Shetland Guide

Resist the temptation to consider the Shetland Islands as the uncomfortable wart on the nose of the British Islands. Despite its distance from anywhere else, these islands are ruggedly beautiful in a way that is found in very few places on earth. It is surely possible that when J.R.Tolkien was imagining Middle Earth he was thinking of something that looked a little bit like Shetland.

Travel in Shetland

Travel in Shetland is a breeze thanks to the immaculate condition of the roads and the regular bus timetables. Do be aware though that some of these roads may be narrow and you should drive carefully and pull over if you are driving slowly and gawping at the scenery so as to let local drivers go past you. Regular foot passenger ferries are also available from the main island to the other 16 inhabited islands.

It is surely possible that when J.R.Tolkien was imagining Middle Earth he was thinking of something that looked a little bit like Shetland.

A word of warning about bikes - the idea of cycling around Shetland may seem idyllic when it is sunny and warm and June. It is going to seem miserable two hours later when you are cycling uphill in driving wind and horizontal rain that has soaked through to your skin. You have been warned.

Puffins are a common sight around Shetland

Things to see in Shetland

Shetland is paradise for anyone who loves nature. Not only does it boast some stunning scenery and cragged coastlines that exude a rugged beauty, but it is the place to come to if you enjoy bird watching. Not only can you see the normal range of sea birds and small mammals, but there are also puffins, lapwings and redshanks as well as the beautiful Stormy Petrels. If you are very lucky, you may also see Albert, the local lost albatross. Be wary of approaching nesting sites during breeding time as the birds are highly territorial and protective of their young.

Further out to sea, you can see seals and several species of whales. The seals are very common and will often be curious of humans. Whale sightings are much more rare, though the ferry is often a great location from where to watch whales. Common species of whale around Shetland include the Mink Whale and Orca.

Every May sees Shetland host the Shetland Folk Music festival, which features an eclectic mix of British and American folk bands in the various pubs and restaurants around the Island. The northerly latitude means that these performances go on well into the night, as it hardly gets dark in Shetland during Summer. Midnight games of golf are also easily possible.

It seems like you can't afford meeting seals when you got to Shetland!

Midnight games of golf are also easily possible.

AFerry.co.uk offers the best way to find the cheapest ferry routes to Shetland with its easy to use booking form. Begin your holiday on a ferry and start relaxing straight away!