June 1 – 8 Fri - Fri
Group Size: 9
Starting Point: Aberdeen
Based: MV Hjaltland 2 nights, Unst - 2 nights, Tingwall - 3 nights
Walking: Easy to 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 of Shetland's wildlife features, visiting the seabird colonies of Noss and Hermaness; Mousa for Storm Petrels, and Fetlar for Red-necked Phalaropes and Whimbrels. Rarities are often around - we have had excellent views of King Eider, Crane, Kildeer, White-winged Black Tern, Rose-coloured Starling, Bee-eater and Red-backed Shrike, plus many others, and often enjoy 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 – Minke Whales, Orcas and several dolphin species having previously been seen.
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.
ItineraryDay 1 Fri...19:00 Departure: Early evening rendezvous at Northlink ferry terminal in Aberdeen for the 19:00 sailing to Lerwick on MV Hjaltland - our evening meal enjoyed in the ship’s restaurant.
Days 2 & 3 Sat & Sun: Arrive Lerwick 07:30 and travel via the Island of Yell for two nights based on the Island of Unst. Explore Unst and Fetlar.
Days 4 - 7 Mon - Thu: Transfer to the mainland for three nights based near 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, passing close by Fair Isle.
Day 8 Fri: The tour concludes on arrival in Aberdeen at 07:00.
Cost: £1150...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: £60
Single Cabin Supplement: £90
