Best lakes around Burra And Trondra are primarily freshwater lochs nestled within the islands' dramatic coastal landscapes. The region is characterized by its shorelines, beaches, and marine attractions, with inland lakes often holding historical significance. These islands offer a blend of natural beauty and heritage, particularly around their freshwater bodies. Visitors can explore areas with remnants of historic watermills and enjoy scenic walking routes.
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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You can visit the Loch of Tingwall and Law Ting Holm, which was the site of Shetland's earliest parliament. Additionally, near Kettla Ness and Croo Loch, you'll find remnants of historic horizontal watermills along the stream flowing from Outra Loch, offering a glimpse into the islands' agricultural past.
The Loch of Tingwall and Law Ting Holm is home to Shetland's only resident Mute Swans, as well as several other species of waterbirds, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
Yes, the area around Loch of Tingwall and Law Ting Holm is considered family-friendly. While not a lake itself, Hamnavoe Harbour also offers a family-friendly environment with beaches and footpaths to explore.
The lakes are set within dramatic coastal landscapes. You can explore conspicuous headlands like Kettla Ness, enjoy impressive cliff scenery, and discover picturesque beaches such as Banna Minn, which is connected to the mainland by a shingle and sand tombolo.
Yes, the area around Outra Loch, accessible via Kettla Ness and Croo Loch, is part of walking routes like the 'Banna Minn beach and Kettla Ness' trail. You can find more hiking options in the region by visiting the Hiking around Burra And Trondra guide.
Yes, Kettla Ness and Croo Loch offers a viewpoint where you can observe the landscape. While not solely lake-focused, Hamnavoe Harbour also provides sea views and a glimpse into local life.
The remnants of historic horizontal watermills, particularly along the stream flowing from Outra Loch near Kettla Ness and Croo Loch, and near Loch of Fladderbister, highlight the islands' historical connection to crofting and agricultural practices. They offer a tangible link to the past.
While specific easy routes directly around the lakes are not detailed, the region offers various walking difficulties. For general easy walking options, you can check routes like 'Meal Beach and Hamnavoe Circular' in the Hiking around Burra And Trondra guide.
Beyond hiking, you can explore road cycling routes, such as those found in the Road Cycling Routes around Burra And Trondra guide, or try running trails, detailed in the Running Trails around Burra And Trondra guide.
While specific parking details for each lake are not provided, areas like Kettla Ness, which is largely uninhabited and used for sheep farming, typically have informal parking options near trailheads or access points. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
The lakes here are often freshwater lochs nestled within dramatic coastal landscapes, rather than extensive inland systems. Their uniqueness lies in their historical significance, such as the ancient parliament site at Law Ting Holm, and the presence of historic watermills, all set against a backdrop of rugged shorelines and marine beauty.


Still not found your perfect lake around Burra And Trondra? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.