Wildlife of the Shetland Islands

7 days from £2995 per person

Rocky outcrops in the Shetland Islands

The most northerly point of the United Kingdom, the Shetland Isles are a picturesque and remote archipelago of over one hundred islands. As close to Norway as they are the Scottish capital Edinburgh, Shetland islanders have a proud heritage, distinct cultural tradition and strong ties to their Scandinavian neighbours. Inhabited for thousands of years, there are a number of ancient archaeological remains dotted throughout the islands and its setting in the North Atlantic makes it an important haven for a diverse range of bird and marine life. Combining birdwatching, history and walking, this itinerary showcases the very best of Shetland.

Lerwick – Jarlshof – Sumburgh Head – Eshaness – Yell – Unst – Noss – Bressay – Rona’s Hill – St Ninian’s Isle

Itinerary Highlights

Explore the exceptional prehistoric archaeological site of Jarlshof then visit the RSPB reserve at Sumburgh Head which is one of the UK’s finest birdwatching locations.

Travel by ferry to the islands of Yell and Unst. Visit Hermaness, home to a large breeding population of great skua and view the most northerly piece of land in the UK.

Hike to the highest point on Shetland, Ronas Hill. Standing at 450 metres above sea level, the summit has a sub-Arctic climate and there are fantastic far-reaching views.

Itinerary: Wildlife of the Shetland Islands

Day 1 Arrive Lerwick / Lerwick to Busta – 25 miles

This morning meet your guide in Lerwick. If you have arrived on the overnight ferry from Aberdeen, your guide will meet you at the town’s ferry terminal. Alternatively, if you arrived by air the evening before, your guide will collect you from your hotel. Upon leaving Lerwick drive north to the small island of Muckle Row and embark on an enjoyable and breezy coastal walk to North and South Ham. Later continue to the Busta House Hotel which overlooks the inlet of Busta Voe and where you will stay for the next six nights. (L/D)

Accommodation in Busta: Busta House Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Busta – visit Sumburgh Head and Jarlshof

Today combine archaeology with wildlife with visits to Jarlshof and the RSPB reserve at Sumburgh Head. Widely considered to be one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites in the UK, Jarlshof has been occupied by humans for thousands of years from the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron ages to the Picts and Norse. Afterwards follow the coast to Sumburgh Head – one of the country’s premier birdwatching locations. See gannets, auks and bonxies, the local name for great skua, and, if lucky, spot whales offshore. If time allows, a visit will also be made to the Ness of Burgi Stone Age Fort. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Busta: Busta House Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Busta – visit Eshaness

Today undertake a hike that incorporates some of the finest coastal scenery Shetland has to offer. Drive north to the Eshaness peninsula and spend the day exploring this wild, rugged and beautiful coast. Pounded by the North Atlantic, the coastline here boasts towering cliffs, stacks, blowholes and inlets with highlights including the wonderfully named Villains of Ure, Grind of the Navir and Holes of Scraada. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Busta: Busta House Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Busta – visit Yell and Unst

After breakfast take the ferry to the islands of Yell and Unst which are located in the north east of Shetland. Unst is rich in birdlife and because of its northernly location it is a major European breeding site for seabirds including guillemot, razorbill and kittiwake. Once on the island walk to Hermaness, home to one of largest breeding colonies of great skua in the world and view the remote lighthouse set on the island of Muckle Flugga and the tiny rock of Out Stack, the most northerly location in the UK. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Busta: Busta House Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Busta – visit Noss and Bressay

Spend today bird watching on and around the cliffs of Noss and Bressay. There are few places on earth that support as many seabirds as here with the Noss National Nature Reserve home to thousands of gannet, guillemot, kittiwake and puffin as well as razorbill, black guillemot, shag and skua. Later take a memorable cruise to view the cliffs from the sea. Please note that the cruise is operated on a shared basis with other passengers. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Busta: Busta House Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Busta – visit Rona’s Hill

Today drive north to Mavis Grind, crossing a narrow channel that joins the Northmavine peninsula to the Shetland mainland. The surrounding landscape here is overlooked by Ronas Hill which at 450 metres is the highest point on Shetland. Hike Ronas Hill – the summit has a sub-Arctic climate and in exceptionally clear weather the views across the islands are superb. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Busta: Busta House Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Busta – visit St Ninian’s Isle / Depart Lerwick

After breakfast drive to southern Shetland and, on foot, cross the sandy spit that connects to St Ninian’s Isle. The views over to Foula are wonderful and afterwards return to Lerwick for a short walk around the town and ‘The Knab’. Later transfer to either the ferry terminal or airport. (B/L)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

Private car with English speaking driver-guide
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Any International flights
Any Domestic flights
Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

This tour is suited to active travellers with reasonable fitness who enjoy moderate hikes. Walking pace will be comfortable, last between 5 to 6 hours and are typically 8 to 10km in length. On this itinerary one of the hikes involves an ascent of approximately 450 metres / 1,500 feet. Most paths and trails are good but may be muddy and rough in places. Please also note that the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable and at times this can make activities more challenging so it is worth being prepared for all eventualities. Your guide may need to alter your itinerary on the day due to local conditions.

On this itinerary you will have your own private vehicle (Ford Custom or similar) and driver throughout. Your driver will also be your guide. Masks are required to be worn when in the vehicle and to maintain social distancing the vehicle has a maximum occupancy of five people (from the same household). The vehicle will be cleaned every day.

It is also possible, should you wish, to undertake this journey on a self-drive basis using your own vehicle or a hire car. We can also assist you with rail or air travel to and from Scotland as well as any additional hotel stays in Scotland or the rest of the UK. Please contact us for further details.

Fly or travel by ferry to Shetland’s neighbour, Orkney.

View On The Map

When to Visit

A general overview suggesting when to travel in the country.
Please note that this may not directly apply to any specific itinerary or region.

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Scotland Holiday Review

We really enjoyed our trip to Orkney and were pretty lucky with the weather. We really enjoyed the history and the scenery and wildlife. Our guide was excellent and we really enjoyed his company. The programme was well thought through and all very well organised.

HW & JW - Scotland - October 2021

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