to a variety of birdlife, including oystercatchers and terns, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Sand of Swarister provides a serene and unspoiled coastal experience, offering a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a family day out, or simply a place to relax in solitude, this beach offers something for everyone.

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Sand of Swarister Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.535166/-1.0428993 or Grid Reference HU5283. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Winding moorland road

B9081 north of Burravoe.

Oliver Dixon

Road at Gossabrough

Oliver Dixon

Road at Gossabrough

With a glimpse of the sea beyond.

Oliver Dixon

Driveway to Gudon

Oliver Dixon

Gudon

With the Wick of Gossabrough.

Oliver Dixon

Small beach at Bottom

On the Wick of Gossabrough.

Oliver Dixon

Ruin at Bottom

Above the beach on the Wick of Gossabrough.

Oliver Dixon

Ness of Queyon

Taken on the B9081 as we pass through East Yell, Yell, Shetland, I am looking across Otters Wick to the Ness of Queyon, the croft of the same name and the Hill of Queyon. The cliffs of Hascosay and Mid Yell can be seen beyond.

Carroll Pierce

Black Skerry

Taken on the B9081 as we pass through East Yell, Yell, Shetland, I am looking east across common cotton-grass and the water of Otters Wick to Black Skerry. The Ness of Queyon is to the left of shot in the middle distance with Mid Yell beyond.

Carroll Pierce

View over Gossabrough

Hay stooks dot the field in front of a bay called the Wick of Gossabrough, named after the small collection of crofts and houses that surround it. The row of buildings on the far side of the bay seems to be called "Bottom" according to the map, and I think that the ruined building in front of them is Gossabrough Haa. Beyond them, in the distance, can be seen a wall on the Ness of Gossabrough, it is in the adjacent square to the east (as are all the building that can be seen), and runs from HU53588307 to HU53508315

Rob Farrow

East Yell: postbox № ZE2 38, Holligarth

A small, lonely postbox serving the hamlet of Gossabrough, which lies alongside the shore of the bay, Wick of Gossabrough, which we see in the background. The box is emptied at 9:30am daily, except Sunday.

Chris Downer

East Yell: the White Wife

This unusual monument commemorates a shipping disaster in April 1924. Setting sail from Gothenburg, bound for Chile, the 'Bohus' had been sailing for three days when a navigational error resulted in the ship becoming grounded a short distance from here, some 60 miles off her intended course. Within half an hour most of the ship had broken up. Four of the 39 on board perished, and the survivors owed a lot to the men of Yell who acted swiftly when they saw the tragedy emerging. The ship's figurehead was washed ashore in September 1924 and this is what we see here: erected by local people as a memorial to the tragedy, within sight of where it occurred.

Chris Downer

East Yell: the White Wife looks out

Another view of HU5285 : East Yell: the White Wife, from behind her as she looks out across Otters Wick. Black Skerry is the rock in the centre of the picture. This unusual monument commemorates a shipping disaster in April 1924. Setting sail from Gothenburg, bound for Chile, the 'Bohus' had been sailing for three days when a navigational error resulted in the ship becoming grounded a short distance from here, some 60 miles off her intended course. Within half an hour most of the ship had broken up. Four of the 39 on board perished, and the survivors owed a lot to the men of Yell who acted swiftly when they saw the tragedy emerging. The ship's figurehead was washed ashore in September 1924 and this is what we see here: erected by local people as a memorial to the tragedy, within sight of where it occurred.

Chris Downer