15 Short Walks on the Shetland Islands

Discover the wild coastlines, dramatic cliffs, and unique island landscapes of the Shetland Islands with this handpicked selection of 15 short walks, designed to reveal the very best of Britain’s remote northern outpost. From the puffin-filled headlands of Sumburgh and the sweeping sands of St Ninian’s Isle to ancient brochs, wind-scoured moorland, and the bustling harbour town of Lerwick, every walk in this guidebook celebrates Shetland’s untamed beauty, rich wildlife, and sense of adventure. Whether you’re new to walking, exploring with family, or simply keen to experience a taste of island life, these easy-to-moderate circular and out-and-back routes promise unforgettable days out across Mainland, Bressay, West Burra, Muckle Roe, and Unst.

• Each of the 15 Shetland walks features clear, easy-to-follow route descriptions and Ordnance Survey mapping, with practical information on facilities, public toilets, refreshments, parking, and route highlights to help you plan and enjoy your trip, from windswept clifftops to tranquil voes and white-sand beaches.
• All routes are designed for easy access and can be completed in a few hours, with gentle gradients and no challenging terrain, perfect for families, casual walkers, and anyone seeking the freedom of Shetland’s open spaces.
• Discover the islands’ classic walks: Sumburgh Head and Jarlshof, St Ninian’s Isle, Lerwick’s historic town trail, the Broch of Culswick, Eshaness, and Hermaness, as well as hidden gems like Kettla Ness, Staneydale Temple, and the beaches of Bannaminn.
• Start your adventures from Lerwick or Scalloway, both offering a wide range of places to stay, from campsites and hostels to cosy böds, B&Bs, and hotels, or venture further afield to explore the islands’ remote corners, linked by scenic drives, bridges, and regular ferries.
• Practical travel options make Shetland surprisingly accessible, with overnight ferries from Aberdeen, direct flights from Scottish cities to Sumburgh, and a reliable bus and inter-island ferry network. Car hire is available in Lerwick and at the airport for reaching more outlying walks.

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this guide brings together everything you need for a memorable exploration of Shetland’s extraordinary landscapes and natural wonders. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an island regular, this book is your key to discovering the wild spirit, rich history, and awe-inspiring scenery of the Shetland Isles, one short walk at a time.

Seasons

Most people visit between spring and mid-summer, as that is when the seabirds can be seen. The coastal scenery is particularly spectacular during winter storms, and January is when the great fire festival, Up Helly-Aa, takes place.

Centres

Lerwick, Scalloway, Hoswick, Bigton, Bixter, Walls, Voe, Brae, Baltasound

Difficulty

The walks in this book are mostly easy to follow on good paths, but there are sections which are pathless, and occasionally boggy, especially after rain. None of the clifftop walks have fences or barriers so care is needed.

Must See

The ancient settlement at Jarlshof; puffins and other seabirds galore at Hermaness and Sumburgh; spectacular seacliffs on most walks; the beautiful sand tombolo to St Ninian’s Isle; scores of remote islands to explore

Using this guide

Route summary table

Map key

Introduction

Walking on Shetland

Special things to see

Bases and places to stay

Getting there and around

The walks

Walk 1. Lerwick town trail

Walk 2. Bressay: The Ward of Bressay

Walk 3. West Burra: Kettla Ness

Walk 4. St Ninian’s Isle

Walk 5. Scat Ness and the Ness of Burgi

Walk 6. Sumburgh Head and Jarlshof

Walk 7. Drongi Field from Westerwick

Walk 8. The Broch of Culswick

Walk 9. Staneydale Temple

Walk 10. Sandness Hill from Huxter

Walk 11. Muckle Roe and the Hole of Hellier

Walk 12. Grind of the Navir and Eshaness

Walk 13. Ronas Hill from Collafirth Hill

Walk 14. Unst: Framgord

Walk 15. Unst: Hermaness

Useful information