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The Cellar

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Shetland

Scotland

The Cellar

Mousa and the Broch We are at the parking place above Crossie Geo just north of Leebitten, roughly half-way between Sumburgh Head and Lerwick on the mainland of Shetlant, and looking across Mousa Sound to the island of Mousa and the Broch of Mousa. The wind proved to be too strong on this particular day for us to make the crossing to view the broch close up.
Mousa and the Broch Credit: Carroll Pierce

The Cellar is a picturesque natural formation located in the Shetland Islands, off the northeast coast of Scotland. Situated along the rugged coastline, it is a unique combination of a sea, estuary, and creek. This stunning natural feature is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists alike.

The Cellar is characterized by its crystal-clear waters, which reflect the vibrant colors of the surrounding cliffs and vegetation. It is formed by the convergence of the sea and a small creek, creating an estuarine environment that is teeming with marine life. The intertidal zone of The Cellar is rich in biodiversity, offering a habitat for various species of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

The rocky cliffs that enclose The Cellar provide a dramatic backdrop, adding to its allure. Visitors can explore the area by foot, following the winding coastal path that overlooks the sea. The natural rock formations and caves along the shoreline offer an opportunity for adventurous explorers to discover hidden treasures. During low tide, the creek becomes accessible, inviting visitors to wade through its shallow waters and discover the diverse range of marine flora and fauna.

The Cellar is not only a place of natural beauty but also a significant cultural and historical site. It has been an important location for the local fishing communities, with evidence of human habitation in the area dating back centuries. Today, it serves as a reminder of the close relationship between the people of Shetland and the sea, as well as a breathtaking destination for nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive coastal experience.

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The Cellar Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.990604/-1.1695759 or Grid Reference HU4623. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mousa and the Broch We are at the parking place above Crossie Geo just north of Leebitten, roughly half-way between Sumburgh Head and Lerwick on the mainland of Shetlant, and looking across Mousa Sound to the island of Mousa and the Broch of Mousa. The wind proved to be too strong on this particular day for us to make the crossing to view the broch close up.
Mousa and the Broch
We are at the parking place above Crossie Geo just north of Leebitten, roughly half-way between Sumburgh Head and Lerwick on the mainland of Shetlant, and looking across Mousa Sound to the island of Mousa and the Broch of Mousa. The wind proved to be too strong on this particular day for us to make the crossing to view the broch close up.
Broch of Mousa from the air
Broch of Mousa from the air
Broch of Mousa from the air
Broch of Mousa from the air
West Ham and East Ham, Mousa, from the air
West Ham and East Ham, Mousa, from the air
Mousa Sound and Mousa from the air
Mousa Sound and Mousa from the air
Broch of Mousa Taken from the viewing point on the South Road above Leebitten, Sandwick, on the main island of Shetland, I am looking south east towards the island of Mousa. The Broch of Mousa (centre of shot) is the best-preserved of Scotland's brochs or Iron Age roundhouses. The island can be accessed by boat from Sandwick (weather and wind permitting).
Broch of Mousa
Taken from the viewing point on the South Road above Leebitten, Sandwick, on the main island of Shetland, I am looking south east towards the island of Mousa. The Broch of Mousa (centre of shot) is the best-preserved of Scotland's brochs or Iron Age roundhouses. The island can be accessed by boat from Sandwick (weather and wind permitting).
Lighthouses on Mousa and at Sumburgh Head from off Helli Ness
Lighthouses on Mousa and at Sumburgh Head from off Helli Ness
Sun setting beyond Mousa
Sun setting beyond Mousa
The Broch of Mousa Looking north towards Burgi Ayre.
The Broch of Mousa
Looking north towards Burgi Ayre.
The Broch of Mousa The detail of the stonework is very clear in this photo. The entrance is on the left, and inside it is possible to climb to the top of the tower - hence the railings.
The Broch of Mousa
The detail of the stonework is very clear in this photo. The entrance is on the left, and inside it is possible to climb to the top of the tower - hence the railings.
The top of the broch The stairs descend to the left from the gate between the walls. Note the grid, bottom right, to prevent falls back into the broch. Top right is the ruin of The Haa, the former residence of the laird of the island.
The top of the broch
The stairs descend to the left from the gate between the walls. Note the grid, bottom right, to prevent falls back into the broch. Top right is the ruin of The Haa, the former residence of the laird of the island.
The interior of the Broch of Mousa Excellent detail in the stonework. The exit is at bottom centre, veering left.
The interior of the Broch of Mousa
Excellent detail in the stonework. The exit is at bottom centre, veering left.
Broch of Mousa - the start of the descent The climb and descent of the Broch of Mousa is by a fairly steep spiral staircase, and the treads are quite narrow. So the provision of a modern handrail is a useful precaution.
Broch of Mousa - the start of the descent
The climb and descent of the Broch of Mousa is by a fairly steep spiral staircase, and the treads are quite narrow. So the provision of a modern handrail is a useful precaution.
Yacht passing the southern end of Mousa Taken from the ferry en route to Orkney, from about 3 km distance.
Yacht passing the southern end of Mousa
Taken from the ferry en route to Orkney, from about 3 km distance.
Broch of Mousa, Shetland Believed to be more than two thousand years old, the Broch of Mousa has survived extraordinarily well.
Broch of Mousa, Shetland
Believed to be more than two thousand years old, the Broch of Mousa has survived extraordinarily well.
Broch of Mousa, Shetland Some fine stonework on the two thousand year old broch
Broch of Mousa, Shetland
Some fine stonework on the two thousand year old broch
View of Two Brochs, Shetland, UK The Broch of Mousa (left) and the Broch of Burraland (right).
View of Two Brochs, Shetland, UK
The Broch of Mousa (left) and the Broch of Burraland (right).
Broch of Mousa The Broch of Mousa is considered to be the best preserved broch anywhere in the world. It stands a few yards from the western coast of the Isle of Mousa looking across Mousa Sound towards Sandwick on Mainland, Shetland. It is thought to be unusually massive for a broch, and this together with its remote and isolated location and particularly sturdy construction have probably been the main factors in its survival in such good condition. It is about 2000 years old making it date from the Iron Age period which in Scotland and the Northern Isles coincides with the Pictish period, though in Shetland the influences have always been largely Norse or Scandinavian. Although at 44'(13m) thought to be unusually tall, its diameter, and in particular, its inner diameter is unusually narrow, giving it great solidity and strength which have no doubt helped it endure. It is shaped as a narrowly tapering frustum of a cone with a slight widening again at the top. This makes it remarkably similar in shape to the cooling towers associated with electricity generating stations. The visitor can enter the central chamber, and climb up a stone staircase between the inner and outer walls. This staircase allows views into the interior of the broch through several internal windows, though there are no external ones. The staircase eventually leads out to a wall walk along the circumference of the top of the tower, thankfully with tall enough external walls to prevent plummeting! There is a strong grille over the central opening to avoid any similar fate on the inside.
Broch of Mousa
The Broch of Mousa is considered to be the best preserved broch anywhere in the world. It stands a few yards from the western coast of the Isle of Mousa looking across Mousa Sound towards Sandwick on Mainland, Shetland. It is thought to be unusually massive for a broch, and this together with its remote and isolated location and particularly sturdy construction have probably been the main factors in its survival in such good condition. It is about 2000 years old making it date from the Iron Age period which in Scotland and the Northern Isles coincides with the Pictish period, though in Shetland the influences have always been largely Norse or Scandinavian. Although at 44'(13m) thought to be unusually tall, its diameter, and in particular, its inner diameter is unusually narrow, giving it great solidity and strength which have no doubt helped it endure. It is shaped as a narrowly tapering frustum of a cone with a slight widening again at the top. This makes it remarkably similar in shape to the cooling towers associated with electricity generating stations. The visitor can enter the central chamber, and climb up a stone staircase between the inner and outer walls. This staircase allows views into the interior of the broch through several internal windows, though there are no external ones. The staircase eventually leads out to a wall walk along the circumference of the top of the tower, thankfully with tall enough external walls to prevent plummeting! There is a strong grille over the central opening to avoid any similar fate on the inside.
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The Cellar is located at Grid Ref: HU4623 (Lat: 59.990604, Lng: -1.1695759)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///wizards.evidence.growl. Near Sandwick, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Hesti Taing The Cellar Mousa The Swarf West Pool South Isle

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