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Accessibility

Before you visit 

  • Open at all times under Scottish access legislation. Some disruption to access due to major redevelopment works in 2013-2014
  • Free entry
  • No toilets, catering, formal way-marked access or reception staff
  • Registered assistance and other dogs welcome, but on a lead or under close control, please
  • Events and activities programme. Please check ahead for suitability for your access needs.

How to get here 

  • Nearest bus stop (with shelter) by Sumburgh Hotel, 1.5 miles (2 km) away. Leasks Buses No. 6 Sumburgh-Lerwick  daily. Access on main road with no pavement
  • Coastal path from Historic Scotland’s Jarlshof site. Stiles and no waymarkers
  • Boddam Cabs, tel: 01950 460111, is the local taxi service
  • Bicycle hire from Sumburgh Hotel, tel: 01950 460201.

Car parking

  • 15 spaces in unmarked bays. Tarmac surface
  • Limited car parking for less mobile visitors near lighthouse buildings. Only accessible by prior arrangement until 2014
  • No lighting. Nor opening or height restrictions.

Nature trails

  • No formal nature trails. Uneven, unimproved paths alongside boundary walls and fences. Two stiles along coastal trail
  • Three benches - beside the car park, midway up to the lighthouse and just before the lighthouse gateway
  • Cattle grid (with alternative access) on the road up to lighthouse.

Viewing facilities

  • Two wooden viewing platforms with steps and some external interpretation between April and September
  • Good views from car park.

Toilets and baby changing facilities

  • Nearest public toilets at Grutness Pier, 1 mile (1.6 km) away, or West Voe beach, 50 m from the Sumburgh Hotel bus stop. Nearest unisex accessible facilities at Sumburgh Airport, 2 miles (3.25 km) away
  • Nearest baby changing facilities are at Sumburgh Hotel.

Catering

  • Nearest refreshments, including hot food, at Sumburgh Hotel, Sumburgh Airport or at Goudies local shop in Toab, 3 miles (5 km) away. 

Education facilities

  • Outdoor education on offer. Contact us to find out more.

For more information