Muckle Flugga Trail

The full loop of the Muckle Flugga Trail generally takes between 3.5 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views and wildlife.

While komoot rates this trail as moderate, it is widely considered strenuous or challenging by local authorities like NatureScot. It requires good fitness due to steep sections along the coast and up Hermaness Hill, as well as varied terrain.

The trail features varied terrain. You'll start on a constructed path that transitions into an easy uphill boardwalk, designed to protect the fragile blanket bog. After the moorland, the path leads to grassy clifftop terrain, which can be steep and boggy in places. Expect one long flight of steps and some uneven, wet sections, especially on the northern parts of the clifftop walk.

The Hermaness National Nature Reserve is a haven for seabirds. You can expect to see vast colonies of nesting gannets (around 25,000 pairs), puffins waddling from their burrows in early summer, and Great Skuas (Bonxies) nesting on the moorland. Fulmars, gulls, and guillemots are also common sights.

Highlights include the dramatic Tonga Cliffs, breathtaking View of Hermaness Cliffs and Sea Stacks, and the iconic Muckle Flugga Lighthouse and Sea Stacks, marking the UK's most northerly point. The trail offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and unique geological formations.

The trail typically starts within the Hermaness National Nature Reserve on Unst. There is a dedicated car park at the reserve entrance, which serves as the trailhead for the walk.

Due to the sensitive nesting grounds for seabirds, particularly Great Skuas, dogs are generally not permitted on the main trail within the Hermaness National Nature Reserve. It's best to check with local reserve management for any specific restrictions or designated dog-friendly areas if you plan to visit with a dog.

The best time to hike is typically from late spring to early summer (May to July) when the seabird colonies are most active, and puffins are present. The weather can be unpredictable year-round, so always be prepared for strong winds and changing conditions.

There are no entrance fees or permits required to access the Hermaness National Nature Reserve or to hike the Muckle Flugga Trail. However, donations are often welcome to help maintain the reserve and its facilities.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Hermaness trail and the Saito Trail, offering a comprehensive experience of the reserve's northern reaches.

Given the exposed nature and potential for strong winds, it's essential to pack waterproof and windproof layers, sturdy hiking boots suitable for boggy and uneven terrain, and plenty of water and snacks. Binoculars are highly recommended for birdwatching, and a camera for the stunning scenery.