Trip created by David Russell
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Location: Orkney and Shetland Isles
Trip Type: Wildlife
Comfort: Classic
Difficulty:
All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.
Download ItineraryJoin us on an unforgettable walking journey to the Shetland Isles, a little-visited archipelago of more than 100 exposed islands lying far north of the Scottish mainland, as close to Norway as they are to Scotland.
People have worked the land and sea around Shetland for 5,000 years, leaving a mysterious legacy of ruined forts, ancient houses and standing stones.
The islands are also rich in a diversity of wildlife, which we’ll explore on this guided tour. Huge colonies of seabirds cling to plunging cliffs. Sea life such as cetaceans and seals play in the rolling waves. On land rare flora twitch in the sea breeze while underwater vast kelp forests roll in the tide.
In the company of your highly knowledgeable guide, you will gain a privileged insight into the unique history and natural world of Shetland as you explore the varied landscapes of these isles on day hikes to their wildest and most dramatic places. Here, you will experience the incredible wealth of birdlife, marine life and wildflowers that in the wild places of these intriguing islands.
This morning you will meet your guide at the ferry terminal in Lerwick to start your Shetland wildlife holiday. The trip starts shortly after the arrival of the overnight ferry from Aberdeen, or you may choose to fly to Shetland and stay in Lerwick the night before. We drive north to the little island of Muckle Roe where we enjoy a stunning coastal walk to North and South Ham. Afterwards, we settle into our accommodation. Tonight before dinner your guide will then formally welcome everyone to Shetland and deliver a full trip briefing. (D)
We visit Jarlshof pre-historic site and walk to Sumburgh Head RSPB Reserve for some birdwatching. We enjoy a wonderful coastal walk with excellent views of seabird colonies including gannets, auks and bonxies. Whales can also be spotted offshore sometimes. If time permits, we will explore the Ness of Burgi Stone Age Fort. (B, L)
One of the best routes for hiking in Shetland is found just a short drive north of our hotel at the superb headland of Eshaness. Here we will take a coastal walk to explore the fascinating coastal scenery around the Villains of Ure, the Grind of the Navir and the Holes of Scraada. (B, L)
Today we travel by ferry to the islands of Yell and Unst in northeast Shetland. On Unst, we will walk to Herma Ness, which is one of the largest breeding colonies of Bonxie in the world. This is a superb and wild spot to gaze out across the sea to the sensationally placed lighthouse on the island of Muckle Flugga, and the tiny rock of Out Stack, the most northerly point of land in the United Kingdom. (B, L)
The cliffs of Noss and Bressay are a haven for seabirds. Today is the perfect opportunity for photography as you visit one of the world’s prime locations for bird-watching; the Noss National Nature Reserve is home to 20,000 Gannets, 25,000 Guillemots, 3,000 Kittiwakes, 1,200 Puffins and hundreds of Razorbills, Black Guillemots, Shags and Skuas. We’ll enjoy a cruise round the spectacular cliffs in what is sure to be a highlight of this trip. (B, L)
Today we head north from our hotel and cross the narrow isthmus of Mavis Grind to Northmavine – a northern peninsula of Shetland. Here we walk through an Arctic landscape to the summit of Ronas Hill, Shetland’s highest peak at 450 metres. (B, L, D)
This morning we drive to southern Shetland and walk across a beautiful sandy tombolo that connects to St. Ninian’s Isle for great views out to the island of Foula. Afterwards, we head back into Lerwick for a short walk around The Knab before your walking holiday in Shetland ends where it started; at the ferry terminal. (B, L)
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ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation on this trip is at the wonderful Busta House Hotel, well regarded as the best hotel in the Shetland Isles. Located on the shore of sheltered Busta Voe on mainland Shetland, Busta House blends history, romance and intimacy with an attention to detail which makes for a perfect stay. The house was built during the 16th, 17th & 18th century and is steeped in history – it is even said to have a resident ghost! It’s the perfect location to base ourselves to take advantage of the best of Shetland’s walks.
SINGLE ROOMS
There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you require a single room please request this at the time of booking and we will look into this for you. A single room supplement of £225 is charged if a single room is available – please see booking form terms and conditions.
Due to the small size of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.
At Busta House food plays a major role in your experience – especially Shetland produce. Shetland hill lamb, free range pork from Unst, fresh seafood from all around the islands – Muckle Roe mussels, halibut from Bressay, Yell Sound scallops, organic salmon from Unst. Also, most recently and a world first; organically farmed cod from Johnson Sea Farms at Vidlin.
Although evening meals are not included in the trip cost, we will dine at Busta House several times during the week, where you can choose from its excellent restaurant or its extensive bar menu.
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1 Booking(s) in the last 72 hours
| Trip Dates for 2019 | Availability | Status | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13th Apr - 19th Apr 2019 | 8 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,725 | Book Now |
| 27th Apr - 3rd May 2019 | 7 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,725 | Book Now |
| 11th May - 17th May 2019 | 2 place(s) left | CONFIRMED | £1,725 | Book Now |
| 22nd Jun - 28th Jun 2019 | 7 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,725 | Book Now |
| 29th Jun - 5th Jul 2019 | 8 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,725 | Book Now |
| 13th Jul - 19th Jul 2019 | 1 place(s) left | CONFIRMED | £1,725 | Book Now |
Sometimes it's nice to get family and friends together and travel privately for some quality time. This means you benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides and we'll take care of it all. Then you can make your choice of departures dates and we'll get back to you to finalise the details.
David loves the lure of wild places. He’s regularly seen heading off with his canoe, camera and tent for a night under the stars. David spent 5 years as an outdoor guide and instructor with qualifications from the Mountain Training Association and British Canoe Association. His love of Scotland’s wild place took him to the remote and beautiful Isles of Shetland. The islands are brimming with life and he couldn’t help but be inspired to create a wildlife trip exploring the area.
- David Russell
Call David Ask David a QuestionRated 4.91 out of 5 based on 53 review(s) of Wildlife Adventures – The Shetland Isles
Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.
That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.
Marjolein van Veldhuizen
Reviewed on 20/06/2018
The Bottom Line
The Shetland trip was our third with Wilderness Scotland and another wonderful experience also due to the smooth organisation and the great guide. We are already looking into our next trip. Can't wait!
Ian Caldwell
Reviewed on 15/06/2018
The Bottom Line
Ann Maclean
Reviewed on 14/06/2018
The Bottom Line
Experience of a life time!!! Want to do another trip as soon as possible, and hopefully with Kristy!
Gavin Bateman
Reviewed on 12/06/2018
The Bottom Line
Been on six and this was the best yet.
Nina Taunton
Reviewed on 11/06/2018
The Bottom Line
Green Graded Wildlife Holidays 1-3
All of our wildlife trips are graded Green and involve straightforward hiking with no major ascents, as well as other activities which are pitched at novice level. You can expect to be active for around 5 hours each day so you will need a reasonable level of fitness. Please note that there may be some early starts and late nights as we seek to maximise our chances of finding wildlife, although you can always opt out of activities if you prefer an early night or long lie in the morning!
So to help you decide if you are fit enough for this kind of trip, ask yourself:
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