Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Walk
3.5 miles (5.7 km)This circular walk takes you around Sumburgh Head at the southern tip of the Mainland of Shetland.
The walk starts from the car park next to the lighthouse. From here, the path follows the clifftop trails offering panoramic views over the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.... The lighthouse stands as a prominent landmark, guiding ships along the southern coast, and the area is rich in wildlife, with puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes commonly seen nesting on the cliffs. The walk also passes the RSPB reserve, where visitors can observe seabird colonies and, at certain times of year, migrating geese.
The route is mostly on well-defined paths, with sections along the cliff edge providing dramatic views of the coastline. Information boards along the trail detail the local geology, history, and the role of the lighthouse in maritime navigation. The circular route returns to the car park, giving a complete view of Sumburgh Head and the surrounding seascape, and is suitable for walkers of most abilities, though care is needed on exposed cliff-top sections.
Ordnance Survey Map
OpenStreetMap
OS Map (Mobile GPS)
OpenStreetMap (Mobile GPS)
Interactive Map
Route Video
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