Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WESTERN ISLANDS
Visible a mile offshore in West Mainland is the island of
Papa Stour
(pop 23), home to huge colonies of auks,
terns and skuas. Buckled volcanic strata have been wonderfully eroded by the sea to produce dramatic caves,
arches and stacks. There's limited self-catering accommodation, and a small campsite by the ferry pier. The island
is served by Tuesday-only flights (
Click here
)
from Tingwall airport (return £39), with a day return possible, and
a
ferry
(
01595-745804;
www.shetland.gov.uk/ferries
/
)
from West Burrafirth (passenger return £8.20, car and
driver return £10, 40 minutes, daily except Tuesday and Thursday).
Fifteen miles out in the Atlantic Ocean stands remote, windswept
Foula
. It's known as Britain's most isolated
community, with just 30 human inhabitants, a handful of Shetland ponies and 1500 sheep, plus 500,000 seabirds,
including the rare Leach's petrel and Manx shearwater, and the world's largest colony of great skuas. There's no
shop, and accommodation is very limited -
Leraback
(
01595-753226; B&B incl dinner per person £35;
)
offers B&B and evening meals.
DirectFlight (
Click here
)
flies to Foula from Tingwall airport four days a week. From March to mid-October
there are two flights a day three days a week, allowing you to make a day trip, with six to seven hours spent on the
island. There are two passenger
ferries
(
01595-840208;
www.bkmarine.co.uk
)
per week (on Tuesday and
Thursday, car/driver and car single £4.10/19.10) year-round, departing from Walls; bookings are essential. There's
also Saturday service from May to September, plus fortnightly service from Scalloway. You can also visit Foula
on a day trip from Scalloway harbour with
Cycharters
(
01595-696598;
www.cycharters.co.uk
)
.
South Mainland
From Lerwick, the main road south winds 25 miles down the eastern side of this long,
narrow, hilly tail of land to Sumburgh Head. The waters lapping against the cliffs are an
inviting turquoise in many places - if it weren't for the raging Arctic gales, you might be
tempted to have a dip.
SEA KAYAKING IN SHETLAND
Paddling is a top way to explore Shetland's tortuous coastline, and allows you to get up close to seals and bird life
without scaring them away.
Sea Kayak Shetland
(
01595-840272;
www.seakayakshetland.co.uk
; beginner ses-
sion/half-day/day £25/40/70)
is a reliable and professional operator that caters for beginners and experts alike, offer-
ing guided kayaking trips from various points around Shetland.
