Walks Sorted By Difficulty

Easy Walks

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...

Hamnavoe Circular

This walk explores part of Burra, one of Shetland's smaller islands, which is accessed by sea bridge, near Scalloway. 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...

Moderate 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...

Challenging Walks

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...

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...