Ayre of Heogland

Beach in Shetland

Scotland

Ayre of Heogland

Loch of Heogland and Gallow Hill
Loch of Heogland and Gallow Hill Credit: Mike Pennington

Ayre of Heogland, located in the Shetland Islands, is a picturesque beach that offers visitors a tranquil and unspoiled coastal experience. Situated on the eastern coast of the main island, it is nestled between the villages of Cunningsburgh and Sandwick, about 12 miles south of Lerwick, the capital of Shetland.

The beach at Ayre of Heogland stretches for approximately half a mile, featuring a mixture of sandy areas and pebbles, creating a diverse and interesting landscape. The crystal-clear waters of the North Sea gently lap against the shore, inviting visitors for a refreshing swim or a leisurely paddle. The beach is also home to a variety of marine life, making it an excellent spot for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

The surrounding cliffs provide a stunning backdrop to the beach, offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the vast expanse of the sea. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the shore, enjoying the tranquility and peacefulness of this secluded spot. The absence of crowds and noise makes Ayre of Heogland an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a chance to reconnect with nature.

As a hidden gem of the Shetland Islands, Ayre of Heogland remains largely untouched by tourist infrastructure, providing visitors with a truly authentic experience. It is important to note that due to its remote location, facilities such as toilets and refreshments are limited, so visitors are advised to come prepared with everything they may need.

Overall, Ayre of Heogland is a stunning beach that offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty, combined with its serene atmosphere, makes it an idyllic destination for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape.

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

Ayre of Heogland Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.674781/-0.94874259 or Grid Reference HU5799. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch of Heogland and Gallow Hill
Loch of Heogland and Gallow Hill
Eiders and Shags at Point of Burkwell, near Uyeasound
Eiders and Shags at Point of Burkwell, near Uyeasound
Heogland from Point of Burkwell
Heogland from Point of Burkwell
Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris), Heogland Fairly widespread in Shetland, but this is the only location on Unst.
Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris), Heogland
Fairly widespread in Shetland, but this is the only location on Unst.
Salmon boat returning to Uyeasound
Salmon boat returning to Uyeasound
Sheep at Rockfield, Uyeasound
Sheep at Rockfield, Uyeasound
Tidal turbines awaiting installation, Belmont
Tidal turbines awaiting installation, Belmont
Belmont, Unst This was taken from the Gutcher-Belmont ferry as we come into port at Belmont, Unst, Shetland. We are on the Wick of Belmont and this is Belmont House, a category A-listed Georgian country house which was built in 1775 by Shetland landowner Thomas Mouat of Garth. Restored to its former glory between 1996 and 2010, it is now a private residence though it has been let out occasionally as a venue for cultural events and B&B accommodation.
Belmont, Unst
This was taken from the Gutcher-Belmont ferry as we come into port at Belmont, Unst, Shetland. We are on the Wick of Belmont and this is Belmont House, a category A-listed Georgian country house which was built in 1775 by Shetland landowner Thomas Mouat of Garth. Restored to its former glory between 1996 and 2010, it is now a private residence though it has been let out occasionally as a venue for cultural events and B&B accommodation.
Narrow strip of land between Loch of Heogland and the sea Looking across towards Yell.
Narrow strip of land between Loch of Heogland and the sea
Looking across towards Yell.
Heogland from Gallow Hill The Loch of Heogland and the Holm of Heogland. In the background is the island of Sound Gruney and the west end of Fetlar.
Heogland from Gallow Hill
The Loch of Heogland and the Holm of Heogland. In the background is the island of Sound Gruney and the west end of Fetlar.
Uyea isle from Gallow Hill
Uyea isle from Gallow Hill
Wick of Brecknagarth, Heogland, at sunset Looking towards Yell.
Wick of Brecknagarth, Heogland, at sunset
Looking towards Yell.
Sunset behind Holm of Heogland
Sunset behind Holm of Heogland
Salmon cage off Point of Burkwell, Uyeasound Taken from the Fetlar ferry on its more easterly route. Beyond Point of Burkwell, Shirva is the house on the left and Ernahoull is on the right. The telecoms mast on Caldback Hill is just about dead centre and Saxa Vord looms in the background.
Salmon cage off Point of Burkwell, Uyeasound
Taken from the Fetlar ferry on its more easterly route. Beyond Point of Burkwell, Shirva is the house on the left and Ernahoull is on the right. The telecoms mast on Caldback Hill is just about dead centre and Saxa Vord looms in the background.
South end of Linga Uninhabited island at the south end of Bluemull Sound between Yell and Unst (but nearer to Yell).
South end of Linga
Uninhabited island at the south end of Bluemull Sound between Yell and Unst (but nearer to Yell).
Otter (Lutra lutra), Heogland A female, which was playing with a large cub on the beach.
Otter (Lutra lutra), Heogland
A female, which was playing with a large cub on the beach.
Otters (Lutra lutra) play-fighting, Heogland A mother and cub playing.
Otters (Lutra lutra) play-fighting, Heogland
A mother and cub playing.
Scorda Skerry, Head of Mula, Belmont The drill ship Stena Carron is on the horizon.
Scorda Skerry, Head of Mula, Belmont
The drill ship Stena Carron is on the horizon.
Show me another place!

Ayre of Heogland is located at Grid Ref: HU5799 (Lat: 60.674781, Lng: -0.94874259)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///whimpered.terms.refer. Near Uyeasound, Shetland Islands

Related Wikis

Belmont, Shetland

Belmont is a settlement and ferry terminal in southern Unst in the Shetland Islands. The ferry crosses from here to Gutcher in Yell and to Hamars Ness...

Belmont House, Shetland

Belmont House is a neo classical Georgian Country House Estate on the island of Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland Islands, [United Kingdom] and...

Linga, Bluemull Sound

Linga is a very small uninhabited island in the Bluemull Sound, Shetland, Scotland. It is one of many islands in Shetland called Linga. It has an area...

Uyeasound

Uyeasound is a village on the Isle of Unst, the northernmost island of the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It takes its name from the neighbouring strait of...

Bluemull Sound

Bluemull Sound is the strait between Unst and Yell in Shetland's North Isles. A ferry service crosses it regularly. Cullivoe is on the Yell side, and the...

Gutcher

Gutcher is a settlement on the northeast coast of Yell in the Shetland islands. From here, rollon/roll off ferry services to Belmont on Unst and Hamars...

Uyea, Unst

Uyea (Scots: Uyea) is an uninhabited island, lying south of Unst in Shetland, Scotland. == History == The island was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age...

Sound Gruney

For other islands with similar names, see Gruney (disambiguation) Sound Gruney is one of the Shetland islands. It lies about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi)...

Have you been to Ayre of Heogland?

Leave your review of Ayre of Heogland below (or comments, questions and feedback).