Skaw is the northernmost settlement in the United Kingdom, sitting at the very top of Unst in the Shetland Islands. Most people visit for the remote scenery, coastal walks, wildlife, and the feeling that you’ve reached the edge of the map. You won’t find big attractions or packed itineraries here. Skaw works best as a slow stop where the landscape itself is the main reason to visit.
If you are already exploring Shetland, adding Skaw gives your trip a completely different feel from Lerwick or the southern mainland. The roads narrow, the coastline becomes more rugged, and the crowds almost disappear.
Is Skaw Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy remote coastal scenery, birdwatching, photography, and quieter parts of Scotland. Skaw is less about ticking off attractions and more about experiencing one of the most isolated corners of the UK.
| Best For | What To Expect |
|---|---|
| Wildlife watching | Seabirds, puffins, seals, occasional otters |
| Photography | Cliffs, coastal roads, dramatic weather |
| Road trips | Quiet drives through Unst landscapes |
| Walking | Coastal hikes and open scenery |
| Remote travel | Very limited services and facilities |
Where Is Skaw?
Skaw is located on the island of Unst in the Shetland Islands, north of mainland Scotland. Reaching it takes effort, which is part of the appeal. Most visitors drive north through Mainland Shetland, take the ferry to Yell, then another ferry to Unst before continuing toward the northern coastline.
The final drive to Skaw feels increasingly remote, with open moorland, coastal views, and very little traffic. Fuel stations and shops become limited the further north you travel, so plan ahead before leaving the larger villages.
Walk to the Skaw Cliffs
The cliffs around Skaw are the highlight for many visitors. The coastline here feels raw and exposed, with steep drops into the North Sea and strong waves crashing below during rough weather.
The walk itself is relatively straightforward in dry conditions, though the ground can become boggy after rain. Good waterproof footwear helps, especially outside summer. Many visitors use the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot because it handles wet coastal terrain well without feeling too heavy for casual walks.
Bring extra layers even on calmer days because the wind can change quickly along the coastline. Conditions often feel much colder here than elsewhere in Shetland.
Look for Puffins and Seabirds
Skaw and the surrounding cliffs are popular with birdwatchers during spring and summer. Puffins are usually the main attraction, though sightings depend on the season and conditions.
You may also spot fulmars, guillemots, gannets, and skuas circling the cliffs. Early mornings and quieter evenings are often the best times for wildlife photography because the light becomes softer and there are fewer people around.
If you are bringing binoculars, many travelers use the Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10×42 binoculars because they work well in coastal conditions without being too bulky for day trips around Shetland.
Experience the Northernmost Point Feeling
Part of the appeal of Skaw is simply standing near the northern edge of the UK mainland islands and taking in how isolated it feels. The landscape is open, treeless, and heavily shaped by the weather.
There are no large visitor centers or busy attractions here. Most people stop to walk, take photos, and enjoy the silence for a while before continuing their Shetland road trip.
Drive Around Unst
Even if Skaw is your main destination, don’t rush straight there and back. Unst itself is worth exploring, with Viking history, small beaches, and dramatic coastal roads throughout the island.
The drive around Unst is one of the most underrated road trips in Scotland. You can easily spend a full day stopping at viewpoints, tiny harbors, and walking trails without following a strict itinerary.
Road conditions are generally good but narrow in places. Sheep frequently wander onto the roads, especially near quieter coastal sections.
Visit During the Simmer Dim
Summer in Shetland brings extremely long daylight hours known locally as the Simmer Dim. Around June and early July, it barely gets fully dark overnight.
That extended daylight changes the entire experience of visiting Skaw. Evening drives feel calmer, wildlife stays active later, and photographers get far more time for golden-hour conditions than elsewhere in the UK.
If you plan to stay out exploring late, a portable charger like the Anker PowerCore 10000 is useful because phone batteries drain quickly in colder coastal weather and remote areas often have limited charging options.
What To Pack for Skaw
The weather in northern Shetland changes quickly and strong winds are common year-round. Even summer days can feel cold once you stop walking.
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm mid-layer
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Offline maps
- Snacks and water
Common Mistakes Visitors Make
One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating driving and ferry times around Shetland. Getting to Unst takes longer than many visitors expect, especially if ferry schedules are busy or weather conditions change.
Another common issue is assuming there will be cafés or shops nearby at all times. Facilities become limited once you head north, particularly outside peak season. It’s smart to bring snacks and fuel up earlier in the journey.
Weather is another factor people often underestimate. Conditions can shift from sunshine to heavy rain quickly, and the wind near Skaw can feel intense even on mild forecast days.
Best Time To Visit Skaw
Late May through August is usually the easiest time to visit because of longer daylight, milder temperatures, and better chances for wildlife sightings.
Spring and early summer are especially good for birdwatching. Autumn brings moodier scenery and fewer visitors, though weather disruptions become more likely later in the year.
Winter trips are possible but require more flexibility because ferry delays and strong winds can affect travel plans.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Skaw
Skaw is not a destination for packed schedules or major attractions. It’s a place you visit to experience distance, quiet landscapes, huge coastal views, and the feeling of being far from everything else.
If you already enjoy slower Highland or island travel, Skaw will probably become one of the most memorable stops in Shetland. Give yourself enough time to explore Unst properly, check ferry schedules in advance, and leave room in your plans for weather changes along the way.