Birrier

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Birrier

Loch of Vatsetter As is very common in Shetland, this freshwater loch is narrowly separated from an arm of the sea by a shingle bar.
Loch of Vatsetter Credit: Oliver Dixon

Birrier is a coastal feature located in Shetland, an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of mainland Scotland. It is specifically categorized as a headland or point due to its prominent and distinct geographical formation.

Birrier is positioned on the western coast of Shetland, facing the Atlantic Ocean. It juts out into the sea, creating a notable landmark that attracts both locals and tourists. The headland is formed by a combination of rugged cliffs and rocky terrain, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding coastline and the vast ocean beyond.

The area around Birrier is known for its diverse marine life, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can often catch sight of various seabirds, such as puffins, guillemots, and fulmars, as they nest and soar above the cliffs. The surrounding waters are home to seals, dolphins, and occasionally even whales, adding an extra element of excitement to the experience.

Access to Birrier is relatively easy, with several footpaths and trails leading to the headland from nearby villages. The region is well-known for its picturesque landscapes, with heather-covered moorlands and dramatic cliffs providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking and photography.

Birrier, Shetland, is a natural coastal feature that encapsulates the rugged beauty of the archipelago. Its striking cliffs, abundant wildlife, and stunning vistas make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Shetland experience.

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Birrier Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.575205/-1.0075031 or Grid Reference HU5488. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch of Vatsetter As is very common in Shetland, this freshwater loch is narrowly separated from an arm of the sea by a shingle bar.
Loch of Vatsetter
As is very common in Shetland, this freshwater loch is narrowly separated from an arm of the sea by a shingle bar.
Wick of Vatsetter With fish farm. The stream in the foreground drains the Loch of Vatsetter which is narrowly separated from the sea by a shingle bar.
Wick of Vatsetter
With fish farm. The stream in the foreground drains the Loch of Vatsetter which is narrowly separated from the sea by a shingle bar.
Beach at the head of the Wick of Vatsetter With fish farms.
Beach at the head of the Wick of Vatsetter
With fish farms.
Roofless building With the Loch (and beyond it the Wick) of Vatsetter in the distance.
Roofless building
With the Loch (and beyond it the Wick) of Vatsetter in the distance.
Loch of Vatsetter A ruined croft above the Loch of Vatsetter, with the narrow ayre separating the loch from the sea just visible beyond.
Loch of Vatsetter
A ruined croft above the Loch of Vatsetter, with the narrow ayre separating the loch from the sea just visible beyond.
Vatsetter Pronounced 'Vatster'; a small group of houses above the loch. Fetlar is in the distance.
Vatsetter
Pronounced 'Vatster'; a small group of houses above the loch. Fetlar is in the distance.
Tow An abandoned croft above the Loch of Vatsetter.
Tow
An abandoned croft above the Loch of Vatsetter.
Hogalee Burn The burn rises on the hill of Hoga Lee and flows into the Loch of Vatsetter but, like several other Shetland burns, it has several names along the way.
Hogalee Burn
The burn rises on the hill of Hoga Lee and flows into the Loch of Vatsetter but, like several other Shetland burns, it has several names along the way.
Moorhouse, North Aywick
Moorhouse, North Aywick
Wreck near Rana The low-lying island of Hascosay is seen across South Sound.
Wreck near Rana
The low-lying island of Hascosay is seen across South Sound.
Ruin at Whitehill An unroofed house standing alone in the landscape - a common sight in Shetland.
Ruin at Whitehill
An unroofed house standing alone in the landscape - a common sight in Shetland.
Whitehill Lighthouse This low light stands about 70ft above the sea and looks north to Hascosay and east to Fetlar.
Whitehill Lighthouse
This low light stands about 70ft above the sea and looks north to Hascosay and east to Fetlar.
Loch of Birrier A dry summer had resulted in a relatively low water level in this shallow loch below the gentle slopes of the White Hill of Vatsetter (to east/right). It was populated by large numbers of birds.
Loch of Birrier
A dry summer had resulted in a relatively low water level in this shallow loch below the gentle slopes of the White Hill of Vatsetter (to east/right). It was populated by large numbers of birds.
Birrier from the bay This broad stack of psammitic rock is linked to mainland Yell by a narrow arch, over which sheep cross to graze its flat top.
Birrier from the bay
This broad stack of psammitic rock is linked to mainland Yell by a narrow arch, over which sheep cross to graze its flat top.
Salt Wick and Vatsetter This north-east facing bay is backed by a beach of shingle and cobbles.
Salt Wick and Vatsetter
This north-east facing bay is backed by a beach of shingle and cobbles.
Sea Cave at Birrier The small island is joined to the mainland of Yell by a narrow strip of grass over this sea cave which is an obvious through-route for passing sea kayakers exploring this exciting stretch of coast.
Sea Cave at Birrier
The small island is joined to the mainland of Yell by a narrow strip of grass over this sea cave which is an obvious through-route for passing sea kayakers exploring this exciting stretch of coast.
North Aywick from the sea
North Aywick from the sea
Whitehill Lighthouse, Vatsetter
Whitehill Lighthouse, Vatsetter
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Birrier is located at Grid Ref: HU5488 (Lat: 60.575205, Lng: -1.0075031)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///exist.lessening.weaved. Near Houbie, Shetland Islands

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