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Home , Gutcher, Jarlshof, Muckle Flugga, Muckle Flugga Lighthouse, Muckle Roe, Shetland

WALKING AND WILDLIFE

DRIVE AND HIKE THE

THE SHETLAND ISLES - SELF GUIDED DRIVE AND HIKE HOLIDAY From head in the south to in the north the islands of Shetland are a SUMMARY delight for the walker and naturalist alike. The ultimate island adventure awaits the intrepid walker with hikes through a rugged mix of heather clad moorland, imposing headlands, rocky skerries and fjord like bays. Solitude reigns throughout these windswept isles where you may drive and hike back through time to discover an historical melting pot of stone age, Viking, Nordic and Scottish influence. Today a haven for wildlife, the land, sea and sky abounds with an array of spectacular species.

With 6 walking days and 7 nights, this self guided drive and hike holiday provides the perfect combination of walking and wildlife viewing. The trip starts at the far southern tip of , site of and now home to puffins and a favourite haunt of passing orcas. The south eastern coast beckons with an exhilarating walk to Fitful Head where the views from the 934 ft summit stretch to and you may catch sight of rolling porpoises breaching the exposed waters. At you have the opportunity to explore the 3000 year old history of the capital where welcoming hostelries fill the air with traditional folk music before moving on to enjoy one of the most beautiful Shetland walks at . The far north is next with a drive to the islands of Yell and where walks to seabird filled sheer cliffs look out to the most northern point of Britain. With a final night in Lerwick you will be able to rest your feet and enjoy memories of this natural paradise. Tour: Shetland Walking and Wildlife Code: WSSSWW This holiday features hand-picked overnight accommodation in high quality B&B’s and hotels. We also Type: Self-Guided Drive and Hike Holiday include a guidebook, maps and pre-departure information pack as well as emergency support, should you Price: see website Single Supplement: see website need it. This holiday is only suitable for those with a vehicle due to the distances involved and the remote Dates: April - September nature of Shetland with little public transport. We can arrange car hire for you on Shetland and the option Days: 6 may be added during booking. Nights: 7 Start: Sumburgh Finish: Lerwick HIGHLIGHTS Distance: up to 10 miles per day Grade: Moderate

 Scanning for breaching whales from Sumburgh Head above nesting puffins IS IT FOR ME? If you are a fan of combining walking with a myriad  Exploring the geos, cliffs, stacks and arches on the windswept Muckle Roe of wild landscapes, then this trip could be just for  The roll of seals and porpoise in the deep blue depths between the isles you. With an abundance of wildlife in an area soaked in history this makes for a wonderful adven-  The rich sounds of folk music accompanying a fresh seafood dinner in Lerwick ture.  Hiking through a land rich in Neolithic, Viking, Nordic and Scottish history WHAT’S INCLUDED? Accommodation: Hand-picked B&B’s, small WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY WITH US? hotels and guesthouses. Macs Adventure is a small, energetic company dedicated to delivering adventure excellence. We have hand picked the best possible accommodation in order to make sure that you experience the best the Meals: A hearty breakfast included. Lunch and Islands have to offer. We are passionate about delivering outstanding walking holidays where every last dinner not included but always available at accom- detail is taken care of. Each holiday we offer is unique, tailor made to meet your requirements. From your modation or nearby. first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a local specialist who knows the region intimately. Information Pack: Guide Book, map as well as a detailed pre-departure information pack.

SHETLAND WALKING AND WILDLIFE

DRIVE AND HIKE THE NORTHERN ISLES

to the rocky headlands of the Isle of . A ITINERARY: WSSOWW DETAILED DESCRIPTION recommended side trip is to drive across to on the west coast with its ruined early Description: 6 walking days and 7 nights 17th century castle. An delightful 4 mile circular exploring the many walks and wildlife highlights coastal walk may be undertaken here. of Shetland. Day 1 Overnight: Lerwick Walking Days: 6 Arrival in Shetland - Sumburgh Head Nights: 7 walk - 2.5m Day 4 Average Daily Distance: up to 10 miles per day. Upon arrival in Shetland you will make your way Muckle Roe walk - 6.5 miles to Sumburgh for your first nights accommodation. Grade: Moderate A 1hr drive north through the remote moorland of Close to the airport and only an hours drive from central mainland Shetland brings you to the Lerwick ferry port, the settlement is perfectly island of Muckle Roe on the north west coast. Day Route Miles positioned for walks around the 3000 year old Connected by a bridge the island affords a archaeological site of Jarlshof and seabird filled splendid circular walk past lochans and rocky 1 Arrive Shetland - Sum- cliffs of Sumburgh head. An early arrival will slabs of red . There are views across to allow much scope for local walks on this first day. Head walk - Over- the isles of and in the misty

night Sumburgh A walk to the headland to scan for passing distance. Rock stacks and natural arches frame whales above the nesting puffins, guillemots and Up to deep blue coves as you hike around ‘geos’, the 2 Drive and hike to Fitful razorbills is an absolute must. 10 for deep clefts in the cliffs. The wildlife head - Overnight Sum- miles Overnight: Sumburgh potential is excellent with golden plovers on the burgh per heather moors and fulmar, ravens and shags on day Day 2 the crags and cliffs. 3 Drive to Lerwick - Over- night Lerwick Drive and Hike to Fitful Head - 5.5m Overnight: Busta/

Drive to hike to Muckle Following a relaxing night in Sumburgh you travel Day 5 4 along the south eastern coast to undertake the Roe - Overnight Busta/ exhilarating walk to Fitful Head. Dominating the Island of Yell - walk - 5.5m Brae fertile Quendale Valley, the summit affords views An initial 25 minute drive takes you to the ferry to Fair Isle in the distance as jet black ravens Drive/Ferry to Yell walks - terminal of Toft where the short crossing brings 5 utter their guttural 'cronk' calls above your head. Ferry to Unst - Overnight you on the northern Island of Yell. Moving Passing the beautiful mile long sands of the Bay Unst north east you arrive at the village of Gutcher of Quendale, Shetland's longest beach, the walk where a 5.5m walk down towards the ancient takes in the best of the southern mainland. Drive to Unst walks - defensive Burra Ness places you firmly in 6 Overnight Unst Overnight: Sumburgh otter country! A quiet approach and a little patience will surely reward you with sightings of Drive to Lerwick - Over- 7 Day 3 these fascinating and intriguing mammals as

night Lerwick they feed and swim around Sandwick Bay. At the

Lerwick and town walk - 1.5m point of Burra Ness Broch you have lovely views 8 Onward Travel A 1 hr drive will take you to Lerwick, the capital of across to the Isle of , famed for it’s Shetland for a relaxing day. The town has strong breeding phalarope. You are perfectly placed for Old Norse roots and is well worth exploring. A the ferry to the Isle of Unst to your next overnight walk to the ‘Horse of Knabb’ point passes hidden accommodation. bays filled with feeding waders and basking Overnight: Unst seals. The point itself affords lovely views across SHETLAND WALKING AND WILDLIFE

DRIVE AND HIKE THE NORTHERN ISLES

Single Rooms Recommended Reading Day 6 Single occupancy rooms are available though Shetland Diaries: Otters, Orcas, Puffins and this will incur an additional charge. Wonderful People [Paperback] - - Island of Unst - The Ness walk - 6m ISBN: 978-0340918753 Solo Walkers At the far north of Unst, this walk is a every nature lovers dream. A Scottish Natural Heritage The Walking and Wildlife trip is suitable TRAVEL INFORMATION reserve the trail takes you to high cliffs for solo walkers. overlooking Muckle Flugga and , the most northerly point of Britain. The Meals Getting to and from Shetland sight of thousands of nesting gannets amongst A hearty breakfast is included each morning. BY AIR the comical puffins is a worthy goal as much as Lunch and dinner are not included so you are the views. free to choose from the available options. Your The Airline and it’s partner Flybe accommodations will often provide a packed operate direct flights to Sumburgh from the UK Overnight: Unst lunch on request and this can be booked on airports of (1hr 30m), (1hr Day 7 arrival. Dinner is available either at your 30m), (1hr 05m), (1hr accommodation or nearby pubs. 05m) . There are also connecting services from Journey to Lerwick many UK and International airports to Glasgow, Navigation Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Car hire may be A 3.5 hour drive with two short ferry crossings arranged for your arrival on Shetland. takes you south and back to Lerwick for your The walks on the Shetland Walking and Wildlife final nights accommodation. You will have ample trip are generally not way marked. We provide a opportunity to stop and scan the coastline and guidebook and general map though should you BY FERRY moors for wildlife en route. In Lerwick itself we wish to back this up then we would recommend would recommend that you visit the Shetland purchasing OS Landranger maps 1,2, 3 and 4. The Northlink ferry company operates overnight Museum with its varied displays covering the services between Aberdeen and Lerwick (12.5- history and natural heritage of these fascinating Grade 14.5hrs) and there are connections from and to Orkney (7hrs 45m). islands. This route is graded easy to moderate due to

relatively short walking days on trails that pass Overnight: Lerwick In order to plan all public transport we suggest through some remote country. The terrain varies that you utilise the Traveline website. from paths and tracks to a little minor road Day 8 walking and upland moorland trails. Onward travel Inter Island Travel Equipment After breakfast the trip is complete and you may BY AIR arrange your onward travel. We suggest that you Your information pack has a detailed equipment check out our Orkney Walking and Wildlife list which includes standard walking gear such as The Airline Loganair operates regular services good walking boots or shoes, warm and between the Shetland Islands. And also between HOLIDAY INFORMATION waterproof clothes and a day pack. Orkney and Shetland.

Dogs BY FERRY holiday as an add on option. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate The operates services Accommodation walkers with dogs as many of the between the Islands though it is important to note accommodation providers do not accept pets and We specifically choose your accommodation to days of operation. in the spring and summer many of the walks ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. pass near to important bird breeding areas. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. SHETLAND WALKING AND WILDLIFE

DRIVE AND HIKE THE NORTHERN ISLES

Public transport on Shetland  Taxi transfers or public transport should you ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We need to skip a stage. provide full financial protection for your money. BY BUS  All ferry and air travel. Bus services are provided by Zetland Transport  Entrance fees to specific sites and attractions. ABTA Member Statement Partnership.  Car Hire - Though this may be booked at a Macs Adventure Holidays is a Member of ABTA. supplement. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers Travel Insurance to get the most from their travel and assist when Travel insurance is a requirement on all our trips things don’t go according to to cover cancellation or curtailment of your HOW TO BOOK plan. We are obliged to holiday. maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Once you have read all the information in this Code of Conduct. For more information on PRICE & AVAILABILITY factsheet or on our website and decided on your ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a scheme available to you if you have a complaint, call to confirm availability. You can then book Availability contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ. securely online at www.macsadventure.com, by Tel :020 3117 0581 www.abta.com This walking holiday is available between April phone on +44 (0) 141 530 8886 or download a and October. You can start on any date that suits booking form and post it to Macs Adventure, 44 your travel plans though it is important to note Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, UK or fax it to that certain ferry crossings may not operate on a +44 (0) 845 527 5688 daily basis. You will find up to date availability on

our website. The Shetland Walking and Wildlife trip is very popular so it is best to book as far in advance as you are able to. BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE Price Financial Security Detailed up to date prices for our Shetland Walking and Wildlife Holidays are available on In accordance with "The Package Travel,

our website here... Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations1992" all passengers booking with Included Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all  Hand picked bed and breakfast monies paid to us, including repatriation if accommodation in en suite rooms wherever possible. required (this insurance will not cover repatriation the country of origin for the passengers outside  A detailed info pack and guidebook with map for the group leader. of the EU), arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to  Emergency telephone support from our office the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd. There is in the event of a problem. no requirement for Financial Protection of day Excluded trips, and none is provided. This insurance is only valid for packages booked that DO NOT  Travel to the start or from the finish of the trip. include flights.  Lunches dinners, snacks and drinks. Book with Confidence. We are a member of  Travel Insurance. ABTA which means you have the benefit of  Personal Equipment.