Camping in Hermaness National Nature Reserve
A feast for the senses: see, smell and hear thousands of seabirds and feel an edge-of-the world sensation.
Hermaness National Nature Reserve camping guide
When to go
Mid-May to mid-July is the best time to visit Hermaness National Nature Reserve. The days are long, with the sun barely dipping below the horizon (Shetlanders call this the “simmer dim”) and the cliffs, air and sea are filled with thousands of seabirds. The feathered visitors usually arrive in April and are largely gone by the end of July—although the gannets stick around until September. The moorland blooms with bright pink sea thrift in summer and turns a rich red in autumn.
Know before you go
- The route from the car park to the cliffs on the western side of Hermaness is around a mile and a half (just over two kilometres) and is mostly on gravel paths and boardwalk.
- The hilltop is a sensitive nesting area so do not stray off the boardwalk during the breeding season (May to September).
- The reserve advises visitors to not wear waterproof over-trousers near the cliff edges and on steep sea-facing slopes, as a slip could easily send you over the edge.
- The closest bus stop is in Baltasound 5.5 miles (nine kilometres) away. Buses are infrequent so having your own transport (or walking) is preferable.
