Best lakes around Scalloway are found across the Shetland mainland, a region characterized by its coastal village setting and numerous freshwater lochs. This area offers a blend of historical significance, diverse natural landscapes, and opportunities for tranquil exploration. The lochs provide habitats for various wildlife and serve as focal points for ancient Norse heritage, making them popular trails around Scalloway lakes.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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Nice place with great shop and beautiful houses
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Kettla Ness is found at the south of West Burra and accessed by Minn Beach. The headland itself is conspicuous and circa 160 feet high. This area is uninhabited and is principally used for Sheep farming and pasture. On the south side of Kettla Ness is a stream flowing from the Outra Loch. Along the stream there are numerous examples of ruined historic horizontal watermills that extend down to Groot Ness on the south coast.
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The Loch of Fladderbister empties into the gently flowing Mill Burn with its series of ruined water mills.
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Hamnavoe, a small village on Burra offers the visitor a fascinating variety of tiny alley ways and footpaths to explore that thread between the older dwellings. Sea views, countless rocky coves and sandy beaches are all within easy walking distance.
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The loch is the home of the only resident Mute Swans on Shetland as well as several other species of waterbird. The Law Ting Holm is a promontory at the north end of the loch, it used to be an island accessible by causeway, but the water level was lowered in the 1850's which connected it to the mainland. This was the site of Shetlands earliest parliament.
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The region is rich in history. The Loch of Tingwall and Law Ting Holm is historically significant as the site of Shetland's earliest Norse parliament. Near Lerwick, Clickimin Loch features the remarkably preserved Clickimin Broch, an ancient settlement dating back to 1000 BC. The Loch of Houlland also has an impressive, though ruined, broch on a promontory, offering a glimpse into Iron Age defensive architecture.
Yes, there are several accessible walking options. The area around Clickimin Loch, for instance, offers an enjoyable, easy, and flat circular walk. For more general walking routes, you can explore various hiking trails around Scalloway, including easy options like the 'Meal Beach and Hamnavoe Circular'.
The lochs are home to diverse wildlife. The Loch of Tingwall is known for its resident Mute Swans and other waterbirds, and whooper swans are also observed there. The fertile valleys around the lochs are rich with wildflowers in summer. You might also spot Shetland Ponies in fields adjacent to Clickimin Loch.
Yes, several areas are suitable for families. The Loch of Tingwall and Law Ting Holm is listed as family-friendly. The easy circular walk around Clickimin Loch is also great for families. Additionally, Hamnavoe Harbour offers tiny alleyways and footpaths to explore, with sea views, rocky coves, and sandy beaches within walking distance.
Beyond walking, you can find various outdoor activities. There are numerous hiking routes, running trails, and cycling routes that pass by or are close to the lochs. Anglers are drawn to the Loch of Tingwall for its excellent brown trout population.
The summer months are particularly pleasant, with fertile valleys around lochs like Tingwall rich with wildflowers. This time of year generally offers milder weather for exploring the historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities.
The Loch of Girlsta is notable for being the deepest loch in Shetland. It is also the only loch in the region that supports Arctic Char, a fish related to trout and salmon.
Yes, the area around the Loch of Houlland is characterized by spectacular volcanic geology. From the nearby Eshaness Lighthouse, you can witness dramatic coastlines and the 'Holes of Scraada,' a cavern where the sea crashes in, creating an eerie resonance.
Yes, the Kettla Ness and Croo Loch area features numerous examples of ruined historic horizontal watermills along a stream. Similarly, the Loch of Fladderbister empties into the Mill Burn, which also has a series of ruined watermills.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance, diverse natural landscapes, and opportunities for tranquil exploration. The ancient brochs, historical parliament sites, and diverse birdlife are frequently highlighted. The komoot community has contributed over 10 upvotes and 2 photos, indicating a positive visitor experience.
Yes, the Loch of Asta, located near Tingwall, is associated with a nine-hole golf course, offering another recreational activity in the vicinity of the lochs.


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