The best hikes from bus stations around Noss National Nature Reserve

There are over 30 bus-accessible hiking trails around Noss National Nature Reserve. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from coastal walks to trails exploring the local landscape.

The majority of bus-accessible hikes around Noss National Nature Reserve are considered easy, with 20 routes falling into this category. There are also 11 moderate trails for those seeking a bit more challenge, but no difficult routes are listed in this selection.

The best time to visit and hike around Noss National Nature Reserve, especially if you plan to visit the island itself, is during the summer months, particularly from mid-May to mid-July. This period offers the best chance to witness the massive seabird colonies, and the ferry service to Noss is typically operational. Coastal paths are generally more accessible during drier weather.

The area around Noss National Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife. On coastal walks, you might spot seals basking on the shore, otters, porpoises, and even whales in the Noss Sound channel. If you take the ferry to Noss island, you'll be immersed in one of Europe's largest seabird colonies, with thousands of gannets, puffins, guillemots, fulmars, and kittiwakes nesting on the cliffs.

Yes, many of the easy routes are suitable for families. For example, the Knab Coastal Walk – Lerwick Town Hall loop from Lerwick is an easy 5.5 km walk that offers pleasant coastal views and is easily accessible from Lerwick's bus network. Always check the specific route details for elevation and terrain to ensure it suits your family's needs.

While many trails in the wider Shetland area are dog-friendly, specific rules apply, especially in nature reserves. If you plan to visit Noss island itself, dogs are generally not permitted to protect the nesting seabirds and other wildlife. For trails accessible directly from bus stops in areas like Lerwick, such as the Lerwick Coastal Walk and Clickimin Loch, dogs are usually welcome on a lead. Always check local signage and respect wildlife.

Hikes accessible by bus from Lerwick offer views of the dramatic Shetland coastline. While Noss island itself boasts towering cliffs like the Noup of Noss and unique geological formations such as Cradle Holm's sea arch, trails around Lerwick provide views of the sea, sandy beaches, and local landmarks like the Clickimin Broch. The The Lodberries – Knab Coastal Walk loop from Lerwick offers scenic coastal vistas.

Yes, several bus-accessible routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point, often near a bus stop. Examples include the Lerwick Town Hall – The Lodberries loop from Lerwick, which is an easy 3.5 km circular hike, and the Clickimin Broch – Lerwick Town Hall loop from Lerwick.

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 dramatic coastal scenery, the abundance of wildlife, especially seabirds, and the sense of wild, untamed nature. The well-defined paths and the opportunity to experience unique island landscapes are also frequently highlighted.

To reach Noss National Nature Reserve, you first need to get to Lerwick, which is well-served by local buses. From Lerwick, you can take a ferry to the Isle of Bressay. Once on Bressay, you'll need to make your way to the Noss Sound, where a small inflatable boat ferry operates to Noss island during the summer months. This multi-stage journey allows you to combine public transport with a unique island experience.

The terrain varies, but many coastal paths feature rolling grasslands and some moorland sections. While some paths are relatively gentle, others, particularly closer to the Noss cliffs, can be steep and potentially boggy, especially after rain. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended for all hikes in the region.