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A mini guide to
Northmavine, Yell & Unst: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Book the ferries
Shetland Islands Council strongly recommends booking vehicle space on the Yell and Unst routes, which are often busy.
Fares are paid on board
Fares on the council ferries are collected during the crossing; for Yell, you pay on the way out from the Mainland only.
Plan fuel and food
Shetland.org says Yell and Unst have fuel pumps but Fetlar and Bressay do not, and some island shops keep short hours.
Keep away from cliff edges
The cliffs at Esha Ness and Hermaness are high and exposed. Stay on paths, keep back from the edge and avoid them in strong wind.
Festivals
Shetland festivals in 2027
Dates are from each organiser's own website; check before you book.
Up Helly Aa
Tuesday 26 January 2027
Lerwick's fire festival: the Jarl Squad marches through the town by day, and in the evening a torchlit procession ends with the burning of the galley.
Shetland Folk Festival
Thursday 29 April to Sunday 2 May 2027
The 45th Shetland Folk Festival, which calls itself the UK's most northerly folk festival.
Shetland Wool Week
Saturday 25 September to Sunday 3 October 2027
A week of events celebrating Shetland wool and knitting.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Northmavine, Yell & Unst?
Northmavine, Yell & Unst is in Shetland Islands, Scotland. Esha Ness cliffs, Ronas Hill, the islands of Yell and Unst, and Britain's most northerly sights. Nearby stops and stations include Toft to Ulsta ferry, Gutcher to Belmont ferry, Mavis Grind.
How long do I need in Northmavine, Yell & Unst?
One long day for Unst from Lerwick, two days to include Northmavine. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Mavis Grind, Esha Ness cliffs, Esha Ness Lighthouse. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Toft to Ulsta ferry (Shetland Islands Council); Gutcher to Belmont ferry (Shetland Islands Council); Mavis Grind (A970). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 6 places to eat and drink in and around Northmavine, Yell & Unst, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 10 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Northmavine, Yell & Unst accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Northmavine, Yell & Unst
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Muckle Flugga
Rocky island off the north of Unst, part of the Hermaness reserve, with a lighthouse that was automated in 1995.
Mavis Grind
Isthmus just over 90 metres wide at its narrowest, joining the Northmavine peninsula to the rest of the Mainland.
Esha Ness cliffs
Black volcanic cliffs on the west coast of Northmavine, with sea caves, geos and boulder fields thrown up by storms.
Shetland
More areas to explore
Lerwick & Bressay
Shetland's harbour town: the museum, Fort Charlotte, Clickimin Broch and the ferry to Bressay
Open the mini guide →
South Mainland: Sumburgh, Jarlshof & Mousa
Prehistoric and Norse sites, the Mousa broch, puffin cliffs and the St Ninian's Isle tombolo
Open the mini guide →
Scalloway & the West Mainland
Shetland's old capital, the Shetland Bus story, Tingwall's law site and Neolithic Stanydale
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Haroldswick: Mike Pennington, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Muckle Flugga: Erik Christensen, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Mavis Grind: Anne Burgess, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Esha Ness cliffs: ThoWi, Public domain, source
- Lerwick & Bressay: Florent Abel, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- South Mainland: Sumburgh, Jarlshof & Mousa: swifant, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Scalloway & the West Mainland: Robert W Watt, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Shetland