Sands of Breckon Beach

Situated on the northern tip of the island of Yell this is one of the most beautiful beaches in all Shetland. A stretch of near white sand flanked by low cliffs and with grass-covered dunes to the rear.

The sand here is actually made up largely of shell particles - which is part of the reason it is so pale. This also has the effect of giving the water a beautiful turquoise hue to it.

Despite the beach facing north into the Atlantic it is fairly well sheltered from most wind directions, including the prevailing southwesterlies.

Traces of Viking and pre-Viking settlements going back over 4,000 years can be found around the beach. Archaeological remains including Viking combs made of bone, pottery and later Roman coins have all been found here.