Shetland Walking and Wildlife Map and Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Shetland

Upon arrival in Shetland you will make your way to Sumburgh for your first nights accommodation. Close to the airport and only an hours drive from Lerwick ferry port, the settlement is perfectly positioned for walks around the 3000 year old archaeological site of Jarlshof and seabird filled cliffs of Sumburgh head. An early arrival will allow much scope for local walks on this first day. A walk to the headland to scan for passing whales above the nesting puffins, guillemots and razorbills is an absolute must.

Overnight: Sumburgh

Day 2 - Drive and Hike to Fitful Head - 5.5m

Following a relaxing night in Sumburgh you travel along the south eastern coast to undertake the exhilarating walk to Fitful Head. Dominating the fertile Quendale Valley, the summit affords views to Fair Isle in the distance as jet black ravens utter their guttural 'cronk' calls above your head. Passing the beautiful mile long sands of the Bay of Quendale, Shetland's longest beach, the walk takes in the best of the southern mainland.

Overnight: Sumburgh

Day 3 - Lerwick and town walk - 1.5m

A 1 hr drive will take you to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland for a relaxing day. The town has strong Old Norse roots and is well worth exploring. A walk to the ‘Horse of Knabb’ point passes hidden bays filled with feeding waders and basking seals. The point itself affords lovely views across to the rocky headlands of the Isle of Bressay. A recommended side trip is to drive across to Scalloway on the west coast with its ruined early 17th century castle. An delightful 4 mile circular coastal walk may be undertaken here.

Overnight: Lerwick

Day 4 - Muckle Roe walk - 6.5 miles

A 1hr drive north through the remote moorland of central mainland Shetland brings you to the island of Muckle Roe on the north west coast. Connected by a bridge the island affords a splendid circular walk past lochans and rocky slabs of red granite. There are views across to the isles of Papa Stour and Foula in the misty distance. Rock stacks and natural arches frame deep blue coves as you hike around ‘geos’, the Old Norse for deep clefts in the cliffs. The wildlife potential is excellent with golden plovers on the heather moors and fulmar, ravens and shags on the crags and cliffs.

Overnight: Busta/Brae

Day 5 - Island of Yell - Gutcher walk - 5.5m

An initial 25 minute drive takes you to the ferry terminal of Toft where the short crossing brings you to Ulsta on the northern Island of Yell. Moving north east you arrive at the village of Gutcher where a 5.5m walk down towards the ancient defensive Burra Ness Broch places you firmly in otter country! A quiet approach and a little patience will surely reward you with sightings of these fascinating and intriguing mammals as they feed and swim around Sandwick Bay. At the point of Burra Ness Broch you have lovely views across to the Isle of Fetlar, famed for its breeding phalarope. You are perfectly placed for the ferry to the Isle of Unst to your next overnight accommodation.

Overnight: Unst

Day 6 - Island of Unst - The Ness walk - 6m

At the far north of Unst, this walk is a every nature lovers dream. A Scottish Natural Heritage reserve the trail takes you to high cliffs overlooking Muckle Flugga lighthouse and Out Stack, the most northerly point of Britain. The sight of thousands of nesting gannets amongst the comical puffins is a worthy goal as much as the views.

Overnight: Unst

Day 7 - Journey to Lerwick

A 3.5 hour drive with two short ferry crossings takes you south and back to Lerwick for your final nights accommodation. You will have ample opportunity to stop and scan the coastline and moors for wildlife en route. In Lerwick itself we would recommend that you visit the Shetland Museum with its varied displays covering the history and natural heritage of these fascinating islands.

Overnight: Lerwick

Day 8 - Onward travel

After breakfast the trip is complete and you may arrange your onward travel. We suggest that you check out our Orkney Walking and Wildife itinerary as an add on option.

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