Essential information
Boats There’s a regular ferry service from Lerwick on mainland Shetland to the island of Bressay. It’s then 5 km/3 miles across Bressay by road to the Noss visitors’ car park. The ferry to Noss is operated by SNH and a small charge is made for the return journey. To check that the ferry is running, call the Noss freephone number 0800 1077818 before setting out, to avoid disappointment. This is updated daily by 0900 during the ferry season. A red flag also flies on the island if the weather is too severe to cross Noss Sound safely. Alternatively, visitors can join a scheduled round-island commercial boat trip from Lerwick. You’ll find information about the trips from the tourist information centre in the town or from
www.visitshetland.com
OS maps
Explorer 466 – Active Map Shetland – Mainland South
Trail length
The coastal path around the island is 10 km/6 miles. Alternatively, you can follow the path to the viewpoint at Charlie’s Holm and then turn back, which makes for a 6 km/4 mile walk. There are also shorter walks near to the ferry points on Noss and Bressay.
Terrain
The path round the island is rough in places and can be slippery when wet. Expect a gradual climb from sea level to 181 metres (592 ft) at the Noup.
Please wear sensible footwear so that you can cross
the rocks safely when using the Noss boat – they can be slippery. You should also take warm waterproof clothing, as the Noss weather can be very changeable. Parts of the path and viewpoints are on the edge of unfenced cliffs, so please take great care.
Dogs The SNH boat is not suitable for dogs.
Further information
There’s a small information centre on Noss where SNH staff provide an introductory talk for all ferry passengers upon landing. A leaflet about Noss is available in alternative formats, including large print and audio format at
www.snh.org.uk/pubs
www.snh.gov.uk 39 Nearby natural attractions
Why not visit the two other Shetland national nature reserves, which lie on the island of Unst. Hermaness is home to 24,000 pairs of gannets and more than 50,000 puffins, which nest here every year on the dramatic sea cliffs, offshore arches and stacks. The huge sea cliffs overlook the islands and stacks of Muckle Flugga, Britain’s northernmost point, and inland the moors are home to the third largest colony of great skuas in the world. There’s a visitor centre at the old lighthouse shore station. The recommended walking route (3–4 hours) is over moderate ground. See
www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/reserve.asp?NNRId=1 The Keen of Hamar may look like a moonscape, but the bare stony scree of this reserve supports a unique collection of plants. The plantlife here is specially adapted to survive on the rare serpentine rock found on Unst, the most northerly island in Britain. Star attraction is Edmondston's chickweed, which is not found anywhere else in the world. There’s a small car park and the reserve presents easy walking ground. See
www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/reserve.asp?NNRId=2
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