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Hermaness National Nature Reserve
Hermaness, set in a dramatic location, provides a wonderful haven for over 100,000 seabirds overlooking the islands and stacks of Muckle Flugga, Britain's most northerly point. The huge sea cliffs and constantly swirling clouds of sea birds dominate the waves crashing against the shore. Best visiting time is from mid-May to mid-July, though fog can be frequent in early summer. The raucous cries and smell of birdlife provide an experience you're unlikely to forget.
There is a visitor centre at the old lighthouse shore station, with summer warden. Leaflet available. The recommended walking route (3-4 hours) is over moderate ground.
Highlights: Aside from the fantastic scenery and location, 16,000 pairs of gannets and more than 50,000 puffins nest here every year on the dramatic sea cliffs, offshore arches and stacks. Inland, the moors are home to the third largest colony of Great skuas in the world.
Location: Five miles from Baltasound. Take the B9086 road that leads to the car park. Daily bus service from Lerwick to Haroldswick, 3 miles from the reserve. However it’s not possible to fully explore and enjoy the reserve and get back in a day by public transport.
Grid reference: HP597179
Contact
SNH, Ground Floor, Stewart Building, Alexandra Wharf, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0LL Tel: 01595 693345 or e-mail northern_isles@snh.gov.uk
There is a visitor centre at the old lighthouse shore station, with summer warden. Leaflet available. The recommended walking route (3-4 hours) is over moderate ground.
Highlights: Aside from the fantastic scenery and location, 16,000 pairs of gannets and more than 50,000 puffins nest here every year on the dramatic sea cliffs, offshore arches and stacks. Inland, the moors are home to the third largest colony of Great skuas in the world.
Location: Five miles from Baltasound. Take the B9086 road that leads to the car park. Daily bus service from Lerwick to Haroldswick, 3 miles from the reserve. However it’s not possible to fully explore and enjoy the reserve and get back in a day by public transport.
Grid reference: HP597179
Contact
SNH, Ground Floor, Stewart Building, Alexandra Wharf, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0LL Tel: 01595 693345 or e-mail northern_isles@snh.gov.uk
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