Attractions and Places To See around Brae - Top 7

Brae is surrounded by diverse natural features. You can visit the dramatic Inver River Waterfall, where water plummets down a jagged rock face, or the sensational Ess-na-Laragh Waterfall, accessible via an elevated boardwalk through the forest. The picturesque Waterfall and Bridge on the Glenariff River offers lush greenery and is part of a unique Waterfall Walkway. Further afield, explore the rugged Eshaness Cliffs, the narrow Mavis Grind isthmus, or the red granite cliffs of Muckle Roe.

Yes, several attractions around Brae are suitable for families. The Inver River Waterfall and the Waterfall and Bridge on the Glenariff River are both categorized as family-friendly, offering scenic walks through forest settings. The North Mainland Leisure Centre in Brae also provides a swimming pool and other facilities for community use.

While Brae itself is a more modern settlement, the surrounding area offers glimpses into Shetland's past. You can visit Busta House, a historic 16th-century house now operating as a hotel, offering insight into the region's heritage. Approximately 15 miles from Brae, the Tangwick Haa Museum, a 17th-century former home, showcases traditional Shetland life with its collection of historical items and photographs.

The area around Brae is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes on trails like the Waterfall Trail or explore the Glenariff Forest. For more challenging adventures, consider climbing Slemish Mountain, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views. There are also numerous road cycling routes and running trails available. Find more details on specific routes in the easy hikes, road cycling, and running trails guides.

For scenic walks, the Glenariff Forest Park is highly recommended, featuring the Waterfall and Bridge on the Glenariff River and the Ess-na-Laragh Waterfall, both part of a unique Waterfall Walkway. You can also explore the trails around the Inver River Waterfall. For more challenging hikes, Slemish Mountain offers a 1.5km circular trail with stunning views.

One of the best times to experience a lively cultural event in Brae is during the annual Brae Up Helly Aa fire festival. This significant community event features a torchlit procession and the burning of a Viking ship, offering a unique insight into Shetland's traditions.

Yes, the areas around Brae and Muckle Roe are excellent for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for seals, various seabirds like cormorants, arctic terns, and arctic skuas, wild geese, and even porpoises. While further south, Sumburgh Head is a renowned spot for puffin-spotting.

Absolutely. Slemish Mountain, the remnant of an extinct volcano, offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area and even the Scottish coast from its 437m summit. The Eshaness Cliffs also provide dramatic coastal vistas, and the area around the waterfalls often features scenic viewpoints within the forest.

The region boasts several unique geological features. Mavis Grind is a remarkable narrow isthmus where you can almost throw a stone from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea. The Eshaness Cliffs are a dramatic display of geological power, and nearby, you can see the defiant Drongs, striking sandstone stacks. Slemish Mountain itself is an extinct volcano.

Visitors particularly enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. Many appreciate the impressive waterfalls like Inver River Waterfall, describing it as a 'dream place to watch and swim' and noting its easy accessibility via hiking trails. The well-developed Waterfall Walkway, which includes Ess-na-Laragh Waterfall and the Waterfall and Bridge on the Glenariff River, is also highly praised for its varied backdrop and picturesque settings.

Yes, due to Brae's northerly location in the Shetland Islands, it offers excellent opportunities to witness the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. This world-famous natural display is a spectacular sight, especially during clear, dark nights in the colder months.

Brae is situated at the northern end of Busta Voe, a picturesque inlet. The Brae Marina provides berths for boats and is a starting point for sailing charters. The Eshaness Cliffs offer dramatic coastal scenery, and the island of Muckle Roe, connected by a bridge, features beautiful views along its west coast, including the 'Hams of Roe' with their red granite cliffs and sea stacks.