Ward of Hostigates, Hurdi Field and The Brigs and Loch of Hostigates Loop

This easy loop on Shetland’s Westside is a short, mostly level outing of about 4 km / 2.5 miles with negligible ascent, making it well suited to walkers who want big scenery without a demanding climb. The route explores open moorland around the Lochs of Hostigates and reaches out toward The Brigs, with wide views across to Vementry and the surrounding coast. The landscape is exposed rather than steep, so the main challenge is usually wind, wet ground, and underfoot softness rather than elevation. The Lochs of Hostigates lie near Vementry on the west side of Mainland Shetland, a few miles northwest of Aith. (commons.wikimedia.org)

Expect a quiet, open walk through classic Shetland scenery: peatland, rough grass, heather, small lochs, and low rocky rises. With only around 0 m / 0 ft of climbing overall, the route feels gentle, but the ground can still be uneven and boggy in places, especially after rain. Waterproof footwear is a sensible choice even on a short day. Because this is an exposed coastal and moorland setting, weather can change quickly, and even an easy route can feel more serious in strong wind or poor visibility. For navigation, carrying the route on HiiKER is the best way to stay oriented across the more open sections. (shetland.org)

What the route is like

From the start, the walk settles quickly into a broad, open landscape where the eye is drawn as much to water and sky as to the path itself. The Ward of Hostigates is a low summit rather than a dramatic hill, so this is less about a single climb and more about moving through a spacious, elemental setting. The lochs are a defining feature here, and they give the route a calm, reflective character when conditions are still, while in windier weather they add to the wild feel of the walk. (commons.wikimedia.org)

Hurdi Field and the ground around The Brigs add variety to what might otherwise seem like a simple moorland circuit. The Brigs are one of the memorable landmarks of the outing, giving the route a stronger coastal identity and helping break up the inland lochside terrain. On a clear day, the outlook toward Vementry is a highlight. Shetland’s Westside is known for these sweeping views of voes, islands, moor, and sea, and this walk fits that pattern well despite its short length. (shetlandwithlaurie.com)

Nature and wildlife

This part of Shetland is rich in birdlife and moorland habitat. Around the lochs and wetter ground, walkers may see or hear common wetland and moorland species, while the coastal influence brings the chance of seabirds nearby depending on season and exact line of travel. In summer, the moor can be brightened by wildflowers and bog plants, including cotton grass in damper patches, with heather and rough grassland shaping much of the wider scene. The area around Vementry and the Westside is also valued for its unspoilt character and marine setting. (shetlandwithlaurie.com)

Because the route crosses open country, it is worth watching for soft peat, hidden wet patches, and livestock in adjacent crofting land. Shetland’s access guidance notes that walkers may encounter field boundaries and grazing animals, so care around gates, walls, and stock is important. Midges are often less of an issue here than in many mainland Scottish walking areas because of the wind, but that same wind can make conditions feel much colder than the distance suggests. (shetland.org)

Historical and landscape interest

The wider Vementry and Westside area has a long human story. Shetland.org notes that Vementry contains ruins of ancient homesteads and burial cairns, showing settlement in this landscape stretching far back into prehistory. The island also has derelict First World