Things to Do around Noss National Nature Reserve

Noss National Nature Reserve is an island off the east coast of Shetland, renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery and significant seabird colonies. It is considered one of Europe's finest wildlife sites, housing over 300,000 breeding seabirds during peak season. The reserve features towering sandstone cliffs, rolling grasslands, and moorland.

Noss National Nature Reserve offers opportunities for hiking on the island itself. The larger island of Bressay, which provides access to Noss, also offers routes for road cycling, jogging, and touring cycling. Visitors can explore various trails and routes across both islands.

Noss National Nature Reserve features designated hiking trails such as the "Inbye Trail" and the "Gannet Trail." The full "Island Circuit" provides extensive views of seabird colonies and dramatic cliffs. Explore available options through the Hiking around Noss National Nature Reserve guide.

Noss National Nature Reserve offers paths suitable for various skill levels, including options that can be enjoyed by families. Specific family-friendly routes are available. Consult the Family-friendly hikes around Noss National Nature Reserve guide for more information.

Noss National Nature Reserve has paths suitable for various skill levels, including easier options. The terrain includes rolling grasslands and moorland, alongside more dramatic cliff-top paths. Discover suitable routes in the Easy hikes around Noss National Nature Reserve guide.

While Noss island is primarily for walking, the larger island of Bressay, which serves as the access point, offers opportunities for cycling. A "Bressay and Noss loop" is available for cyclists. Find routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Noss National Nature Reserve guide.

Noss National Nature Reserve is renowned for its seabird colonies, including gannets, shags, kittiwakes, razorbills, guillemots, and puffins. Beyond birds, visitors can spot harbour and grey seals on the shorelines. Porpoises and whales are also occasionally seen in the surrounding waters.

The reserve's main features are its dramatic cliffs, soaring up to 500 feet (152 meters) high. The Noup of Noss, at 594 feet (181 meters), is the highest point on Shetland's east coast and offers panoramic vistas. Elevated viewpoints provide views of the surrounding islands and the North Sea.

Noss National Nature Reserve is accessed via a short ferry ride from Lerwick to Bressay, followed by a journey across Bressay to the Noss visitor car park. From there, visitors take a three-minute inflatable boat ride to the island of Noss. An information line (+44 (0)800 107 7818) provides ferry status updates.

The peak breeding season for seabirds, typically from spring through late summer, offers the most spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. During this period, an estimated 150,000 adult birds and chicks are present. The reserve is generally open from May to August.

Noss National Nature Reserve has an average rating of 4.43 out of 5 stars from more than 1,100 ratings. Over 5,900 visitors have shared their experiences in the reserve. The community has contributed various routes and guides for different activities.

Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking around Noss National Nature Reserve, Family-friendly hikes around Noss National Nature Reserve, and Road Cycling Routes around Noss National Nature Reserve. Guides for jogging and touring cycling are also available.

The official website for Noss National Nature Reserve is www.nature.scot/noss-national-nature-reserve. For general inquiries, the NatureScot Lerwick Office can be reached at +44 (0)1463 667 600. An information line for ferry status is available at +44 (0)800 107 7818.