The best walks and hikes around Unst

Unst offers a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy strolls to more challenging long-distance routes. You'll find paths through expansive moorland, along dramatic coastal cliffs, and to unique natural features. There are currently 13 hiking routes documented on komoot for Unst, including 3 easy, 9 moderate, and 1 difficult option.

Yes, Unst has several easy routes. For a relatively gentle experience, consider the View of Hermaness Head – Gannets' Rock Cliffs loop from Hermaness National Nature Reserve. This 5.8 km (3.6 miles) loop offers stunning views and is a great way to experience the island's natural beauty without a strenuous climb.

Unst is rich in natural wonders. Hikers can explore the unique serpentine rock landscape of the Keen of Hamar National Nature Reserve, home to rare alpine plants. The dramatic cliffs of Hermaness National Nature Reserve offer breathtaking views and are a prime spot for seabird colonies. You can also visit the iconic Muckle Flugga Lighthouse and Sea Stacks, the UK's most northerly point, or enjoy the sandy shores of Funzie Beach or Lund Beach.

Absolutely. Unst is a fantastic destination for wildlife spotting. Hermaness National Nature Reserve is renowned for its impressive seabird colonies, including gannets, puffins, and great skuas. Look out for the Puffin Viewing Point at Hermaness NNR. On the moorlands, you might spot curlews, golden plovers, and skylarks. The island's coastline also offers opportunities to see otters and even cetaceans like orcas.

Yes, Unst offers several circular routes. A popular option is the Belmont to Lund and Underhoull circular, which is 16.7 km (10.3 miles) long and takes approximately 4 hours 24 minutes to complete. This route allows you to experience varied island landscapes without retracing your steps.

Unst has a rich Viking heritage. You can explore sites with over 60 known Viking longhouse locations. Notable attractions include a replica Viking longship, Skidbladner, and a reconstructed Viking longhouse at Haroldswick. Additionally, the Muness Castle, a historic tower house, can be seen along the Uyeasound to Muness Trail.

The hiking routes in Unst are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.9 stars from over 18 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic coastal scenery, the abundance of wildlife, and the sense of wild, untamed beauty the island offers.

For those seeking a challenge, Unst offers more demanding routes. The 'Round Unst Trek' is a challenging 60-mile coastal route that can be undertaken in sections. While not a single komoot tour, it highlights the potential for extensive exploration of the island's rugged coastline.

The best time to hike on Unst is generally during the late spring and summer months (May to August). During this period, the weather is milder, daylight hours are long, and seabirds are nesting, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. However, be prepared for changeable weather conditions at any time of year.

Yes, the Muckle Flugga Trail is specifically designed to offer views of the iconic Muckle Flugga Lighthouse. This moderate 12.3 km (7.6 miles) route takes you across open moorland to the coastal fringes, providing stunning vistas of the lighthouse and the surrounding North Atlantic.

Unst is home to the unique Keen of Hamar National Nature Reserve, characterized by its bare, rocky terrain composed of serpentine rock. This geological feature supports a distinct ecosystem, including the endemic Shetland mouse-ear, which is found nowhere else in the world. Hiking through this area offers a glimpse into a truly unique landscape.