Brough Head Loop

This easy coastal loop of around 3 km (about 1.9 miles) is a short, low-level walk with virtually no climbing, making it a good option for families, casual walkers, birdwatchers, and anyone looking for a gentle outing with big sea views. The route is associated with Brough Head in Dunrossness, South Mainland, Shetland, near the Pool of Virkie and Eastshore/Sumburgh area, where the archaeological site of Brough Head sits close to the shoreline. The recorded monument lies at Brough Head, Eastshore, Dunrossness, Shetland, near Pool of Virkie and a short distance from Sumburgh Airport and Sumburgh Head. (trove.scot)

Expect a mostly straightforward outing over coastal ground, with the main appeal coming from the open landscape rather than any physical challenge. With only around 0 m of ascent—effectively flat throughout—the walk is more about steady footing, changing light, and exposure to wind than exertion. Even on an easy route like this, the coast can feel raw and open, especially in Shetland, where weather can shift quickly and strong winds are common. Waterproof layers, an extra warm layer, and sturdy shoes are sensible even for such a short distance. (trove.scot)

What the route feels like

The loop is best thought of as a short wander around a low coastal headland rather than a hill walk. Ground underfoot is likely to be a mix of short grass, worn paths, rougher coastal turf, and possibly damp patches depending on recent weather. Because the distance is only about 3 km / 1.9 miles, most walkers will complete it comfortably in well under 1.5 hours, though it is worth allowing extra time for stops to look at the archaeology, watch birds over the tidal water, and take in views toward Sumburgh Head and the surrounding coast. The setting around the Pool of Virkie gives the walk a broad, open character, with sea, shore, and tidal habitat often dominating the experience. (themodernantiquarian.com)

Navigation should be uncomplicated in clear conditions on a route this short, but coastal paths and informal tracks can be less distinct in places, especially where grazing land or rough ground blurs the line of travel. For route planning and mapping, use HiiKER. On windy or misty days, keep a close eye on direction changes around the headland and avoid wandering too near cliff or eroded edges if the route approaches them.

Landmarks, wildlife, and what to look out for

The standout historical feature is Brough Head broch and settlement, an Iron Age site with evidence of a broch, wheelhouse, and associated settlement remains. The monument is heavily affected by coastal erosion, but surviving walls and structural traces still make it an important archaeological stop. The name connection with Virkie may derive from a Scandinavian word linked to a fort, hinting at the long overlap of prehistoric and Norse influence in the area. This gives the walk more depth than its short mileage suggests: it is not just a shoreline circuit, but a route through a landscape occupied and reused for centuries. (trove.scot)

The nearby Pool of Virkie is also significant for nature. As a tidal area, it is known for birdlife, so walkers should keep an eye out for waders, seabirds, and other coastal species using the mudflats and shore. More broadly, the South Mainland coast around Sumburgh Head is well known for seabirds and marine wildlife, and while this short loop is not the same site as the main reserve, the wider area supports excellent wildlife watching. Depending on season and conditions, you may see gulls, waders, and other shore-associated birds, with the possibility of additional seabird activity offshore. (themodernantiquarian.com)

Because this is an exposed coastal setting, the main hazards are environmental rather than technical:
- strong winds that can make even flat ground feel awkward,
- slippery grass or muddy patches after rain,
- uneven ground around archaeological remains,
- and erosion near the coast.

If walking with children, keep them close near any steep shore edges or unstable ground. If livestock are present, give them space and keep dogs under close control.

Getting to the start

For drivers, the most useful landmark for the start is **Eastshore / Pool of Virkie near