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Welcome to Shetland
Beaches
Shetland's Beaches
Every seaside resort boasts about 'miles of golden sand' and if that's the kind of beach you want, then Shetland has plenty.
St Ninian's Isle
But our islands also have every other kind of beach you could wish for, ranging from tiny coves fringed with shell sand, to storm beaches made of pure white pebbles, to wild boulder beaches below high cliffs. Whether you're building sandcastles, beachcombing, fishing for sea trout, looking for tiny sea creatures in rock pools or doing a spot of geologising, Shetland has a beach for you.
It's most unlikely that you'll meet a crowd on a Shetland beach but if you do and you prefer some solitude, the solution is simple - just move to the next beach along the coast!
It's only fair to point out that the water is chilly - around 14oC in August and as low as 5o or 6oC in January - but on sunny days it can be much warmer in the shallows. To really explore Shetland's amazing underwater wildlife you'll need a wetsuit or drysuit and a snorkel or scuba set.
As well as variety, the sheer number of beaches is astonishing. That's because of our incredibly long (1,500km) and winding coastline. For the same reason, you can always find a sheltered beach on the lee side of the islands, whatever the wind direction.
'Laid up on da green'
Norwick Beach, UnstIf you plan to go beachcombing, a word about a local custom. It's not a law, as such, but you'll cause severe offence if you break the rule that says you can only pick up driftwood and other flotsam if it's lying below the highest tide mark. Anything 'laid up on da [the] green', as they say, has been put there by someone else and they'll be back for it some day so please leave it alone. Considering the value of driftwood in a largely treeless archipelago, the fact that this rule is universally observed says something about the honesty of the islanders.
Warning: not everything that washes ashore is harmless or useful. Sometimes distress flares, or explosives from military exercises, or drums of poisonous chemicals can come in on the tide. Don't touch anything that looks suspicious but phone the Coastguards immediately on 01595 692 976 and they'll deal with it safely.
Our Shetland Beach Map is available in our tourist offices and shows the best sandy beaches (with the best ones named) and also a selection of the bigger pebble beaches. But there are hundreds more and as you explore the islands you'll probably find your own favourite corners of the coast and some peerie geos [little coves] all to yourself.
What Next?
On This Site
- Find out about some of the varied nature you may see on or around the beach
- Learn about the sea mammals you'll find in and around Shetland's coast
From Other Sites
- Stay above the beach with an Island Camper, camper vans for lease throughout the year
- Visit Shetland’s Tombolos which are amongst the best in Europe
- Learn how the beach was formed and much more from Allen Fraser at Shetland GeoTours
Advertising Feature
2008 Wildlife Holidays In Shetland
Shetland offers the best wildlife-watching in Scotland - FACT.
Over a million breeding seabirds, the highest density of Otters in Europe, regular sightings of Killer Whales and superb displays of rare sub-arctic flora. Our award-winning holidays offer everything from fully guided wildlife weeks and long weekends, dedicated birdwatching holidays plus photographic, walking and insight holidays.
Visit our extensive website www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk or call Shetland Wildlife on 01950 422483 for a choice of over 30 holidays!
Feature
White Nights
'White Nights', Ann Cleeves' sequel to her award-winning 'Raven Black', has now been published. Don't miss a reading and signing from Ann in the Lerwick tourist office, Market Cross at 11.30am on Saturday 17th June.
Feature
21st Century Shetland Travelogue
'Between Weathers', the new Shetland Travelogue will be launched in Lerwick on 6th June 2008...
Feature
Swan Trips 2008
Enjoy a trip on the Swan this summer and experience the world of a resilient vessel restored to glory. Join a crew who love the sea, and be part of a learning experience!
Feature
Focus on Wildlife - Spring 2008
Fair Isle is famous in spring for its huge seabird colonies and rare migrants. Shetland birder Hugh Harrop is your expert guide on the ‘Mecca’ of British birding…
News
Shetland Museum shortlisted for The Art Fund Prize
The Shetland Museum and Archives on short list for The Art Fund Prize for museums and galleries 2008...
News
Shetland's First Ever Festival of Nature
Organisers of Shetland’s first ever Festival of Nature, to be piloted from 4th to 12th July 2008, are calling on local businesses...
Read full Press Release (pdf)
News
The Centre for Nordic Studies
A new campus is to be set up in Lerwick for the new interdisciplinary Centre for Nordic Studies.
More Info (pdf)