Guttald

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Shetland

Scotland

Guttald

Southern Whalsay Looking from near the summit of Ward of Clett across to the uninhabited islet of East Linga in the distance.
Southern Whalsay Credit: David Purchase

Guttald is a small coastal marsh located in Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated along the coast, it is characterized by its unique saltings, which are areas of marshland that are regularly flooded by saltwater during high tides. This creates a distinctive ecosystem that supports a wide variety of plant and animal species.

The marshland of Guttald is home to a diverse range of plant life, including salt-tolerant grasses, sedges, and herbs. The regular flooding of the saltings allows for the growth of saltmarsh plants, which have adapted to thrive in the brackish conditions. These plants provide important habitat and food sources for numerous species of birds and insects.

The coastal location of Guttald also makes it an important site for migratory birds. Many species use the marsh as a stopover point during their long journeys, taking advantage of the rich food resources and sheltered environment. Visitors to Guttald may have the opportunity to spot a variety of bird species, including waders, ducks, and geese.

In addition to its ecological significance, Guttald also offers visitors stunning views of the coastal landscape. The marshland is bordered by sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, providing a picturesque backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Overall, Guttald in Shetland is a fascinating coastal marshland with its unique saltings, diverse plant and animal life, and stunning natural beauty. It serves as an important habitat for various species and offers visitors a chance to appreciate the wonders of this unique ecosystem.

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

Guttald Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.332324/-0.97942301 or Grid Reference HU5661. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Southern Whalsay Looking from near the summit of Ward of Clett across to the uninhabited islet of East Linga in the distance.
Southern Whalsay
Looking from near the summit of Ward of Clett across to the uninhabited islet of East Linga in the distance.
The summit of Ward of Clett, Whalsay Well, this is what everyone would think is the summit. But the purists maintain that the true highest point is a little way to the north-east, at HU55046148.
The summit of Ward of Clett, Whalsay
Well, this is what everyone would think is the summit. But the purists maintain that the true highest point is a little way to the north-east, at HU55046148.
Descending to Clate On the way down from Ward of Clett, the highest point on Whalsay.
Descending to Clate
On the way down from Ward of Clett, the highest point on Whalsay.
Loch of Huxter, Whalsay One of four lochs on Whalsay of similar size. I would estimate that this is the largest.
Loch of Huxter, Whalsay
One of four lochs on Whalsay of similar size. I would estimate that this is the largest.
The valley of the Falsa Burn Looking out to sea from near Huxter. I suspect that, had the weather not been so dry for the last month, this ground would be very damp.
The valley of the Falsa Burn
Looking out to sea from near Huxter. I suspect that, had the weather not been so dry for the last month, this ground would be very damp.
A Cottage A Cottage at the turning space, Clate, Whalsay
A Cottage
A Cottage at the turning space, Clate, Whalsay
Empty House at Treawick There is a whole deserted community here, derelict houses and buildings around the shallow valley of the Falsa Burn.
Empty House at Treawick
There is a whole deserted community here, derelict houses and buildings around the shallow valley of the Falsa Burn.
Ruined House at Treawick One of the houses in the deserted community of Treawick. Another is visible in the distance.
Ruined House at Treawick
One of the houses in the deserted community of Treawick. Another is visible in the distance.
Deserted Farmhouse, Treawick The most substantial and most recently occupied house in the abandoned community of Treawick.
Other houses are just bare stone walls, but this one appears to have hung on for a lot longer.
Deserted Farmhouse, Treawick
The most substantial and most recently occupied house in the abandoned community of Treawick. Other houses are just bare stone walls, but this one appears to have hung on for a lot longer.
Rocks and Old Iron, Loch of Huxter A beautiful small loch near Symbister. The thing on the rock looks like part of an old stove.
Rocks and Old Iron, Loch of Huxter
A beautiful small loch near Symbister. The thing on the rock looks like part of an old stove.
Loch of Huxter
Loch of Huxter
View at Symbister The eastern part of Symbister. Sodom, according to the map.
View at Symbister
The eastern part of Symbister. Sodom, according to the map.
Three Sheep at Treawick Probably wondering what I'm doing. I get the impression nobody comes down here much.
Three Sheep at Treawick
Probably wondering what I'm doing. I get the impression nobody comes down here much.
Old Walls at Treawick The abandoned settlement of Treawick.
Old Walls at Treawick
The abandoned settlement of Treawick.
View towards Treawick A short walk from the road through a couple of fields takes you to the deserted settlement of Treawick.
View towards Treawick
A short walk from the road through a couple of fields takes you to the deserted settlement of Treawick.
Empty Farmhouse at Treawick This appears to be the last house to be occupied in the deserted settlement of Treawick. It still has a roof. Other houses can be seen on the horizon.
Empty Farmhouse at Treawick
This appears to be the last house to be occupied in the deserted settlement of Treawick. It still has a roof. Other houses can be seen on the horizon.
Walls by Falsa Burn Once these were the fields of Treawick, a now deserted village. The Falsa Burn is a small coastal stream just over 1 km in length.
Walls by Falsa Burn
Once these were the fields of Treawick, a now deserted village. The Falsa Burn is a small coastal stream just over 1 km in length.
Huxter Loch, bridge across the outflow burn
Huxter Loch, bridge across the outflow burn
Show me another place!

Guttald is located at Grid Ref: HU5661 (Lat: 60.332324, Lng: -0.97942301)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///shoelaces.rotation.fiction. Near Symbister, Shetland Islands

Related Wikis

Whalsay

Whalsay (Scots: Whalsa; Old Norse: Hvalsey or Hvals-øy, meaning 'Whale Island') is the sixth largest of the Shetland Islands in the north of Scotland....

Breiwick Burn

Breiwick Burn is a burn (stream) in southeastern Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland. The source of the stream is in the Ward of Clette, to the northeast...

Loch of Huxter

Loch of Huxter is a loch of southeastern Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland, to the southwest of the village of Huxter. There is a water pumping station...

Huxter

Huxter is a crofting township in southeastern Whalsay in the parish of Nesting in the Shetland islands of Scotland. It lies to the east of Symbister, just...

Falsa Burn

Falsa Burn is a burn (stream) of southeastern Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland. Roughly 600 metres (2,000 ft) in length, it ends near the sea to the...

Loch of Livister

Loch of Livister is a loch of southern-central Whalsay, Shetland Islands, Scotland, located to the north of the Loch of Huxter. Though the Loch of Livister...

Treawick

Treawick, also Traewick, is an uninhabited crofting village in eastern Whalsay in the parish of Nesting in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It is located...

Sodom, Shetland

Sodom (known locally as Sudheim) is a settlement on Whalsay, Shetland. The name is a corruption of the Old Norse Suðheim meaning "south home". It was formerly...

Have you been to Guttald?

Leave your review of Guttald below (or comments, questions and feedback).