The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Noss National Nature Reserve

There are over 35 family-friendly hiking trails around Noss National Nature Reserve, with 24 of them rated as easy, making them suitable for various ages and abilities. These routes offer a great way to explore the stunning coastal landscapes and wildlife.

The best time to visit Noss National Nature Reserve with family is during the spring and summer months, typically from May to August. This period coincides with the peak seabird breeding season, offering spectacular views of thousands of nesting birds on the cliffs. The weather is also generally milder, making for more pleasant hiking conditions.

Yes, there are several easy walks perfect for young children and toddlers. The Knab Coastal Walk – Lerwick Town Hall loop from Lerwick is an easy 5.5 km route with minimal elevation, offering gentle paths. On Noss itself, the Inbye Trail is a shorter walk around the fertile western end, providing great views and chances to spot nesting fulmars and puffins, though access to Noss requires a ferry and inflatable boat ride.

The terrain around Noss National Nature Reserve is diverse. You can expect dramatic coastal paths along towering sandstone cliffs, rolling grasslands, and moorland expanses. Some routes may include sandy and boulder beaches. While many paths are well-maintained, some areas can be uneven or exposed, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Absolutely! Noss is a paradise for wildlife spotting. The cliffs are home to one of Europe's largest seabird colonies, where you can see gannets, guillemots, puffins, fulmars, and kittiwakes during breeding season. Keep an eye out for seals basking on the shoreline, and you might even spot porpoises, whales, or otters in the waters offshore. The Seals at the Beach – Loch of Grimsetter loop from Lerwick is a moderate route that offers good opportunities for marine wildlife viewing.

Yes, many of the family-friendly routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Clickimin Broch – Lerwick Town Hall loop from Lerwick is an easy 6.3 km circular hike. On Noss island itself, the Island Circuit offers a full anti-clockwise loop, providing extensive views and a comprehensive experience of the seabird colonies.

Noss National Nature Reserve is rich in natural wonders. The most striking features are the towering sandstone cliffs, particularly the Noup of Noss, which are often called a 'seabird skyscraper' due to the sheer number of birds. You'll also find expansive sea views, rolling grasslands, and diverse coastal scenery. While not directly on Noss, the Clickimin Broch – Lerwick Town Hall loop from Lerwick allows you to see the historic Clickimin Broch.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 200 ratings. Reviewers often praise the spectacular coastal scenery, the incredible abundance of seabirds and marine wildlife, and the feeling of being immersed in a truly wild and natural environment. The dramatic cliffs and panoramic sea views are frequently highlighted as unforgettable experiences.

While Noss itself is largely uninhabited and accessed by boat, if you are starting your family hike from Lerwick on the mainland, there is parking available in and around the town. For routes like the The Lodberries – Knab Coastal Walk loop from Lerwick, you can typically find parking in public car parks within Lerwick.

To reach Noss National Nature Reserve, you typically take a ferry from Lerwick to the island of Bressay. From Bressay, a small inflatable boat (a 'Noss ferry') transports visitors across to Noss itself. This unique journey is often considered part of the adventure and is a highlight for many families.

Upon arrival on Noss, visitors can access a visitor centre. Wardens are usually on hand to provide information, including seasonal walking route instructions and insights into the island's wildlife. It's advisable to check opening times and availability of services before your visit, especially for families.

While dogs are generally welcome on many trails in the wider Shetland area, Noss National Nature Reserve is a sensitive wildlife area, especially during seabird breeding season. It's crucial to check the specific regulations for Noss before bringing a dog, as restrictions may apply to protect nesting birds and other wildlife. Always keep dogs on a lead and ensure they do not disturb any animals.