Shetland - Islands on the Edge

Overview

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An adventure like no other in the far north of Scotland

Introduction

Journey to the very top of Britain for six days of walking some of the most magnificent coastal and hill walks anywhere, including a visit to both Unst (the most northerly point of the British Isles) and to Foula - Britain's remotest inhabited island and home to one of the tallest sea cliffs in Britain. The walks are all from our comfortable base close to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland and are led by Chris Pearson (who spent 6 months living on Shetland, is a geography teacher and who devised this superb itinerary).

NEW for 2027: Optional 4-day trip extension. Four additional day walks visiting an Ancient Volcano eroded by the sea (Esha Ness), A Remote Island (Out Skerries), Beautiful Beaches (West Burra), Historic Fishing Ports (Scalloway & Lerwick).

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Experience Required

The trip is suitable for fit walkers who are able to carry a light day pack for up to 6 hours a day on consecutive days. The terrain for each day is described in the day-to-day itinerary and ranges from grassy coastal walking, rough moorland, sandy beaches, rocky paths, as well as some steep ascents and boggy ground. Being centre based in comfortable chalets it is of course possible to have days off and not join the walk that day and perhaps instead relax with a good book, or get the bus (stops outside) or a taxi to explore the museums, shops, cafes and sights of nearby Scalloway and Lerwick.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the trek or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Dates & Prices

Date	Meeting in		Availability
Sat 12 Jun – Thu 17 Jun 2027	Lerwick		Available Book now »
Expedition Leader Chris Pearson 1 place left with £75 early booking offer	£1,495 £1,420

This trek is available to book in GBP, USD and EUR.
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Group size: 4 – 8 people.

What the price includes

• 6 days of walking and activities - see itinerary
• 5 nights' self catering chalet accommodation in Lerwick (single room included, or option of double room for couples if preferred at no extra cost).
• Ferry and boat costs for Foula, Noss.
• Road transport for 6 days on the Islands by private minibus.
• All costs for Jagged Globe leader.
• Jagged Globe lightweight fleece.

What the price does not include

• Overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick, to arrive morning of Day 1 (or flight to the Shetland Isles).
• All meals.
• Bar bills and laundry.
• Travel insurance.
• Optional trips and sightseeing tours not described in the itinerary.
• Tips.

Tailor Made Trips

We can organise this trek on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip. A more detailed day-to-day itinerary is available as a downloadable PDF »

Outline Itinerary

Day 1:	Arrival in Lerwick, the capital of Shetland We recommend team members book the overnight ferry (www.northlinkferries.co.uk). Your trip leader, Chris Pearson, will meet you after breakfast on disembarkation at Lerwick Ferry Terminal. Alternatively, you may wish to fly to Shetland with Logan Air - see PDF for more details. Walk: Sumburgh Head and Jarlshof circuit After breakfast on arrival in Shetland and checking into our accommodation to freshen up and store luggage we travel in our own transport the 20 miles down to Sumburgh at the southern tip of Shetland. Walk Summary: This is a real Shetland classic, combining two of the island's most famous attractions into a great coastal circuit. It begins at Jarlshof - the most remarkable archaeological site in Shetland. The route runs along the coastline before climbing up to Sumburgh Head and its lighthouse - the southernmost point of Shetland, and renowned for the chance it gives to see puffins at close quarters during the summer season. The return above the clifftops gives superb views. Terrain: Mostly grassy coastal walking, some rougher sections. Distance: 6km, Ascent 200 metres, 4-5 hours. Walk 2: St Ninians Isle - 1 hr, 20m of ascent. A minor detour on our return drive to our accommodation allows us to enjoy a lovely walk across this famous sandy tombolo beach (sea on both sides) to reach St Ninians Isle and the site of a chapel where a hoard of Pictish silver jewellery was discovered.
Day 2:	Foula Centre Stage for our week will be our quest to visit Foula, which is the remotest inhabited island in the British Isles (population of just 35 people), lying 20 miles west of the Shetland Mainland and often said to be 'on the edge of the world'. Foula covers five square miles and has five distinctive peaks including one of the highest sheer sea cliffs in Britain - Da Kame (1,233ft). Walk Summary: This magnificent walk takes in the main summits. From the ferry pier the coastline is followed to the northern part of the island before ascending to Soberlie. The spectacular western coastal cliffs - the highest in the UK outwith St Kilda - are then followed with an extremely steep climb to the top of Da Kame. From there a hill ridge links to Da Sneug - the highest summit on Foula - before dropping steeply down and then climbing to Da Noup - the dramatic southern summit. From here the route returns past the houses and school to the pier. Terrain: Boggy initially, then mostly grassy and rough moorland terrain. There is some extremely steep ground on the ascents. Distance 13kms (8 miles) Ascent 870 metres 6 - 7 hours
Day 3:	Island of Noss National Nature Reserve Walk Summary: One of the best walks in Shetland, this coastal circuit around the stunning Island of Noss which is a National Nature Reserve on account of some of Europe's finest seabird colonies. The highlight is the approach to the island highpoint on Noss Head (181metres), teeming with 20,000 gannets and 25,000 black and white guillemots as well as many fulmars, shags and puffins. There is also a fine beach with the chance to see seals, otters or even whales out in the sound. Terrain: Coastal path, boggy in places, care needed on high sea cliffs. Distance: 8.25kms 4 -5 hours. From Lerwick we travel in our own transport the short 5 miles across the Island of Bressay to reach the Noss ferry - a small boat - where the seasonal bird wardens shuttle visitors across the 50 metre narrow sea channel onto Noss. On the return journey to Lerwick there is a fine opportunity for a short walk up a good path to the old lookout tower on Ander Hill a fine vantage point looking out over the islands of Noss, Bressay and commanding view over Lerwick and its natural harbour. (1.5km, ascent 80m. 1 hour+)
Day 4:	Furthest North: Unst - The Very Top of the British Isles Unst is reached from Lerwick by road and two ferries, crossing on the way the island of Yell. Walk Summary: Unst is the most northerly inhabited island in Britain - the last outpost before the sea stretches away towards the Arctic. It is justly famed for the great cliffs and spectacular seabird colonies of Hermaness one of Shetland's truly special places - a dramatic clifftop National Nature Reserve that is also a spectacular seabird city - home to more than 100,000 birds in the breeding season, including countless puffins, a huge gannetry and the world's third largest colony of bonxies - (great skuas). The awesome cliffs look out to the serrated rocks of Muckle Flugga and Out Stack - the most northerly land in Britain. Walk Summary: Constructed path and easy uphill boardwalk to reach the clifftop. Grassy clifftop terrain follows above unprotected cliff edges. Some steep ground and boggy terrain on the northern section of the clifftop walk. Distance: 10 kms (6 miles), Ascent 300m 4 -5hours. Walk 2: Keen of Hamar 2kms - 1 hour+, Ascent 50m. A short circular walk noted for its rare flora and stone stripes.
Day 5:	Muckle Roe and The Hams Many Shetlanders regard this circuit visiting the southern coast of Muckle Roe to be the finest in the archipelago. The section from the lighthouse to the Hams is rugged and rocky but the coastal scenery is superb with many coves and stacks to explore. Muckle Roe is linked to mainland Shetland by a bridge. Walk Summary: Hillpath to the lighthouse, then rugged and rocky pathless walking above the coastal cliffs. Good landrover track for the return walk. 12 kms - (8miles) 6 hours
Day 6:	Ronas Hill - the highest point in Shetland, then travel home Morning ascent of Ronas Hill (450m) - the highest point in Shetland, where you can sign your name in the visitors' book in the ancient summit chambered cairn. Extensive views from summit over the maze of islands and sea lochs. On the way we will stop at Mavis Grind where Shetland narrows to only 90 metres wide and where the Vikings used to drag their boats overland from the North Sea to the Atlantic. Distance: 8km, 450m ascent Terrain: rough grass and moorland. 3 hours. Return to Lerwick by mid- afternoon. Free time in Lerwick before evening ferry sailing from Lerwick arriving Aberdeen the following morning.

PLEASE NOTE:The above itinerary is intended as a guideline only. While we will make every effort to adhere to it, changes may be forced for reasons beyond our control. When travelling to remote locations such as this, a flexible approach from all members is much appreciated.

Optional Shetland 4-day Extension

Four additional day walks visiting an Ancient Volcano eroded by the sea (Esha Ness), A Remote Island (Out Skerries), Beautiful Beaches (West Burra), Historic Fishing Ports (Scalloway & Lerwick).  

For those who would like to extend their Shetland adventure beyond the main six day core walking trip we are offering (new for 2027) four further exciting walking days. These will be from our same comfortable self-catering accommodation (no need to change rooms), with the same private minibus transport, and continue to be led by our trek leader, Chris Pearson who has devised this extension itinerary.

Day 7 (Friday):   Minn beach and Kettla Ness, West Burra

Today we stay close to home exploring the beautiful island of Burra which is on the doorstep of our accommodation. This is the island where  our trek leader. Chris Pearson lived for 5 months in 2021 whilst teaching in Shetland. He has devised this walk to showcase the island which is well known for its coastal scenery and in particular its beautiful sandy beaches.

Walk Summary: Minn Beach is one of Shetland's most beautiful sweeps of sand, set along the west side of a stunning tombolo at Banna Min, leading out to Kettla Ness, the southernmost part of West Burra. The peninsula beyond the beach gives enjoyable walking above a wild coastline. We extend our walk to climb the small coastal hill of Vidra and Sandwick Hill which provide wonderful viewpoints

Terrain: Pathless coastal walking, boggy in a few places, some low fences without stiles to cross. Distance; 13.5kms /8.5 miles. Ascent: 255 metres.  Time: 5 hours

Day 8 (Saturday):  Esha Ness and Tangwick circuit

A walk around some of Britain’s most dramatic coastline.

Walk Summary.  This exploration around the coastal cliffs of the Esha Ness peninsula from the lighthouse  is a real Shetland classic - a superb walk with some magnificent cliff scenery, where the mighty waves of the Atlantic Ocean have eaten into the hard volcanic rocks of lava and ash which form the cliffs here  producing a myriad of impressive sculptured caves, arches, stacks and blowholes;  many with wonderful evocative names such as Calder’s Geo, Holes of Scradda, Villans of Ure, and the Grind of Navir -a huge cleft in the coast where the sea has torn apart the rocks, then spat the boulders back out.

Terrain: Mostly grassy walking above exposed coastal clifftops, rough in places but stiles over all fences. One part along quiet minor roads.  Distance: 13.75km / 8.5 miles. Ascent:  330m.  Time: 5 hours.

Day 9 (Sunday):  Out Skerries

A day trip to the remote isolated island group of Out Skerries, the most easterly part of Scotland (next stop Norway), noted for the traditional crofting and fishing way of life, and migratory stop off for rare birds, and today home to just 65 people. We visit on a Sunday which is the only day of the week when a return day trip is possible aboard the Shetland Council run ferry (included in trip cost) which provides a lifeline to the islanders. The journey takes one and half hours each way and gives good view in passing of the coastline of Whalsay island.

Walk Summary:  Our  walk explores around the low rocky coastline of the two connected islands, taking in the views from its  three little hills and takes in the  settlement which has traditionally  thrived on fishing and crofting and now boasts a  school, two shops,  and a welcoming unstaffed visitor waiting room with  toilets, comfy seats, books, knitting, crafts,  kettle, tea,  coffee and biscuits and even a microwave where we can take a break and enjoy a hot drink/ snack. 

Terrain: Pathless, but all fences have stiles or gates. Largely grassy going, some tussocky sections Distance: 11.75km / 7.25 miles. Ascent: 226 metres. Time: 4-5 hours.

Day 10 (Monday): Scalloway & Lerwick

For our final day we enjoy walks around the nearby fishing ports of both Scalloway and Lerwick  before catching the evening ferry to Aberdeen.

Walk 1 Summary: Scalloway and Bur Wick:   Scalloway - with its impressive ruined castle - was the ancient capital of Shetland. This circular walk heads round the rough coastline to the west of the town to the bay of Bur Wick before returning via a hill track.  Terrain: Roads and tracks for much of the route, but very rough pathless coastal section from Point of the Pund to Bur Wick. Distance 6.75km / 4.25 miles. Ascent: 140metres. Time: 2-3 hours

After lunch we drive the 8 miles to Lerwick

Walk 2:  Summary: Lerwick Explorer Lerwick is the capital of Shetland and by far the largest settlement. This route explores the older part of the town and harbour and passes round the headland of the Knab with some fine coastal scenery and views. There is also the chance to see a well-preserved and restored broch.

Terrain: Pavements and good footpaths. Distance: 6km / 3.75 miles. Ascent:80 metres. Time 2 hours

Our walk is timed to end mid-afternoon leaving time to enjoy exploring the cafes, shops, museum of Lerwick before those heading home can board the Aberdeen ferry at 16.30 ready for its 1730 departure.

Price £895 per person

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Reports & Reviews

First Trek: May 2026
Total: 1 trip

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Team Member Reviews

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Leader Reports

• Shetland - Islands of the Edge 2026
  “Our pioneering Jagged Globe Shetland: Islands on the Edge team have just enjoyed six memorable days trekking and exploring the islands and stunning coastal cliffs of the UK's extreme north. From our comfortable base close to the...”
  report added 07/Jun/26