June 25 – July 2 Fri - Fri
Group Size: 9
Starting Point: Aberdeen
Based: MV Hjaltland 2 nights, Veensgarth - 3 nights, Unst - 2 nights
Walking: Easy Moderate

Description :

Shetland has long been recognised by naturalists as a top destination for the unforgettable spectacle of huge seabird colonies. Every small loch seems to be inhabited by Red-throated Divers, and Otter sightings are reliable.

This tour is designed to embrace all Shetland's wildlife features, visiting the seabird colonies of Noss and Hermaness; Mousa for Storm Petrels, and Fetlar for Red-necked Phalarope and Whimbrel. Rarities are often around - we have had excellent views of King Eider, Crane, Kildeer, White-winged Black Tern, Rose-coloured Starling, Bee-eater, Red-backed Shrike plus many others, and regularly the season's best views of Crossbills - so our programme maintains a degree of flexibility in order to respond to any tips received. We also keep an eye out for cetaceans, especially from the ferries.

At Keen of Hamar on Unst a unique botanical site features several notable plants including the endemic Edmonston's Chickweed - found nowhere else on earth! Wildlife aside Shetland is a magical place featuring very distinctive land and sea-scapes, a must to be visited whatever one's interest. Our tour takes place when daylight lasts for almost 24 hours, the time of the 'Simmer Dim'.

In our experience the ferry journey is an important feature of the tour providing excellent sea-watching opportunities. The option to fly is a questionable one this time of year, when sea mist frequently causes flight cancellations.

Itinerary :

Days 1 Friday: Early evening rendezvous at Northink ferry terminal in Aberdeen for the 19:00 sailing to Lerwick.

Days 2 & 3 Saturday - Sunday: Arrive Lerwick 07:30 and travel north via the island of Yell for two nights based on the island of Unst. Explore Unst and Fetlar.

Days 4 - 7 Monday - Thursday: Transfer to the mainland for three nights based at Tingwall. Full exploration of mainland locations, including boat excursions around Noss and to Mousa (the latter a late night event to watch the arrival of Storm Petrels). Thursday evening we board MV Hjaltland for the 19:00 return crossing to Aberdeen.

Day 8 Friday: Arrive in Aberdeen where the tour concludes at 07:00.

Cost: £1000...includes: Accommodation; evening meals; packed lunches Days 2 – 7; all travel

Excludes: Breakfasts Days 2 & 8, Mousa trip (c. £15); Noss cruise (c. £25); entrance to antiquities.

Deposit: £100

Single Room Supplement: £65

Single Cabin Supplement: £90