Hillswick
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Get in
Hillswick is around 35 miles north of Lerwick along the A970, and is best reached by car.
A bus runs 3 times daily between Lerwick and Hillswick. There are a couple of other services involving a change in Brae.
Get around
Hillswick is a tiny village, but you'll need wheels (eg bike) to reach the other sights around the peninsula.
See
-
phone: +44 1806 503348address: The Booth, ZE2 9RWCares for injured seals, otters and other wildlife.
- has dramatic cliffs, notched by the deep "Calder's Geo". There's a Stevenson lighthouse nearby. Offshore is the islet of Dore Holm, with a great natural arch that makes it look like a horse drinking deeply from the water. The other low-lying islet is Stenness.
- is the north tip of the peninsula. There's the wreck of a Potez 840 which had a wheels up landing in 1981.
Do
- Walk around. There are some lovely walks just beyond the town.
- Climb , the highest peak in Shetland at 450 m / 1480 ft, a "Marilyn". There's a Neolithic chambered cairn near the summit. These moors are the only place in the UK with Arctic tundra.
Buy
-
Hillswick Shop
address: ZE2 9RWThis store sells a selection of groceries, other necessities and fuel. Friendly staff can order in meat and fish on request.
Eat
- St Magnus Bay Hotel (see "Sleep") has a good Sunday carvery.
Drink
- St Magnus Bay Hotel (see "Sleep") has a bar, packed on some evenings, deserted on others.
Sleep
-
phone: +44 1806 503372address: Hillswick ZE2 9RWA century-old hotel which was built in Norway then transported for an exhibition to the mainland before being dismantled and then set up here. Decent restaurant and bar.
Connect
Mobile phone signal is patchy at best.
Go next
- You have to return through Brae to reach the rest of the Shetland Islands.