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Writer's pictureMichelle's Monologues

One Week Itinerary To Shetland, Scotland

Back in May, I traveled with a lovely group of 15 to one of the most northerly Scottish points - Shetland. There is so much history, culture, and beautiful scenery including the stories of The Shetland Bus, see a traditional 19th-century croft-house, and the incredible dramatic sea cliffs at Esha Ness with puffins! Let's dive into this one-week itinerary to Shetland, Scotland.


Stone cottage on the waters edge with two small boats by the door
Outside Jimmy Perez House (Crime Drama Series - Shetlander), Lerwick, Shetland ©M D Harding Travel Photography

One Week Itinerary To Shetland, Scotland


Shetland is an archipelago of around 100 islands with only 12 inhabited, located in the North Sea between the mainland of Scotland, Orkney, and Norway. With over 1000 miles of coastline, it is said you are never more than 4 miles from the sea. The Shetland Islands have a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish culture. Did you know that once upon a time the Shetland Islands could have become part of Norway?


You can either reach Shetland by ferry from Aberdeen to the main town of Lerwick or take a flight to Sumburgh Airport. We traveled north by train into the Scottish 'granite' city of Aberdeen, where we stayed overnight, exploring some of the fun things to see and do in the Aberdeenshire area, ahead of boarding the Northlink Ferry to Lerwick, Shetland.


Couple enjoying a glass of whisky, while looking out the window of the train.
Enjoying a Wee Dram In The Dram Tram, Ketih & Dufftown Railway ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Day 2


After a comfortable night's stay at the Leonardo Hotel, we boarded our luxury coach for our visit to Keith and Dufftown Railway, the scenic 11-mile journey travels through the heart of "Whisky Country" with seven working distilleries including Glenfiddich, pine rainforests slopes of Scaut Hill, passing Loch Park, winding through the valley of the river Isla and rolling fields. Afterward, it was time for a visit to the Sidings Cafe (a refurbished vintage train carriage). Where we all enjoyed a light lunch of sandwiches, homemade soup, delicious chocolate caramel slices, and strawberry tarts. Yum!


Plate with both large strawberry tarts and chocolate caramel slices
Strawberry Tart at Sidings Cafe, Dufftown Railway ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Soon it was time to re-board the coach for a visit to the historical quaint fishing village of Footdee more locally known as Fittie (meaning 'foot of the Dee' located at the bottom of the River Dee estuary). Dating back to medieval times, the remote fishing village was built up around St Clement's church (1498). Today it is trendy, with artists, colourful and creative embelishments.


Beautiful stone cottage with blue door and lush garden
One of The Old Stone Cottages, Footdee, Aberdeen ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Before we knew it, it was time to depart on the overnight Northlink Ferry (13 hours). The interior cabins are cosy, with en-suite walk-in shower bathrooms, tea/coffee-making facilities are also provided along with towels, soap, and shampoo. There is also a hairdryer, television, and additional sockets to charge mobile phones etc. You can also log onto the onboard wifi (though it is limited being at sea). We were all ready for our evening meal in The Feast restaurant before turning in for the day.


Landscape image of full side of Northlink Ferry.
Northlink Ferry (Lerwick, Shetland) ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Day 3


After a hearty Scottish breakfast (bacon, sausages, beans, hash browns, and mushrooms) it was time to depart the ferry and re-board the coach for the very short drive to The Shetland Hotel to drop off the luggage. We were soon off to explore Shetland, the first stop Carol's Shetland Pony Farm. Followed by a visit to beautiful Sandy Minn (a tombola/sandbar beach), harbour village of Hamnavoe, Scalloway Museum, stroll/lunch in Lerwick, and a visit to the 5* multi-media Shetland Museum.


Landscape photo of white Sandy Minn beach wrapping around
Sandy Minn Tombola Beach, Shetland ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Day 4


Up bright and early for the scenic highlights of Southern mainland including the 19th-century Croft House Museum, Sumburgh Head with iconic lighthouse and puffin colony, a light lunch at Sumburgh Hotel, visit to the Bronze Age Jarlshof archaeological site, Quendale Mill, delicious coffee and cake at Hoswick Visitor Centre and Knitwear Outlet. After a full and interesting day exploring it was time to return to the hotel, have a wee rest before dinner, and recharge.


Alone puffin sitting on the cliff in among wild flowers
Puffin at Sumburgh Head, Shetland ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Day 5


Today visited Shetland Jewellery to have a guided tour behind the scenes, and discover the process of some of the most intricate and beautiful pieces of Shetland Jewellery. Then a visit to North Roe Community Gardens - winner of a 'first' at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2008, the pretty village of Hillswick, stunning sea cliffs at Esha Ness, light lunch at Busta House Hotel before returning to Lerwick for some free time. We all took the opportunity to explore along the harbourfront, visit some of the filming locations of Shetland, and of course some shopping! Some things you might like to buy while visiting Shetland are the sweet smelling soap, beautiful and colourful art from local artist Avril Thomson Smith, Shetland Jewellery, and also candy called Puffin Poo made from white chocolate.


Old sandstone shop buildings on either side of a path, with colourful flags running back and forth across the top of them.
Lerwick High Street, Shetland ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Day 6


Off on a guided tour of Western Mainland including Sandness, Walls, Broch of Clickimin, and Fort Charlotte before our overnight return on the Northlink Ferry to Aberdeen.


Close-up of some pretty pink flowers with the beach, watch and small islands behind.
Sandness Flora, Shetland ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Day 7


Scenic drive down the coastal route to Dundee stopping at picturesque Stonehaven harbour, lunch in Dundee, and the afternoon a visit to RRS Discovery/HMS Discovery (1901) learning about Captain Scott's adventure to Antarctica. Free time to explore Dundee/Jute Museum and V & A Dundee - Kimono exhibition. Last evening of the tour before early train departure tomorrow.


Hand embroidered dress and kimono on display at exhibition
Kimono: Kyoto To Catwalk Exhibition, V & A Dundee ©M D Harding Travel Photography

It was an incredibly full, interesting, and fun week! There is so much more to explore in Shetland. Have you heard about Out Skerriers, Shetland's most easterly outpost or what about the enchanting Isle of Mousa? Watch this space!


Group heading up the path in middle of grass field onto the site of Clickimin Broch.
Exploring Clickimin Broch, Shetland ©M D Harding Travel Photography

I hope you have enjoyed reading and feel inspired to visit Shetland, Aberdeen, and Dundee.


Until next time..happy travels,

Michelle x







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