Dunrossness, a region in the southernmost part of Mainland Shetland, Scotland, is characterized by its dramatic coastal landscapes, expansive moorland, and unique geological features. The area offers a diverse terrain suitable for various outdoor pursuits, from rugged cliff-top paths to quiet country roads. Its geography, with a blend of coastline and inland areas, provides a setting for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and road cycling.
Dunrossness provides a range of outdoor activities for…
29
Routes
4.5
(52)
Average rating
548
People visited

4.8
(22)
162
hikers
5.93km
01:36
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(15)
104
hikers
6.96km
01:55
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
7
hikers
12.6km
03:27
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
19
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
runners
12.5km
01:31
200m
200m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
runners
15.1km
01:35
180m
180m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
runners
14.4km
01:33
150m
150m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
runners
7.59km
00:48
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
28
riders
55.2km
03:33
720m
720m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
22
riders
29.8km
01:57
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
17
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
14
riders
32.6km
02:04
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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16
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

10
riders
32.6km
01:43
440m
440m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

9
riders
33.7km
01:46
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

8
riders
33.0km
01:49
440m
440m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Dunrossness offers a variety of outdoor activities including Hiking, Touring cycling, Jogging, and Road cycling. There are more than 20 routes available across these sports, catering to different interests and fitness levels. These routes have received an average rating of 4.36 out of 5 stars from over 2,500 visitors.
Popular hiking routes include the Sumburgh Head circular, a 4.3-mile (6.9 km) trail around the RSPB nature reserve, and the St Ninian's Isle circular, an easy 3.7-mile (6 km) path. More options can be found in the Hiking around Dunrossness guide.
Dunrossness provides numerous cycling opportunities on quiet roads and diverse terrain, suitable for both touring and road cycling. Specific routes are detailed in the Cycling around Dunrossness and Road Cycling Routes around Dunrossness guides.
Yes, Dunrossness features easy hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels. The St Ninian's Isle circular is an easy 3.7-mile (6 km) path. Additional accessible options are available in the Easy hikes around Dunrossness guide.
Dunrossness offers several family-friendly walking options, such as the St Ninian's Isle circular, which is an easy path suitable for families. Further details on suitable routes can be found in the Family-friendly hikes around Dunrossness guide.
Key natural attractions include the St Ninian's Isle Tombolo, a unique sand and shingle causeway, and Sumburgh Head, known for its cliffs and seabird colonies. The region also features several beaches, such as Sumburgh Beach.
Dunrossness is home to significant archaeological sites. These include Jarlshof, a multi-period settlement, and Old Scatness, which reveals remains from various historical eras. The Broch of Mousa, an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age tower, is also located within the parish.
Some hiking trails in Dunrossness are accessible via public transport. Information on routes starting from bus stations is provided in the Hikes from bus stations around Dunrossness guide.
Dunrossness routes are popular on komoot, with over 2,500 visitors having explored the area. The 27 available routes have an average rating of 4.36 out of 5 stars, indicating a high level of satisfaction among users.
Komoot offers several guides for Dunrossness, including Hiking around Dunrossness, Easy hikes around Dunrossness, Family-friendly hikes around Dunrossness, Cycling around Dunrossness, Road Cycling Routes around Dunrossness, Running Trails around Dunrossness, and Hikes from bus stations around Dunrossness.
Sumburgh Head is known for its dramatic cliffs, which provide opportunities for close encounters with puffins and other seabirds. The restored lighthouse at Sumburgh Head also features a visitor centre. A circular trail of 4.3 miles (6.9 km) explores the area.
The St Ninian's Isle Tombolo is a natural sand and shingle causeway connecting St Ninian's Isle to the mainland. It is considered a remarkable geological feature in Europe. In summer, the tombolo is above sea level, offering a unique walking experience with the sea on both sides.
Yes, Dunrossness offers several routes suitable for jogging. These trails provide opportunities to experience the region's diverse landscapes. More information on specific routes can be found in the Running Trails around Dunrossness guide.
General tourism information for the Shetland Islands, which includes Dunrossness, is available through Shetland.org and VisitScotland. For phone inquiries, the VisitScotland Lerwick office can be reached at 0800 208 4262.

