North Ayre

Beach in Shetland

Scotland

North Ayre

Haroldswick pool
Haroldswick pool Credit: Mike Pennington

North Ayre, located in Shetland, Scotland, is a picturesque beach renowned for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Situated on the west coast of the Shetland mainland, this unspoiled stretch of coastline offers visitors a unique blend of rugged cliffs, sandy shores, and crystal-clear waters.

The beach, with its soft golden sand, extends for approximately one mile, providing ample space for visitors to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The shoreline is gently sloping, making it safe for swimming and paddling, particularly during low tide when the water recedes to reveal rock pools teeming with marine life.

North Ayre is not only a haven for beachgoers, but it also serves as an important habitat for a variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Visitors can spot a diverse range of seabirds, including puffins, fulmars, and gannets, as well as rare migratory species that pass through the area.

Nature lovers can explore the adjacent dunes and grassy headlands, which offer excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. The beach is also a favored spot for picnicking, with several picnic tables and benches scattered along the shore, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely lunch while enjoying the panoramic views.

North Ayre is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available nearby. The beach is well-maintained, offering clean facilities such as public toilets and designated areas for barbecues. Its remote location and untouched beauty make North Ayre an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, attracting visitors from near and far to experience the tranquility and natural splendor of this hidden gem in Shetland.

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

North Ayre Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.789532/-0.82338277 or Grid Reference HP6412. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Haroldswick pool
Haroldswick pool
Bittern (Botaurus stellaris), Haroldswick An uncommon breeding bird in reedbeds in Britain, which has been close to extinction on several occasions. Birds winter in more widespread locations, but are only rare vagrants in Shetland.
Bittern (Botaurus stellaris), Haroldswick
An uncommon breeding bird in reedbeds in Britain, which has been close to extinction on several occasions. Birds winter in more widespread locations, but are only rare vagrants in Shetland.
Blyth's Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum), Norwick A subtly different species, once very rare in Britain, now an annual scarce migrant in Shetland.
Blyth's Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum), Norwick
A subtly different species, once very rare in Britain, now an annual scarce migrant in Shetland.
Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala), Norwick Normally found in SE Europe, but occasionally found in Britain.
Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala), Norwick
Normally found in SE Europe, but occasionally found in Britain.
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Haroldswick
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Haroldswick
Westerbrecks, Haroldswick
Westerbrecks, Haroldswick
Male Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Haroldswick
Male Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Haroldswick
Mires at Haroldswick, looking towards the Heogs
Mires at Haroldswick, looking towards the Heogs
Ukrainian flag flying at Norwick on Unst
Ukrainian flag flying at Norwick on Unst
Work begins at Northdale on a new access road for the Saxavord Spaceport
Work begins at Northdale on a new access road for the Saxavord Spaceport
Nordabrake and Brakefield Crescent from Northdale
Nordabrake and Brakefield Crescent from Northdale
Road closed, Haroldswick The road requires upgrading before construction work can commence on the proposed Saxavord Spaceport.
Road closed, Haroldswick
The road requires upgrading before construction work can commence on the proposed Saxavord Spaceport.
Northdale, Unst
Northdale, Unst
Road to Skaw is closed, Norwick The public road to Skaw has been largely inaccessible all winter as the heavy machinery using it to build the SaxaVord Spaceport has wrecked the road, but now they have closed the road.
Road to Skaw is closed, Norwick
The public road to Skaw has been largely inaccessible all winter as the heavy machinery using it to build the SaxaVord Spaceport has wrecked the road, but now they have closed the road.
Viking Longhouse reconstruction (1) This is the Viking longhouse reconstruction, part of the Viking Unst project located where the B9086 meets the A968 at Haroldswick, Unst, Shetland (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.shetlandamenity.org/viking-unst)" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.shetlandamenity.org/viking-unst)">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
Viking Longhouse reconstruction (1)
This is the Viking longhouse reconstruction, part of the Viking Unst project located where the B9086 meets the A968 at Haroldswick, Unst, Shetland (LinkExternal link.
Viking Longhouse reconstruction (2) This is the Viking longhouse reconstruction, part of the Viking Unst project located where the B9086 meets the A968 at Haroldswick, Unst, Shetland (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.shetlandamenity.org/viking-unst)" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.shetlandamenity.org/viking-unst)">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
Viking Longhouse reconstruction (2)
This is the Viking longhouse reconstruction, part of the Viking Unst project located where the B9086 meets the A968 at Haroldswick, Unst, Shetland (LinkExternal link.
The Skidbladner This is the Skidbladner (replica Gokstad longship) seen from inside the reconstructed longhouse which both form an element of the Viking Unst project at Haroldswick, Unst, Shetland (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.shetlandamenity.org/viking-unst)" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.shetlandamenity.org/viking-unst)">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
The Skidbladner
This is the Skidbladner (replica Gokstad longship) seen from inside the reconstructed longhouse which both form an element of the Viking Unst project at Haroldswick, Unst, Shetland (LinkExternal link.
The Viking Unst project at Haroldswick I am standing on the Skidbladner (replica Gokstad longship) and looking at the Viking longhouse reconstruction, both of which form part of the Viking Unst project located at Haroldswick, Unst, Shetland (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.shetlandamenity.org/viking-unst)" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.shetlandamenity.org/viking-unst)">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
The Viking Unst project at Haroldswick
I am standing on the Skidbladner (replica Gokstad longship) and looking at the Viking longhouse reconstruction, both of which form part of the Viking Unst project located at Haroldswick, Unst, Shetland (LinkExternal link.
Show me another place!

North Ayre is located at Grid Ref: HP6412 (Lat: 60.789532, Lng: -0.82338277)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///leave.correctly.upholding. Near Haroldswick, Shetland Islands

Related Wikis

Haroldswick

Haroldswick or Harold's Wick (Old Norse: Haraldsvík, 'Harald's bay'), is on Unst, Shetland Islands, Scotland, and is one of the most northerly settlements...

Valhalla Brewery

The Valhalla Brewery in Unst, Shetland, Scotland, was the northernmost brewery in the United Kingdom. It was opened by the husband and wife team Sonny...

Saxa Vord distillery

Saxa Vord distillery is a Scotch whisky and gin distillery on the island of Unst, part of the Shetland islands. The distillery takes its name from its...

Keen of Hamar

Keen of Hamar is a nature reserve on Unst, in Shetland, Scotland, managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. The reserve is primarily of botanical interest...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.789532,-0.82338277
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.7897214/-0.8254352
Haroldswick
Is In: Unst, Shetland, United Kingdom
Name Sco: Haroldsweik
Place: hamlet
Source: NPE
Lat/Long: 60.7891546/-0.8310554
Cafe
Victoria's Vintage Tea Rooms
Addr City: Shetland
Addr Country: GB
Addr Postcode: ZE2 9ED
Addr Street: Beach Road
Addr Suburb: Unst
Addr Village: Haroldswick
Contact Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriasvintagetearoomsltd
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Fhrs Id: 767734
Internet Access: no
Opening Hours: Apr-Oct Tu-Sa 11:00-16:00
Phone: +44 1957 711885
Smoking: no
Source Addr Postcode: FHRS Open Data
Website: https://www.victoriasvintagetearooms.co.uk/
Lat/Long: 60.7885604/-0.8296152
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.7909033/-0.8199532
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.7898021/-0.8233202
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.7929544/-0.818553
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.7893568/-0.8171353
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.7893906/-0.8262505
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7883614/-0.8310302
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7882436/-0.8315519
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7881356/-0.8321111
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7908049/-0.827489
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7903303/-0.8253659
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7901392/-0.8251594
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7895292/-0.8219059
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7893617/-0.8210154
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7899068/-0.8239349
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7915779/-0.8309662
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7914143/-0.8301964
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7911094/-0.8288339
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.790521/-0.8262844
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7899444/-0.8324951
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7891697/-0.8280706
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7894393/-0.8272498
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.789725/-0.822969
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.788685/-0.8295232
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7884891/-0.8303855
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7896802/-0.8265521
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7899082/-0.8258658
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7900853/-0.8319194
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to North Ayre?

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