Few places in Britain feel as remote, dramatic or alive with history as the Orkney and Shetland Isles, where 5,000 years of human history, extraordinary wildlife and sweeping Atlantic seascapes unfold across 25 islands. From ancient Neolithic monuments on Orkney to dramatic cliff-top coastlines and open moorland on Shetland, these Northern Isles offer a walking experience unlike anywhere else in the country.
This third edition Cicerone guidebook by Graham Uney is the most complete walking companion to the Northern Isles available, covering 80 walks ranging from 2 to 26km (1 to 17 miles) across Orkney, Shetland and Fair Isle with clear route descriptions, 1:50,000 OS mapping and downloadable GPX files. Suited to walkers of all abilities, it includes thorough practical guidance on ferry crossings, public transport and inter-island travel so you can plan every aspect of your trip with confidence.
80 walks are included across 25 islands spanning Hoy, Rousay, Yell, Unst, Fetlar, Foula, Fair Isle and both mainland archipelagos, with distances and terrain to suit every level of fitness and experience
1:50,000 OS mapping and GPX downloads provided for each route, giving walkers the tools to navigate whether walking on Orkney's waymarked coastal paths or Shetland's open moorland
Unmissable highlights across both island groups, including the Old Man of Hoy, Skara Brae, Jarlshof, the Mousa Broch and Hermaness National Nature Reserve, the northernmost point of the British walking network
Opportunities to experience the islands' incredible wildlife throughout, with regular sightings of puffins, otters, seals, whales, whooper swans and vast seabird colonies that rank the Northern Isles among Britain's finest wildlife destinations
Rich archaeological and historical context is included for each walk, bringing Neolithic, Iron Age and Norse heritage to life in a landscape where ancient monuments are still a defining feature of the countryside
Island logistics are covered in full, including ferry crossings, public transport, inter-island travel and local centres such as Kirkwall, Lerwick, Stromness and Scalloway — essential reading before you set foot on the first ferry
Author Graham Uney draws on years of first-hand exploration across the Northern Isles to reveal the walks, viewpoints and hidden corners that make Orkney and Shetland so special. Whether you're watching puffins on Hermaness or standing at Skara Brae as the Atlantic light fades, this guide gives you the tools to experience these remarkable islands at their very best.
