Hermaness, which was designated National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1955, was the first stop on our virgin visit to Shetland. We expected it to be stunning, but it actually blew us away and despite seeing many sites in Shetland to date, it is still one of ours top destinations while visiting the islands.
We’re sure our photographs will inspire many of you to visit the reserve while exploring Shetland, check out the selection we’re sharing below. We included photographs of Hermaness unique nature, stunning coastal scenes, as well as some along the hiking route in the National Reserve.
Continue reading to find out all you need to know about Hermaness Nature Reserve, including its wildlife, hiking trails and iconic vistas.
Hermaness National Nature Reserve, Unst, Shetland
First things first, here are some important points to note:
#1 Hermaness is the northernmost headland of Unst, the most northerly inhabited island of Shetland. Getting there requires some preparation: from Mainland Shetland take a ferry to Yell island and then to Unst. Check the ferry timetable here.
If using public transport you may have to take several busses (one to cross each island) to get to Saxa Vord, which is the nearest bus stop from Hermaness NNR, the buses are corresponding with ferry times.
And so, one bus to get to Toft (for crossing to Yell), then another bus (Ulsta to Gutcher) to get to Unst ferry, and finally a local bus in Unst to get to Saxa Vord from Belmont. Be aware, however that such arrangement would take several hours and require staying on Unst for one or two nights (which we recommend anyway!).
#2 Hermaness is one of 58 National Nature Reserves in Scotland. Scotland’s NNRs are special places for nature, where the best of Scotland’s wildlife is cherished and managed. The Reserve extends over 965 hectares including the whole of the Hermaness peninsula as well as the rocky outpost of Muckle Flugga. Only the Out Stack, inhabitated island is located more northerly from the Reserve. The next notable landmark beyond Out Stack is the North Pole.
#3 The highest sheer cliff top at Hermaness is The Neap at 170 metres, at the west side of the Reserve, on the way to Saito point (where the impressive gannetry can be found). The eastern side of the peninsula is lower and more sheltered, with cliffs rising to 100 meters in the north, but reaching only 20 meters towards the head of Burrafirth, crowned with a fine sandy beach. Hermaness Hill is the highest point on the Reserve at 200 masl.
#4 Parking area and Visitors Hub are located in the sheltered inlet called Burrafirth, at the end of the road. The car park is relatively spacious and can probably fit around 15 cars. The Visitors Hub consists of an information board and a map, Visitor Book and Sighting Log, and public toilets (open daily from 1 April to 31 October, not suitable for campervan waste disposal).
#5 The best time to visit Hermaness is mid-May to end of July. Within that period you will be able to fully appreciate the site and the sea birds occupying the cliffs and peatland during the breading season. However, the reserve is magical at any time of the year including winter, when the cliffs are silent but the impressive high cliffs remain breath-taking, while being constantly battered by Atlantic Ocean.
#6 It is very important to stay on the paths at all times, to minimise the impact of your visit. Conveniently, the work constructing new walkway to the cliffs, a partnership project between NatureScot, Shetland Islands Council and VisitScotland, has been completed in 2022. Please stay on these board panels to both reduce the damage to the peatland and to keep your feet dry.
#7 If you are planning a visit with a canine friend please keep them on short lead at all times.
#8 To have the best experience of Hermaness set off for a circular walk (you will find a map on the board, so no need for extra preparation). Below you can find the detailed description of the hike. The path is marked at some key points and easy to follow on a nice day. Navigation will be more difficult in mist. And very important: be very mindful near the cliffs on a windy day, do not come too close to cliff edges. The wind is not a joke in Shetland! If you’re in a position to pick a day for your visit, check the weather forecast and set off on a day with low to medium strength wind. High winds will not only prevent you from coming close to the cliff edge but, in some cases (our own experience), make photography very difficult.
#9 Wildlife in Hermaness NNR: world-famous Northern Gannets colony, Atlantic Puffins, Fulmars, gulls, Shags, Kittiwakes, Arctic Skuas (locally known as ‘Allens’) Great Skuas (‘Bonxies’), several kinds of wading birds, seals often pop up their heads from the water. When it comes to seals, this is actually the case everywhere in the archipelago. We have seen seals on every single coastal walk in Shetland.
The most famous of Hermaness seasonal residents are Atlantic Puffins and Northern Gannets.
Recommended circular hike in Hermaness NNR.
The route will take you to all unmissable viewpoints and sights of Hermaness.
The trailhead can be found at the left-hand side of Visitors Hub. Pass 2 metal gates to climb uphill on a rugged track that soon levels up, with views to Hermaness Hill, and Saxa Vord radar station further to the right. As the trail gently descends to cross a stream, it turns left to continue over boarded walkway and comes to a marked path junction. Take the left leg signposted to viewpoint and the lighthouse, the right leg runs directly to Hermaness Hill and will be your return way, later on.
The boarded walkway cuts straight thru mires and peatland, home to fragile habitants and various birds (including several species of wading birds, and Great Skuas). After approx 1 mile you will have come to the cliff edge, a grand viewpoint. Carefully look out for Atlantic Puffins sitting just below the cliff edge, and other seabirds in their mesmerising flight-dance over the sea. You’ll spot countless Gannets, Fulmars, several types of Gulls.
Continue the hike along the cliffs to the left, climbing the grassy clifftop of The Neap leading further to the gannerty at Saito. The view of the gannetry is just spectacular, and the smell very distinctive. Actually, you will smell the birds first before seeing the cliffs. They will appear white, thanks to great numbers of gannets. Take extra care at the gannetry, avoid coming in contact with birds; these will tolerate your presence if watching from afar, but will robustly protect their nests and chicks if feel threatened.
Once satisfied with observation of Northern Gannets head back to the Neap and further along the cliff edge, passing the viewpoint where you first arrived at the cliffs. A path will take you steeply downhill, with views to sea stacks and other wonderful rock features before reaching an old fence line. Beyond the fence posts you’ll climb steeply uphill, pass viewpoint to natural arch topped with some more gannets, before finally arriving to Muckle Flugga viewpoint.
Local legend says that Muckle Flugga was created during a fight over a mermaid between two giants, Herma and Saxa, when they threw rocks at each other.
For centuries the rocky island of Muckle Flugga (with lighthouse) was used as an important waymark by sailors. The lighthouse still shows the way to seamen.
Viewpoint to the lighthouse is a notable spot along the Hermaness exploration hike for yet another reason, Puffin colony. While admiring the old lighthouse you will see the curious sea parrots (as Puffins are often referred to) flying over the cliffs, straight to their burrows located at the edge of grassy clifftop. Some may be sitting on tufty grass and allow closer observation by walkers.
Further, the route climbs up a wet grassy slope to Hermaness Hill, its top flat and spacious, and again, home to variety of birds.
Way back from Hermaness Hill to the car park follows a mixture of boggy path and constructed boardwalk before rejoining the outward trail at a marked fork.
Such circular hike in Hermaness NNR can be completed within 4 hours, however, we strongly recommend allowing more time. You may want to enjoy watching the Hermaness abundant wildlife without time pressure.
Is there anything else you would like to know about Hermaness? Do not hesitate to write in the comment box and we will do our best to answer your question(s).
And now, without any further ado, enjoy further photographs from our visits in Hermaness. We hope to inspire you to visit this stunning Nature Reserve during your exploration of Shetland.
