Find A Walk
The landscape is open and access remarkably easy, the scenery superb with the extra thrill of rich archaeology and spectacular wildlife. Whether young or old, there is something for everyone, maybe even too much! There are so many amazing things to see and so many stunning places to visit, that a lifetime would be needed in order to do them all justice. Weather rarely stops keen walkers and sometimes the poorest days create the most spectacular sky effects.
There are common threads to every walk, and yet each one is unique, with endless untold stories of endurance and adventure, locked within each stretch of coastline or hill, each ancient site and crumbling ruin. Shetland is more of a collection of small worlds rather than islands. Its natural and human history has combined through the ages, to create a mesmerising multi-sensory experience of time and place.
Whatever type of walking you enjoy, from a short stroll to a trek through wilderness areas, Shetland offers many superb locations. When you're out, look for our wonderful wildlife, seeing them in their indigenous habitat is a fabulous experience! Take some time to admire the scenery and stop awhile to explore our fascinating cultural heritage.
So enjoy the walks and enjoy Shetland.
WalkShetland.com Recommended Walks
Belmont to Lund
This route begins at the ferry terminal in Unst. It is a linear walk, incorporating some of Unst's finest scenery and archaeological features. You may choose to return the way you came, or arrange for a lift back to the ferry terminal at the end of the walk. Read more...
Breckon
Yell's furthest north beach at Breckon is often sheltered from Shetland's prevailing south westerly winds. Take the track to the right, just past the Strawberry Farm and visit the ancient ruined church of St Olaf, the old Kirk of Ness. Little remains now of what would have been a small, but sturdy stone building. The cemetery has been recently enlarged and much of the history of the island can be learned from the gravestones. Read more...
Culswick Circular
One of the finest walks on Shetland's West Side. The Culswick road branches off the single track road between Skeld and Bridge of Walls, then forks, the left route leading to Crogran on the east side of the valley. Take the right fork into Culswick and enjoy spectacular views of the dramatic valley here, which narrows, the hills rising as they reach the cliffs. Read more...
Eshaness Circular
Few places in Shetland can rival Eshaness, either for scenery or historical interest. It is also very accessible. But there are dangers here too, so take care. Read more...
Fethaland Circular Walk
Isbister is the starting point for this walk. Most of the going is straightforward, but care must be taken at the northern section, where cliff edges can be very dangerous, especially in wet or windy weather. Vehicles should be left where they will not block access to entrances, or inconvenience local farmers and residents. Read more...
Fladdabister Circular
Fladdabister is an unusual Shetland settlement, with some fascinating ruins with Dutch influenced building styles among the older crofthouses. The best walking route starts at the farm gate a short way into the northern access to Fladdabister from the main road junction. Read more...
Funzie Ness
A very special island, traditionally known as the "Garden of Shetland", Fetlar has a wealth of historical, archaeological, geological and wildlife interest. It became world famous for its breeding snowy owls, sadly no longer a feature. There are large RSPB reserves and a hide for watching the rare red necked phaleropes. This walk takes in the south East corner of the island, but if you can, allow time to explore more of Fetlar, including its museum, church, old hall, follies and bird hide. There is a beautiful beach at Tresta with graphite pebbles with which you can draw black lines onto paper. Read more...
Hamnavoe Circular
This walk explores part of Burra, one of Shetland's smaller islands, which is accessed by sea bridge, near Scalloway. Read more...
Hillswick Ness Circular
This is one of the most spectacular walks in Shetland, but it's not advisable in windy or foggy conditions. A roughly diamond shaped headland, reaching south from Hillswick, rich in geology and archaeology, a large cattle farm and some fabulous cliff scenery. Read more...
Jarlshof to Sumburgh Head and Grutness Circular
Start at Jarlshof and take the gate into the field along the shore to the south of the Sumburgh Hotel garden. There has been some coastal protection work done here. Follow the coast eastwards but watch your feet if the grass is long, as it may conceal large sea-thrown boulders. The cliffs are fairly low to begin with, but they gradually rise and grow more dramatic. Read more...
Scalloway And Burwick Circular
This walk begins at the Doctor's surgery in Scalloway. Take the track up between the hill of Berry and the Hill of Houlland, accessed by a stile and crossing a short stretch of pasture, then joining a farm track. As you climb steadily towards the ridge, take regular breaks to turn round and appreciate the views which open out behind you. From the top, you can look north across the moors towards Tingwall and east down into the valley, across Scalloway itself and eventually south and down Clift Sound. On a fine day you can see Fair Isle. Read more...
Skerries Circular
From the pier, you can walk round both Housay and Bruray in a few hours, depending on your pace. The single track road leads round the harbour, past the shop and uphill past the school. It descends to the bridge and divides, the left hand reaching the shop and some cottages, the right fork carries on. It divides again at the Skerries hall, the left fork reaching the church, the right fork dipping down to the shore and passing the splendid erratic locally called "Wilfastik", then rises and curves over a hill, dropping down to the salmon shed and the cemetery. Read more...
St Ninian's Isle Circular
This walk takes you to one of Shetland's crowning jewels, the sand tombolo which connects Mainland Shetland to the small island on which the famous Pictish St Ninian's Isle Treasure was found. The cliff scenery here is spectacular, but it is advisable to keep well away from the edges. Read more...
Steens Of Stofast Circular
This route offers either a short, or an option of a longer walk past one of Shetland's most dramatic inland glacial features. Read more...
Weisdale and Tactigill Circular
This walk should only be undertaken in clear weather with no cloud on the hill. There are also some awkward points as you descend a gorge, having to cross and re-cross a small stream. This route is not recommended after heavy rain. Read more...
to walk
