HU4007 : Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Foghorn

Sumburgh Head

87m Elevation
49m Prominence
Scotland Country
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HU4007 : Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Foghorn

Iain Lees Photo source

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Sumburgh Head Circular Walk

A scenic loop that provides stunning views of the coastline and seabirds, starting from the car park at Sumburgh Head.

5 km ~2 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

0-99m hill

Elevation

87m

285 ft

Prominence

49m

Coordinates

59.8540, -1.2746

HU407078

OS Map

4

Explorer: 466S

At the Summit

The summit is crowned with a historic lighthouse, set against dramatic cliff edges. The lighthouse, built in 1821, remains an iconic feature of the landscape.

Terrain & Geology

Primarily grassy with rocky outcrops and steep cliffs.

Sumburgh Head is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, a sedimentary rock that offers a fascinating glimpse into the geological history of the region. The cliffs are also home to intriguing fossils, telling tales of ancient marine life.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the distant Orkney Islands, and the fascinating cliffs that are home to numerous seabird colonies.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Sumburgh' is believed to be derived from the Norse word 'Sumborg', meaning 'the fortress' or 'the stronghold'.

Historical Significance

Sumburgh Head has been an important maritime landmark for centuries, guiding sailors safely past the treacherous waters of Shetland.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a dedicated car park at Sumburgh Head, just a few minutes' walk from the lighthouse.

Public Transport

Regular bus services from Lerwick connect to Sumburgh, especially during the summer months.

Nearby Facilities

There are public toilets near the car park. The nearby Sumburgh Hotel offers dining options and refreshments.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of steep cliffs and strong winds, especially near the coast. Slippery paths can occur after rain.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Sumburgh Head?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Sumburgh Head through the maps

Are there other walkers around Sumburgh Head?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Sumburgh Head search or of course create your own walk for Sumburgh Head

Can I organise a walk to Sumburgh Head?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Sumburgh Head.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Sumburgh Head?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Sumburgh Head here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: HU407078

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