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Ness of Avensgarth

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Ness of Avensgarth

Grind of Navir During big storms, the sea can throw rocks into this area. There is a ring of large rocks inland surrounding the pool.
Grind of Navir Credit: Stephen Darlington

Ness of Avensgarth is a prominent headland located on the southern coast of Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated near the village of Walls, the Ness extends into the North Sea, forming a distinctive point that juts out into the ocean.

The headland is characterized by rugged cliffs, reaching heights of up to 90 meters (295 feet) above sea level. These cliffs are composed of layered sedimentary rocks, providing a glimpse into the geological history of the region. The layers often display different colors and textures, adding to the visual appeal of the area.

Ness of Avensgarth offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the North Sea. On clear days, visitors can see the distant islands of Foula and Fair Isle. The headland also provides an excellent vantage point for observing seabirds, such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, which nest among the cliffs.

Access to Ness of Avensgarth is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading from the nearby village. However, caution is advised as the cliffs can be dangerous, especially during inclement weather or high tides. The area is also susceptible to strong winds, which can add to the sense of wildness and drama.

Ness of Avensgarth is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers who seek to capture the beauty of Shetland's coastal landscapes. Its unique geological features, abundant wildlife, and stunning views make it a must-visit location for anyone exploring the region.

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Ness of Avensgarth Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.507702/-1.5851479 or Grid Reference HU2280. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Grind of Navir During big storms, the sea can throw rocks into this area. There is a ring of large rocks inland surrounding the pool.
Grind of Navir
During big storms, the sea can throw rocks into this area. There is a ring of large rocks inland surrounding the pool.
Country near Hamnavoe In the distance, Muckle Ossa, 56m in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU2185">HU2185</a>, is very prominent.
Country near Hamnavoe
In the distance, Muckle Ossa, 56m in HU2185, is very prominent.
One of the Giants' stones at Hamnavoe I don't wish to be unkind, but it seems to me that these must have been rather small giants.
One of the Giants' stones at Hamnavoe
I don't wish to be unkind, but it seems to me that these must have been rather small giants.
Fence and thrift at Loch of Stow
Fence and thrift at Loch of Stow
Gruna Stack At The Grind of the Navir, Shetland
Gruna Stack
At The Grind of the Navir, Shetland
A carpet of blue Scilla verna, commonly known as spring squill, carpets the turf close to the cliff tops.
A carpet of blue
Scilla verna, commonly known as spring squill, carpets the turf close to the cliff tops.
Eshaness: the post office This small bungalow, Urafirth, is the home of the postmistress and is thus home to the post office, open for two hours each on Monday and Saturday mornings and another two on Thursday afternoons. The office does not have a familiar glass screen but is simply a desk in one of the rooms.
Eshaness: the post office
This small bungalow, Urafirth, is the home of the postmistress and is thus home to the post office, open for two hours each on Monday and Saturday mornings and another two on Thursday afternoons. The office does not have a familiar glass screen but is simply a desk in one of the rooms.
Gruna Stack, Eshaness
Gruna Stack, Eshaness
Pile of stones at Grind of the Navir This impressive pile of stones, most more than a metre across, has been deposited here by the sea, cast up many metres from the sea through the Grind o' Navir. After a stormy winter, this is a larger than usual pile of stones, resembling a collapsed building.
Pile of stones at Grind of the Navir
This impressive pile of stones, most more than a metre across, has been deposited here by the sea, cast up many metres from the sea through the Grind o' Navir. After a stormy winter, this is a larger than usual pile of stones, resembling a collapsed building.
Skerry at Grind of the Navir
Skerry at Grind of the Navir
Grind of the Navir The rocks in the foreground have been thrown up by the sea through the gap in the background.
Grind of the Navir
The rocks in the foreground have been thrown up by the sea through the gap in the background.
Rocks at Grind of the Navir Part of the huge pile of rocks, many of which have accumulated over the last winter.
Rocks at Grind of the Navir
Part of the huge pile of rocks, many of which have accumulated over the last winter.
The Grind of the Navir The gap (grind or gate) in the coastline through which storms throw huge boulders during winter storms.
The Grind of the Navir
The gap (grind or gate) in the coastline through which storms throw huge boulders during winter storms.
Rocks at Grind of the Navir From the Grind looking inland. Many of the rocks are a metre or more across and some are as much as 100m from the sea. All have been deposited there by the sea.
Rocks at Grind of the Navir
From the Grind looking inland. Many of the rocks are a metre or more across and some are as much as 100m from the sea. All have been deposited there by the sea.
Grind of the Navir The 'gate' in the coastline.
Grind of the Navir
The 'gate' in the coastline.
Rock at Grind of the Navir The large pale rock has been thrown ashore by one of the storms of the previous winter. The huge dent was probably caused by it hitting the rock to the left (a small pale patch can still be seen at the presumed impact point). There is a 50 p coin on the pale rock for scale.
Rock at Grind of the Navir
The large pale rock has been thrown ashore by one of the storms of the previous winter. The huge dent was probably caused by it hitting the rock to the left (a small pale patch can still be seen at the presumed impact point). There is a 50 p coin on the pale rock for scale.
Johnnie Notions' cottage This cottage is now a Shetland camping Böd. In this remote corner of Shetland Johnnie Notions discovered a vaccination against Smallpox. For more see: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.baysights.com/shetlandbooks/shetdocs/storyarch.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.baysights.com/shetlandbooks/shetdocs/storyarch.htm">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>
Johnnie Notions' cottage
This cottage is now a Shetland camping Böd. In this remote corner of Shetland Johnnie Notions discovered a vaccination against Smallpox. For more see: LinkExternal link
Hill of Ure, OS bolt and Cairn Looking ENE from the Hill of Ure with OS bolt in close foreground, cairn, and Ness of Ure. Further afield Ronas Hill dominates the view.
Hill of Ure, OS bolt and Cairn
Looking ENE from the Hill of Ure with OS bolt in close foreground, cairn, and Ness of Ure. Further afield Ronas Hill dominates the view.
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Ness of Avensgarth is located at Grid Ref: HU2280 (Lat: 60.507702, Lng: -1.5851479)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///tougher.weds.trifling. Near Brae, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Dale of Ure Hill of Ure Targies Ness of Ure Geo of Ure Ness of Avensgarth

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