Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.

More About Us

We continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.

Shetland Islands Guide

The Shetland Islands form Britain’s northernmost archipelago, lying where the North Sea meets the Atlantic, closer to Norway than to mainland Scotland. Known for dramatic cliffs, powerful seas and a strong Norse-influenced culture, Shetland offers expansive coastal landscapes, rich wildlife and a deep sense of island identity.

From clifftop walking and remote headlands to sheltered voes, sea kayaking routes and cold, clear swimming waters, Shetland’s island adventures are shaped by weather, tides and light.

This guide provides an overview of the Shetland Islands.

Mainland Shetland

The largest island in the archipelago, Mainland Shetland is the hub of transport, communities and services. Its indented coastline of voes, cliffs and beaches offers outstanding coastal walking, wildlife watching and access to the wider islands.

Expect: dramatic cliffs, sheltered voes, sandy beaches, seabirds, otters.

Mainland Shetland

A large, diverse island with long coastal routes, archaeological sites and access to multiple ferry connections.

→ Explore Mainland Shetland

The North Isles

The North Isles lie beyond Mainland, facing the open North Atlantic. These islands are known for seabirds, wide skies and a strong sense of remoteness, rewarding slower travel and careful planning.

Expect: seabird cliffs, open sea views, maritime heritage, exposed coasts.

Yell

A large, sparsely populated island of moorland, beaches and quiet coastal walking.

→ Explore Yell

Unst

Britain’s northernmost inhabited island, with dramatic cliffs, wildlife-rich headlands and strong Norse heritage.

→ Explore Unst

Fetlar

Often called the “Garden of Shetland”, known for birdlife, wildflowers and low-key island walking.

→ Explore Fetlar

The Westside & Atlantic Isles

Facing the Atlantic, Shetland’s western islands and coastline are shaped by powerful seas and some of the most dramatic cliffs in the UK. These areas are ideal for experienced walkers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Expect: sea stacks, cliffs, Atlantic swell, remote headlands.

Foula

Remote and dramatic, with towering cliffs and a strong sense of isolation.

→ Explore Foula

Papa Stour

Known for sea caves, arches and sheltered paddling routes when conditions allow.

→ Explore Papa Stour

The South Isles

The South Isles lie closer to Mainland Scotland and include fertile islands with long histories of settlement, agriculture and fishing. They offer gentler landscapes alongside rich cultural heritage.

Expect: farmland, beaches, historic sites, calmer waters.

Fair Isle

World-renowned for birdlife and knitwear, set between Orkney and Shetland.

→ Explore Fair Isle

Nature, Culture & Island Identity

Wildlife

Shetland is internationally important for seabirds, with cliffs supporting puffins, gannets and kittiwakes, alongside otters, seals and cetaceans in surrounding waters.

Norse & Island Culture

Strong Norse roots remain visible in place names, festivals and local traditions, alongside crofting, fishing and contemporary island life.

Island Landscape

From peat moorland and lochs to cliffs and beaches, Shetland’s treeless landscapes and ever-changing light create a powerful sense of place.

Island Adventures

Walking

Extensive coastal walking, clifftop routes and remote headland circuits.

Paddleboarding & Kayaking

Sheltered voes and advanced tidal waters for experienced paddlers.

Wild Swimming

Cold, clear waters, sheltered beaches and tidal pools, influenced by weather and sea state.

Cycling

Quiet roads, open landscapes and long-distance island routes.

Plan Your Visit

Best Seasons

Late spring to summer offers long daylight, wildlife interest and more settled conditions; shoulder seasons provide dramatic weather and fewer visitors.

Getting There

Flights and overnight ferries connect Shetland to mainland Scotland, with an extensive inter-island ferry network.

Paddleboarding in Slate Islands

We have shared some of our favourite routes in our Top paddles on Scottish Island blog but more can be found on our Route Map page

Islands of Slate Islands

Read more about the islands in our Islandeering book

Seil

Easedale

Luing

Scarba

Belnahua

Fladda

Shuna