Hole of Bugars

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Shetland

Scotland

Hole of Bugars

Bard Head Taken from the Marco Polo cruise ship on the way out of Lerwick. — Bard Head Credit: Ian S

Hole of Bugars is a small and picturesque sea inlet located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago off the northeast coast of Scotland. Situated on the east coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Shetlands, this natural feature is known for its stunning beauty and unique geological formations.

The Hole of Bugars is a sea inlet that stretches inland for approximately 500 meters, forming a narrow and winding creek. It is surrounded by steep cliffs, providing a dramatic backdrop to the serene waters below. The entrance to the inlet is marked by a rocky outcrop, which acts as a natural barrier against the force of the North Sea waves.

At high tide, the water in the Hole of Bugars can reach a depth of around 10 meters, offering a safe haven for various marine species. The crystal-clear waters are home to an abundance of fish, seals, and seabirds, making it a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Access to the Hole of Bugars is relatively easy, with a small car park located nearby. From there, visitors can follow a short footpath that leads to a viewing point overlooking the inlet. The surrounding area offers breathtaking coastal walks and stunning views of the rugged Shetland landscape.

Overall, the Hole of Bugars is a hidden gem in the Shetland Islands, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of this remote corner of Scotland.

Show me another place!

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

Hole of Bugars Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.11152/-1.0708666 or Grid Reference HU5136. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bard Head

Taken from the Marco Polo cruise ship on the way out of Lerwick.

Ian S

Bard Head

View from the Lerwick to Aberdeen Ferry.

Sandy Gerrard

Mills of the Ord, Bressay, from the sea

Mike Pennington

Coastline at the Orkneyman's Cave, the Bard, Bressay

Mike Pennington

Orkneyman's Cave, the Bard, Bressay

Although labelled as the Cave of the Bard on OS maps, this is the name by which everyone in Shetland knows it.

Mike Pennington

The Giant's Leg, The Bard, Bressay

Mike Pennington

Bard Head, Bressay, from the sea

Mike Pennington

In the Orkneyman's Cave, Bard Head, Bressay, looking out

Mike Pennington

Orkneyman's Cave, Bard Head, Bressay

Labelled as Cave of the Bard on the map, but no-one locally uses that name.

Mike Pennington

Mills of the Ord, Bressay, from the sea

Mike Pennington

Guillemot (Uria aalge), Bard Head, Bressay

Mike Pennington

Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), Bard Head, Bressay

Mike Pennington

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus), Bard Head, Bressay

Mike Pennington

Shag (Gulusus aristotelis), Bard Head, Bressay

Mike Pennington

The Orkneyman's Cave, Bressay

Known locally as the Orkneyman's Cave*, this is the Cave of the Bard on the headland of the same name, Bressay, Shetland. *A popular myth is that this cave was used as a hiding place for a man from Orkney evading a press-gang; although his boat is said to have washed away in a storm, he managed to climb the cliffs onto Bressay and make his escape.

Carroll Pierce