St Ninian's Point and Chapel Ruins
Walk between two seas on a unique tombolo, explore ancient chapel ruins, and soak in dramatic Shetland coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To walk the tombolo
St Ninian's Point and Chapel Ruins
Best Time
To walk the tombolo
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk between two seas on a unique tombolo, explore ancient chapel ruins, and soak in dramatic Shetland coastal views.
"The tombolo is mesmerising and a place I could watch for hours."
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Crucial for walking the tombolo. Plan your visit around low tide to avoid disappointment or getting stranded.
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven with sand, grass, and rocky paths. Good walking shoes are essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mesmerizing Tombolo
Connecting mainland to St. Ninian's Isle
A breathtaking sand causeway revealed at low tide, offering a unique walk between two seas.
St. Ninian's Chapel Ruins
St. Ninian's Isle
Explore the remnants of a medieval chapel on a site with ancient Pictish origins.
Dramatic Coastal Views
Cliff tops of St. Ninian's Isle
Panoramic vistas of crashing waves, rugged coastline, and the surrounding Shetland landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Tombolo Trek
Exploring the Chapel Ruins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Crucial for walking the tombolo. Plan your visit around low tide to avoid disappointment or getting stranded.
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven with sand, grass, and rocky paths. Good walking shoes are essential.
Pack for All Weathers :cloud:
Shetland weather is famously changeable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain, even on the same day.
Watch for Rabbit Warrens :rabbit2:
The area is home to many rabbits; be careful where you step to avoid holes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Crucial for walking the tombolo. Plan your visit around low tide to avoid disappointment or getting stranded.
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven with sand, grass, and rocky paths. Good walking shoes are essential.
Pack for All Weathers :cloud:
Shetland weather is famously changeable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain, even on the same day.
Watch for Rabbit Warrens :rabbit2:
The area is home to many rabbits; be careful where you step to avoid holes.
Allow Ample Time :stopwatch:
Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the tombolo, chapel ruins, and surrounding walks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty and unique geological feature of the tombolo, calling it a mesmerizing and dramatic experience. The historical chapel ruins and panoramic coastal views are also highly praised, making it a must-visit for its blend of natural wonder and ancient history. Some note the importance of checking tide times and being prepared for changeable weather.
"A very ruined church. Medieval built on top of earlier site. A Pictish hoard was discovered here. From the large car park, you cross the tombola (small causeway)and immediately climb up the sand path and quicly turn right. Climb up to two stone pillars and the church site is on the right. There is a seat to rest on and an information board. Beware of all the rabbit warrens !"
Gill P
"The tombolo, the waves crashing, the cliff top walk around the island's perimeter, the wildlife, the views, the changeable weather, the remains of the chapel and the sheer drama of everything about this make it an absolute must for a visit. The tombolo is mesmerising and a place I could watch for hours. I caught the no 6 bus from Lerwick to Channerwick Junction for a 40 min walk down to Bigton. You'll need at least 2-3 hours from arriving in Bigton if walking the full thing."
Mike Parsons
"Stunning views and ancient history ., what else do u want !!"
martyn hyde
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Ninian's Point is accessible by car, with a large car park near Bigton. You can also catch the No. 6 bus from Lerwick to Channerwick Junction, followed by a walk to Bigton.
Yes, there is a large car park available, which is the starting point for exploring the tombolo and St. Ninian's Isle.
While possible via public transport (bus to Channerwick Junction) and walking, having a car offers more flexibility for reaching the site and exploring the surrounding areas.
The tombolo is accessed by a short walk from the car park at Bigton. It's a natural sand causeway that connects to St. Ninian's Isle.
The walk from the car park to the tombolo is relatively easy. The climb up to the chapel ruins is a bit steeper but manageable for most.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, St. Ninian's Point and the tombolo are natural attractions and do not require tickets for entry. Access is free.
As a natural landscape, St. Ninian's Point is accessible at all times. However, the tombolo is only visible and safe to cross at low tide.
There is no entrance fee for the St. Ninian's Chapel ruins. They are part of the historical landscape accessible to all visitors.
The tombolo is best visited during low tide. It's essential to check local tide times before your visit to ensure you can walk across safely.
The main consideration is tide times for the tombolo. Otherwise, it's an open natural site. Please respect the environment and historical remains.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the unique tombolo, the ruins of St. Ninian's Chapel, dramatic coastal cliffs, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding islands and sea.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours to fully experience the tombolo, explore the chapel ruins, and take in the coastal walks and views.
Absolutely! The dramatic landscapes, the tombolo, and the historical ruins offer incredible photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
You might spot various seabirds, seals in the water, and numerous rabbits on the island. The diverse flora also adds to the natural beauty.
There are no dedicated facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at St. Ninian's Point. It's a natural site, so come prepared.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel: The Tombolo
Experiencing the tombolo is often described as magical. The feeling of walking between two bodies of water is surreal and provides fantastic photo opportunities. The dynamic nature of the tombolo, shaped by the sea, adds to its allure. Many visitors find themselves captivated by the sheer drama of this geological formation and could watch it for hours.
A Glimpse into the Past: Chapel Ruins and Pictish Hoard
Exploring the ruins offers a tangible link to centuries of human activity. While the structures are largely ruined, the foundations and remaining stones evoke a sense of history. Visitors are advised to be mindful of the numerous rabbit warrens that dot the landscape around the ruins, as they can create uneven ground. The combination of historical remnants and the dramatic natural setting makes for a compelling visit.
The Dramatic Shetland Landscape
This area is also a haven for wildlife. Visitors often report seeing various seabirds nesting on the cliffs, and seals can sometimes be spotted in the waters below. The abundance of rabbits on the island adds to the lively ecosystem. The changeable Shetland weather only adds to the drama, with skies that can shift from bright sunshine to moody clouds in a matter of minutes, creating ever-changing photographic conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit