The best hikes from bus stations around Clickimin Loch

There are over 30 hiking trails around Clickimin Loch that are easily accessible from bus stations, offering a variety of experiences for all skill levels.

Yes, many of the trails are easy and suitable for families. For instance, the Abandoned Bunker – Clickimin Loch loop from Lerwick is an easy 4.7 km route, and the popular Clickimin Broch – Clickimin Loch loop is also very accessible and family-friendly, offering a pleasant walk along the lochside.

Absolutely. Many of the routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point, often conveniently close to a bus stop. The Bain's Beach, Lerwick – The Lodberries loop from Lerwick is a great example of a circular route that combines historic waterfront and coastal scenery.

The most prominent historical site is the Clickimin Broch, an Iron Age stone-built roundhouse located on an islet in the loch. You can often see it from loch-side paths, and some routes, like the Clickimin Broch – Clickimin Loch loop, pass directly by it. The causeway leading to the broch also features unique carved footprints. For more information, you can visit Historic Environment Scotland.

Yes, the trails around Clickimin Loch are generally dog-friendly. However, please ensure your dog is kept under control, especially around wildlife and livestock like Shetland ponies, and always clean up after your pet.

The serene landscape supports various wildlife. You might spot whooper swans gracefully gliding on the loch's water and Shetland ponies grazing in nearby fields. The coastal sections of some trails also offer opportunities to see seabirds.

The trails are enjoyable year-round, but late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally offers the most pleasant weather for hiking. During these months, you'll experience longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, making for a more comfortable walk.

While many routes are easy, there are options for longer walks. The Anderson High School – Clickimin Loch loop from Lerwick is an easy 7 km route, and the Old Coastal Bunker – Coastal Path with Boat Shelter loop from Lerwick offers a moderate 5.8 km trail through open coastal terrain, providing a bit more challenge.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 200 reviews. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the trails, the beautiful loch-side scenery, and the historical interest of sites like the Clickimin Broch.

Yes, as many trails start from Lerwick, you'll find various cafes, pubs, and shops in the town centre where you can grab a bite or a drink before or after your hike. The Clickimin Leisure Centre, also near the loch, offers amenities.

The terrain around Clickimin Loch is generally varied but accessible. You can expect mostly flat, well-maintained loch-side paths, some historic town paths, and open coastal routes. The paths are suitable for most skill levels, with some gentle inclines on longer routes.

Yes, several routes combine the loch scenery with coastal views. The Fort Charlotte – Lerwick Town Hall loop from Lerwick offers a glimpse into Lerwick's historic waterfront, while the Old Coastal Bunker – Coastal Path with Boat Shelter loop from Lerwick provides a more extensive experience of the open coastal terrain.