Sand Wick

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Shetland

Scotland

Sand Wick

Papa Stour and Foula Taken on the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking out towards the islands of Papa Stour (left of shot) and Foula beyond.
Papa Stour and Foula Credit: Carroll Pierce

Sand Wick is a small coastal area located in Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland, United Kingdom. Situated on the eastern coast of the Mainland island, Sand Wick is a picturesque spot characterized by its stunning sea views, tranquil estuary, and meandering creek.

The area is known for its pristine sandy beach, which stretches for approximately half a mile along the shore. The golden sand is soft underfoot and provides an ideal spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and leisurely walks. The beach is flanked by rugged cliffs on one side and clear turquoise waters on the other, offering visitors a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.

Sand Wick is also home to a small estuary that flows into the North Sea. This estuary acts as a haven for various bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Visitors can observe a range of seabirds, including gulls, terns, and cormorants, as they dive and swoop over the estuary and surrounding waters.

The creek that meanders through Sand Wick adds to the area's charm. It provides a sheltered spot for small boats and kayaks, allowing visitors to explore the coastline and nearby islands. The creek is also a favorite spot for fishing enthusiasts, who can try their luck at catching a variety of fish, including mackerel and cod.

Overall, Sand Wick in Shetland offers a picturesque coastal experience, with its sandy beach, estuary, and creek attracting nature lovers, beachgoers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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Sand Wick Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.480552/-1.5014811 or Grid Reference HU2777. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Papa Stour and Foula Taken on the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking out towards the islands of Papa Stour (left of shot) and Foula beyond.
Papa Stour and Foula
Taken on the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking out towards the islands of Papa Stour (left of shot) and Foula beyond.
The Drongs Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the sea stacks known at The Drongs. Papa Stour can be seen in the distance.
The Drongs
Taken from the B9078 between Burnside and Eshaness, Shetland, I am looking across Sand Wick to the sea stacks known at The Drongs. Papa Stour can be seen in the distance.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland Built in 1900 by the North of Scotland Ferry company. Still functioning, just [in 2004], but the absentee landlord is clearly not interested in maintaining it as a hotel, which is sad.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland
Built in 1900 by the North of Scotland Ferry company. Still functioning, just [in 2004], but the absentee landlord is clearly not interested in maintaining it as a hotel, which is sad.
Hillswick Fire Station, Shetland With local retained firefighters the Hillswick Fire Station is little more than a large garage, just big enough to house the small appliance based on a large van.
Hillswick Fire Station, Shetland
With local retained firefighters the Hillswick Fire Station is little more than a large garage, just big enough to house the small appliance based on a large van.
Hillswick, Shetland Large traditionally built houses at Hillswick. In the background is Findlins House and Findlins Farm.
Hillswick, Shetland
Large traditionally built houses at Hillswick. In the background is Findlins House and Findlins Farm.
Hillswick, Shetland Houses at Hillswick, the large two storey house with mansard roof is called Laarsund.
Hillswick, Shetland
Houses at Hillswick, the large two storey house with mansard roof is called Laarsund.
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland This hotel was built as a kit in Norway, dis-assembled and transported to Hillswick where it was constructed on its present site in 1900 by the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Co.. Sadly it is currently closed (April 2006) although the local community wish to see it opened again. For more information on Hillswick and surrounding area visit <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/shetland/hillswick/index.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/shetland/hillswick/index.html">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>

UPDATE Oct 07: this hotel is now owned by a local couple and open every day - More information can be found at the official website <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.stmagnusbayhotel.co.uk" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.stmagnusbayhotel.co.uk">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>
St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, Shetland
This hotel was built as a kit in Norway, dis-assembled and transported to Hillswick where it was constructed on its present site in 1900 by the North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Co.. Sadly it is currently closed (April 2006) although the local community wish to see it opened again. For more information on Hillswick and surrounding area visit LinkExternal link UPDATE Oct 07: this hotel is now owned by a local couple and open every day - More information can be found at the official website LinkExternal link
View over Heads of Grocken, Eshaness, Shetland Looking out over the Heads of Grocken with 'The Drongs' the sea stacks in the distance.
View over Heads of Grocken, Eshaness, Shetland
Looking out over the Heads of Grocken with 'The Drongs' the sea stacks in the distance.
Helga water, near Hillswick, Shetland Shetland is unlikely ever to have a hosepipe ban, there are many many lochs and plentiful rainfall. This is Helga Water near the road to Eshaness.
Helga water, near Hillswick, Shetland
Shetland is unlikely ever to have a hosepipe ban, there are many many lochs and plentiful rainfall. This is Helga Water near the road to Eshaness.
Heads of Grocken Looking across the square from above Hillswick on a stormy winter's day. The pony was very inquisitive, and didn't want to be photographed in profile!
Heads of Grocken
Looking across the square from above Hillswick on a stormy winter's day. The pony was very inquisitive, and didn't want to be photographed in profile!
Heads of Grocken Small sea-stacks off the Heads of Grocken, with the Drongs in the distance.
Heads of Grocken
Small sea-stacks off the Heads of Grocken, with the Drongs in the distance.
Beach between Heads of Grocken and the Neap
Beach between Heads of Grocken and the Neap
Entering Eshaness
Entering Eshaness
Cliffs and stack The view south from this point is spectacular.

(The stack and the point to the right lie in this grid square, while the cliff to the left is in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU2775">HU2775</a>).
Cliffs and stack
The view south from this point is spectacular. (The stack and the point to the right lie in this grid square, while the cliff to the left is in HU2775).
The bay at Hillswick Looking across the bay with the main settlement on the far shore.
The bay at Hillswick
Looking across the bay with the main settlement on the far shore.
Conflicting signs A waymarked stile gives access to the coast, while a "beware of the bull" sign warns of danger. We crossed through this field on a clockwise circuit of Ness of Hillswick without seeing any warning in the other direction (or a bull).
Conflicting signs
A waymarked stile gives access to the coast, while a "beware of the bull" sign warns of danger. We crossed through this field on a clockwise circuit of Ness of Hillswick without seeing any warning in the other direction (or a bull).
Opposite a red cliff Looking across the short turf of this promontory at a red cliff across the bay.
Opposite a red cliff
Looking across the short turf of this promontory at a red cliff across the bay.
Marsh marigolds Looking across a marshy area towards Hillswick. The marsh marigolds currently in flower will be succeeded by the yellow flags behind them, not yet in bud.
Marsh marigolds
Looking across a marshy area towards Hillswick. The marsh marigolds currently in flower will be succeeded by the yellow flags behind them, not yet in bud.
Show me another place!

Sand Wick is located at Grid Ref: HU2777 (Lat: 60.480552, Lng: -1.5014811)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///scrubbing.bubble.life. Near Brae, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.480552,-1.5014811
Sand Wick
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 60.4797458/-1.5033246
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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