5 autumn walks in Shetland (with a cosy stop afterwards)

Leave your accommodation in a waterproof, stop halfway to peel off a layer because the sun has appeared, pull your hood back up as a shower sweeps across the voe, then finish the day watching a rainbow appear over your coffee. That's autumn in Shetland.

We don't have forests full of colour, but we do have heather-covered hills fading to russet and dramatic coastlines shaped by the Atlantic and the North Sea, migrating birds arriving for the season and skies that seem to change by the minute. Every walk feels a little different, and that's exactly why autumn is such a rewarding time to explore.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer island-hopping adventure, autumn is a wonderful time to discover more of Shetland. Browse places to stay at stay.shetland.com, then lace up your boots and head out on one of these walks. We've paired each one with somewhere cosy to warm up afterwards – because every great walk deserves a great finish.

Click through to each walk page for further route information.

Allow: Around 2-3 hours

Few places in Shetland capture the imagination quite like St Ninian's Isle. Crossing the natural sand causeway to St Ninian's Isle is always special, but in autumn the beaches are quieter, the sea feels wilder and the changing light makes every visit unique.

The circular walk takes you along the spectacular coastline with sweeping views across the Atlantic, making it an ideal morning adventure.

If you can, plan your visit for a Saturday, when the Bigton Weekend Bakery is open at nearby Hymhus and serves its much-loved cinnamon buns. A hot coffee and fresh bake are the perfect reward after a breezy walk.

Fancy warming up even more? Treat yourself to a session at the nearby St Ninian's Isle sauna before or after your walk for the ultimate autumn reset.

Plan your walk: St Ninian's Isle Circular

Allow: Around 2 hours

Just a few minutes from Lerwick town centre, the Ness of Sound feels like a world away. This circular ramble takes you around a rugged headland where the views stretch across Bressay Sound to Bressay, Mousa and the South Mainland, offering a wonderful introduction to Shetland's dramatic coastline.

Keep an eye on the shoreline for seals basking on the rocks or, if you're especially lucky, an otter exploring the coast. As you make your way around the headland, you'll also discover the remains of a Second World War coastal battery, a reminder of the strategic role Shetland played in protecting the approaches to Lerwick Harbour.

If the autumn air has left you ready to warm up, book a session at the Nordic Glow Nordic Sauna. Their wood-fired beach sauna is perfectly placed for embracing the Scandinavian tradition of hot and cold therapy while taking in the sea views. Afterwards, head to Fjarå Café Bar for coffee, cake or lunch overlooking the same stretch of water you've just explored.

Plan your walk: A ramble on the Ness of Sound

Allow: Half a day (or longer if you fancy exploring more of Bressay)

One of the joys of visiting Bressay is that the adventure starts before you've even laced up your boots. The ferry from Lerwick takes just seven minutes, making this one of Shetland's easiest island adventures – and proof that you don't have to travel far to feel immersed in nature.

The Brough to Stobister Circular begins at the Noss car park on the east side of Bressay and takes around four hours to complete. The 9km route passes an Iron Age broch, abandoned crofts and spectacular cliff scenery, with plenty of opportunities to spot seals, seabirds and, if you're lucky, passing whales.

As the walk starts around 5km from the ferry terminal, having a car makes reaching the trailhead much easier. If you're travelling on foot, allow extra time to walk to and from the ferry, or make a full day of exploring the island.

This is a walk that's best enjoyed in the morning, as it leaves plenty of time to head to Speldiburn Cafe afterwards. The cafe closes at 3pm most days, so an early start means you can look forward to homemade soup, fresh baking and excellent coffee after your adventure before catching the ferry back to Lerwick.

Plan your walk: Brough to Stobister Circular

Allow: Around 2 hours

Shetland might be famous for its coastline, but one of its loveliest autumn walks is tucked away beside a burn.

Just outside Aith, the Burn o' Lunklet follows a well-maintained path through a peaceful valley to one of Shetland's best-known waterfalls. While rivers and waterfalls are commonplace elsewhere in the UK, they're a much rarer sight here, making Lunklet a real hidden gem. After a spell of autumn rain, the waterfall is at its most dramatic as it plunges into the deep pool below, while the surrounding hills – affectionately known by locals as 'the Alps' – create a wonderfully wild backdrop.

The path is relatively accessible, making it a great choice for families with younger children or anyone looking for a gentler walk without compromising on scenery. Find a smooth rock beside the water, pause for a while and enjoy the soothing sound of the burn before heading back.

The Original Cake Fridge & Tearoom is less than a mile away. Pick up a homemade slice from the famous honesty fridge or, if the tearoom is open, settle in for lunch or coffee. You could even grab a picnic before your walk and enjoy it beside the burn.

Find out more: Burn o' Lunklet

Allow: Most of the day

A visit to Hermaness is less of a quick walk and more of an adventure. Reaching Britain's northernmost National Nature Reserve means taking two ferries and crossing Yell before arriving in Unst, so it's worth giving yourself time to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

The walk itself takes around three to four hours, crossing windswept moorland before reaching towering sea cliffs and breathtaking views towards Muckle Flugga. While many of Hermaness's famous seabirds have begun their journey south by autumn, you'll often still spot gannets soaring above the cliffs, while grey seals can frequently be seen hauled out on the rocky shore below. The ever-changing skies and dramatic Atlantic scenery make this one of the UK's most spectacular coastal walks at any time of year.

After your walk, head to The Final Checkout in Baltasound for a warming drink and something to eat before continuing your adventure.

If your itinerary allows, consider making a night of it. Staying in Yell or Unst gives you time to explore beaches, heritage sites and hidden corners of the North Isles at a more relaxed pace. Browse accommodation at stay.shetland.com and discover why the journey north is well worth extending.

Plan your walk: Hermaness Circular