South Bight of Greenhead

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Shetland

Scotland

South Bight of Greenhead

Lerwick Ferry Terminal & Pier A view of the Lerwick Ferry Terminal and pier including the link span for the Aberdeen ferry service. Photo taken from the rear passenger observation deck on the MV Hrossey.
Lerwick Ferry Terminal & Pier Credit: Mr S Mudgey

South Bight of Greenhead is a picturesque coastal area located in the Shetland Islands, situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is a prominent sea inlet that forms an estuary, also known as a creek, providing a stunning and diverse natural environment.

The South Bight is characterized by its rocky coastline, with towering cliffs and jagged formations that offer breathtaking views of the North Sea. The area is renowned for its rich biodiversity, attracting a wide array of marine and bird species. Seals, dolphins, and various seabirds can often be spotted in the waters and skies surrounding the estuary.

The estuary itself is a dynamic ecosystem, influenced by the ebb and flow of tides. During high tide, the South Bight fills with seawater, creating a brackish environment that supports a variety of marine life, including fish, crabs, and shellfish. As the tide recedes, the estuary transforms into a muddy creek, exposing intertidal mudflats and salt marshes teeming with wading birds such as curlews and oystercatchers.

The South Bight of Greenhead is not only a haven for wildlife but also a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Visitors can explore the area by foot along the coastal path, enjoying panoramic views and the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the estuary provides opportunities for boating, kayaking, and fishing, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this unique Shetland environment.

In summary, the South Bight of Greenhead is a remarkable sea estuary and creek in the Shetland Islands, offering a diverse range of habitats and wildlife, as well as opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.

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South Bight of Greenhead Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.177124/-1.1512103 or Grid Reference HU4743. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lerwick Ferry Terminal & Pier A view of the Lerwick Ferry Terminal and pier including the link span for the Aberdeen ferry service. Photo taken from the rear passenger observation deck on the MV Hrossey.
Lerwick Ferry Terminal & Pier
A view of the Lerwick Ferry Terminal and pier including the link span for the Aberdeen ferry service. Photo taken from the rear passenger observation deck on the MV Hrossey.
Male Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in the north mouth of Lerwick harbour
Male Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in the north mouth of Lerwick harbour
Orca watcher on Scottle Holm, Lerwick With reclamation for the port of Lerwick, Scottle Holm isn't a holm anymore.
Orca watcher on Scottle Holm, Lerwick
With reclamation for the port of Lerwick, Scottle Holm isn't a holm anymore.
Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), Gremista, Lerwick
Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), Gremista, Lerwick
Houses on the Hill of Cruester
Houses on the Hill of Cruester
Lerwick (Garthspool) I am on the NorthLink MV Hrossey which has just docked in Lerwick and I am looking south across the commercial port of Lerwick towards the Garthspool area of the town.
Lerwick (Garthspool)
I am on the NorthLink MV Hrossey which has just docked in Lerwick and I am looking south across the commercial port of Lerwick towards the Garthspool area of the town.
Two liners in port Two cruise liners from the same Silversea fleet in port at Lerwick at the same time. The Silver Cloud en route from Torshavn to Stavanger is being manoeuvred in by tug, whilst the rather larger Silver Whisper on the same itinerary but in reverse is already moored alongside the pier.
Two liners in port
Two cruise liners from the same Silversea fleet in port at Lerwick at the same time. The Silver Cloud en route from Torshavn to Stavanger is being manoeuvred in by tug, whilst the rather larger Silver Whisper on the same itinerary but in reverse is already moored alongside the pier.
Holmsgarth, Lerwick, from the air
Holmsgarth, Lerwick, from the air
Holmsgarth, Lerwick, from the air
Holmsgarth, Lerwick, from the air
MV Research at Mair's Pier, Holmsgarth, Lerwick
MV Research at Mair's Pier, Holmsgarth, Lerwick
Mair's Pier, Holmsgarth, Lerwick
Mair's Pier, Holmsgarth, Lerwick
Fishing vessels at Mair's Pier, Holmsgarth, Lerwick
Fishing vessels at Mair's Pier, Holmsgarth, Lerwick
MV Adenia at Mair's Pier, Lerwick
MV Adenia at Mair's Pier, Lerwick
Northlink ferry MV Hrossey at Holmsgarth, Lerwick
Northlink ferry MV Hrossey at Holmsgarth, Lerwick
Loch of Kebister Loch of Kebister with raven overhead and the Luggie's Knowe wind turbine to the north.
Loch of Kebister
Loch of Kebister with raven overhead and the Luggie's Knowe wind turbine to the north.
Loch of White Ayre, Bressay, from the air
Loch of White Ayre, Bressay, from the air
Former fish factory at Heogan, Bressay, from the air
Former fish factory at Heogan, Bressay, from the air
Cruester, Bressay, from the air
Cruester, Bressay, from the air
Show me another place!

South Bight of Greenhead is located at Grid Ref: HU4743 (Lat: 60.177124, Lng: -1.1512103)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///stops.decking.wriggle. Near Lerwick, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.177124,-1.1512103
Seamark Light Character: Q
Seamark Light Colour: red
Seamark Light Group: 4
Seamark Light Height: 4
Seamark Light Period: 10
Seamark Light Range: 3
Seamark Light Reference: A 3790
Seamark Light Sequence: 0.2+(0.8)+0.2+(0.8)+0.2+(0.8)+0.2+(6.8)
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 60.1806833/-1.1515167
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.1744557/-1.1449074
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.1749274/-1.1459855
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.1752364/-1.1466803
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.175481/-1.1471965
Gremista
Place: suburb
Lat/Long: 60.1744459/-1.1584405
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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