Shetland

Morning – Sumburgh Head and Jarlshof circuit

We depart the ferry at Lerwick to begin our tour with a  real Shetland classic, bringing together two of the island’s most iconic attractions into a great coastal circuit. Beginning with a short drive south to Jarlshof we spend time at the most remarkable Neolithic site in Shetland before taking the path up to Sumburgh Head and the lighthouse – the southernmost point of the islands.  Dependant on the season we have the opportunity to witness the puffin colonies at close hand before continuing with our clifftop walk with superb views all around.  (5.5km / 3.5 miles)

Afternoon – Mousa – the broch and RSPB reserve

In the afternoon we visit the island of Mousa situated off the east coast of Shetland’s mainland and famed for its spectacular iron age broch – the most complete and best preserved of all such structures in the world.  A short boat trip opens the way to one of Shetland’s finest excursions that also includes an opportunity to witness a range of birdlife at the island RSPB Reserve. (3.5km / 2.25 miles)

Overnight Lerwick

Westerwick coast, from Silwick

This morning we depart Lerwick after breakfast and head out west to take in two circular routes around the bay at Wester Wick.

The coastline stretching west from Silwick and past Westerwick has some of the most spectacular cliff scenery in the UK, with arches, magnificent stacks and caves. This walk takes in the best section of the coast before taking shortcuts on the return.  (8.5km / 5.25 miles)  

Overnight Lerwick.

Muckle Roe and the Hams

This morning we head north on the island’s main transport route to Brae, our base for the next three overnights, before  turning back south / west to Muckle Roe to begin our walk on a circuit that many locals regard to be the finest in the archipelago. The section from the lighthouse to the Hams is rugged and rocky but the coastal scenery is superb. Muckle Roe is linked to mainland Shetland by a bridge.

(11.5km / 7.25 miles).

Overnight Brae.

Hermaness National Nature Reserve, Unst

A day trip north involving two ferry crossings takes us to the island of Unst and one of Shetland’s truly special places, Herma Ness.  This location offers a dramatic clifftop National Nature Reserve that is also a spectacular seabird city – home to more than 100,000 birds in the breeding season, including countless puffins, a huge gannetry and the world’s third largest colony of bonxies – great skuas. The awesome cliffs look out to the serrated rocks of Muckle Flugga and Out Stack – the most northerly place in Britain.  (10.5km / 6.5 miles).  

Overnight Brae.

Mu Ness and the Castle from Uyeasound, Unst

This circular walk that allows exploration of the low lying southern coastline of Unst, running from the settlement at Uyeasound to visit Scotland’s most northerly castle – Muness, a 16^th Century tower house. It may be possible to view otters along the coastline.  (12km / 7.5 miles)

Uyea circuit from Sandvoe, Northmavine

Today we head north to North Roe for a circular walk in the northern section of the islands to view the remote tidal island of Uyea and its surrounding stacks and skerries. The return is on an inland track passing lochans where rare birds can often be spotted.   (15.5km / 9.75 miles). 

Overnight Brae.

Esha Ness and Tangwick circuit, Northmavine

Our final day in the north of the islands before heading back south to Lerwick and a real Shetland classic = this exploration around the coastal cliffs of the Esha Ness peninsula offers a superb walk with some magnificent cliff scenery as well as the chance to see seabirds, seals and otters.

(13.75km / 8.5 miles). 

Overnight Lerwick.

Morning – Island of Noss  – (8.25km / 5.25 miles)

Afternoon – Lerwick Explorer  – (6km / 3.75 miles)

Our last day on Shetland and we first travel east to Bressay and on to visit the bird sanctuary on the Island of Noss against a backdrop of stunning sea cliffs and pristine beaches returning to Lerwick to explore the older part of the town and harbour ending with a walk to the headland of the Knab with some fine coastal scenery and views. There is also the chance to see a well-preserved and restored broch before making preparation to join our ferry for the overnight return to Aberdeen. 

Overnight on Board in a twin cabin en-suite facilities.

Arrive Aberdeen and after breakfast, disembark the ferry to end your tour.