Hermaness National Nature Reserve (NNR) is a dramatic cliff-top haven for thousands of seabirds. Explore the trail to find breathtaking clifftop views looking out to Muckle Flugga - Britain's most northerly point. Follow the trail across the open moor looking out for red-throated divers and skuas. When you reach the dramatic cliffs full of breeding birds stop and enjoy the sights and sounds of thousands of birds. In summer watch gannets diving spectacularly into the sea and enjoy colourful puffins on the cliff tops. The reserve is managed by NatureScot, Scotlands Nature Agency.
We hiked the free out-and-back Blue Salto trail which offered striking views of the moors with a spectacular trail ending at the Gannet Cliff. It was thrilling to hear and watch thousands of gannets and gulls circling and roosting on the cliff. We didn't see any puffins but did spot some brown skua from a distance on the moor. Since we were there early summer, we also saw lots of young lambs with their ewes on the shore cliffs on the way to Gannet Cliff. The trail has well-maintained boardwalks and paved paths. There is a restroom at the trail entrance only by the trail information signs. There is a small parking lot by the entrance.
Not to be missed when visiting Unst, walkway is planked all the way up makes it so suitable for everyone, seen Puffins, Gannets plenty of Birds, views are amazing, plenty parking spaces for Motorhomes or cars, toilets and information at start of the walk
It was a very long wet day, but we waited it out, and took a chance and went on the walk here at about 9pm that night, and we are so damn happy we did, as we saw some of the BEST scenery we have ever seen, and we are fulltime professional travellers. Oh, and as a bonus, we saw a few of the cuties, yep, the puffins.
Very windy on the day we went but a stunning walk with an abundance of gannets and wild seas. There's no charge for use of the reserve.
It's a long drive. Had to call off the walk because it had become very windy and we were late. It is about 3 hours plus walk on the trail
Amazing clifts and bird colonies. Board walk makes it easier to walk. Allow at least 3hrs and take wet weather gear etc.
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Hiking
Public toilet
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Dogs allowed
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We hiked the free out-and-back Blue Salto trail which offered striking views of the moors with a spectacular trail ending at the Gannet Cliff. It was thrilling to hear and watch thousands of gannets and gulls circling and roosting on the cliff. We didn't see any puffins but did spot some brown skua from a distance on the moor. Since we were there early summer, we also saw lots of young lambs with their ewes on the shore cliffs on the way to Gannet Cliff. The trail has well-maintained boardwalks and paved paths. There is a restroom at the trail entrance only by the trail information signs. There is a small parking lot by the entrance.
Not to be missed when visiting Unst, walkway is planked all the way up makes it so suitable for everyone, seen Puffins, Gannets plenty of Birds, views are amazing, plenty parking spaces for Motorhomes or cars, toilets and information at start of the walk
It was a very long wet day, but we waited it out, and took a chance and went on the walk here at about 9pm that night, and we are so damn happy we did, as we saw some of the BEST scenery we have ever seen, and we are fulltime professional travellers. Oh, and as a bonus, we saw a few of the cuties, yep, the puffins.
Very windy on the day we went but a stunning walk with an abundance of gannets and wild seas. There's no charge for use of the reserve.
It's a long drive. Had to call off the walk because it had become very windy and we were late. It is about 3 hours plus walk on the trail
Amazing clifts and bird colonies. Board walk makes it easier to walk. Allow at least 3hrs and take wet weather gear etc.
