Sand Wick, Loch of No Ness, Bannock Hole and Table of Stoo Loop

This easy coastal loop on Shetland’s South Mainland packs a surprising amount into roughly 9 km / 5.6 miles, with only about 100 m / 330 ft of climbing, so it suits walkers looking for a half-day outing with big sea views, modest effort, and plenty of interest along the way. The route begins near the No Ness road outside Sandwick, close to the coast at approximately grid reference HU434236, which places the start near the signed turn for No Ness, Sandwick, Shetland rather than at a formal trailhead car park. There is usually informal roadside parking near the bend where the road reaches the coast, plus limited space by a nearby picnic table, but care is needed not to block gates or passing places. Public transport does not reach the exact start; the nearest bus stop is about 2.5 km / 1.6 miles away in or near Sandwick, so anyone arriving by bus should expect an additional road walk to and from the route. From Lerwick, the drive south on the A970 to Sandwick is straightforward, and villages including Sandwick are signposted from the main road. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The walking itself is generally uncomplicated, following a mix of minor road, farm track, grassy coastal ground, and clifftop paths. Although the overall difficulty is easy, the terrain is not entirely manicured: there are boggy patches, sheep paths, uneven grassy sections, and several stiles and gates to cross. That means waterproof footwear is still a sensible choice, especially after rain or in a wetter season. Allow around 2.5 to 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace, longer if you stop often for wildlife watching or to explore the archaeological remains. For navigation, it is worth having the route loaded in HiiKER, because some sections leave the clearer track and follow fainter paths above the cliffs. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

What the route feels like

From the start near No Ness, the route heads south on the road before continuing beyond the tarmac onto a track by the coast. Early on, the walking is gentle and open, with farmland behind and the sea close at hand. Once the track swings away, the route keeps to sheep paths above the cliffs, and this is where the character of the walk changes from a simple coastal ramble into something more dramatic. The west and south sides of the peninsula bring broken cliff edges, geos cut into the coastline, and a more exposed feel, though the gradients remain modest. Around the outer part of the headland you may also notice concrete wartime remains, likely associated with Second World War coastal defenses or observation points, a reminder of Shetland’s strategic importance in the North Atlantic during the war years. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

As the loop turns north along the eastern side of No Ness, the scenery becomes one of the walk’s real highlights. This side looks across Mousa Sound toward the island of Mousa, and on a clear day the outlook is superb. The cliffs here are especially fine, with several inlets and rocky indentations breaking up the shoreline. The route stays close enough to the edge for expansive views, but the ground can be rougher and wetter in places, so it is worth slowing down and watching foot placement. Wind exposure can also be significant even on an otherwise easy day, which is typical of Shetland’s coast. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Landmarks, archaeology, and local history

One of the most significant landmarks on the loop is the ruined Broch of Burraland, reached on the return leg. Brochs are Iron Age drystone towers unique to Scotland, and this one is especially evocative because it stands facing Mousa Broch across the sound. Walkhighlands notes that Burraland would once have been a counterpart to the far better-preserved broch on Mousa, though much of its stone was later robbed for nearby buildings, themselves now ruined. Even in its reduced state, it gives the walk a strong sense of antiquity and helps place this coastline within Shetland