Tiny horses, rare blooms &... wallabies?

Travel guide to the Shetland Islands, in case you ever find yourself far north of Scotland.

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The Shetland Islands. Nestled north of Scotland, between the Faroe Islands and Norway, this remote archipelago is best known for being the setting of the eponymous TV show, Shetland – and the spiritual home of the world’s cutest equine, the Shetland pony.

While it might not top your list of places to see in the UK… well, that’s incorrect, sorry. It really should. There archipelago boasts amazing wildlife (and birdlife too) and sweeping coastal views. You can hike past old crofts, grazing sheep and tiny towns. You’ll discover delights along a local craft trail, and uncover an impressive and varied history.

Oh and there’s a random Tasmanian bloke making cider and running a farm containing wallabies of all things. That too.

Although considered part of Scotland, Shetland has its own unique identity; the people who call this windswept archipelago home consider themselves Shetlanders first and foremost.

Visiting in late spring or early summer for migratory birds and colourful wildflowers.

Getting there

While it is possible to fly to the Shetland Islands, it is recommended you arrive there by boat.

NorthLink ferries service both the Orkney and Shetland islands, travelling between Aberdeen in mainland Scotland, Kirkwall in Orkney and Lerwick in Shetland.

It takes around six hours to reach Kirkwall and 14.5 hours all up to get to Lerwick – meaning you’ll be on the ferry overnight. Fun!