Five Shetland outdoor adventures for families

The woods at Kergord, nestled in the hillside of the Weisdale valley in the Central Mainland, is the place to go for an outdoor adventure.

From the roadside, the plantation known as Lindsay Lee hides the magic that lies within and the features only reveal themselves as you make your way along the paths running either side of the stream.

You only need to take a few steps inside before you feel enclosed by the wood and the opportunities for play open up.

Your kids will love climbing the trees, building a den, splashing in the stream, playing on the swings and clambering over the rocks in the ruins of a stone cottage.

Let them make their own adventure, choosing which route to follow through the rich valley, which is bursting with colour.

But make sure you stop to enjoy the sound of the birdsong and the dappled light of the sun shining through the trees. Just don’t forget your wellies!

Michaelswood community woodland, in Aith, has something to offer all families.

It’s a developing site, created by Ray and Betty Ferrie in memory of their son Michael.

There is fun to be had around every corner with a dinosaur sculpture trail, teddy bear’s picnic site and a play table with vehicles.

Younger children will also be entertained by the playhouse and pirate ship.

The latest addition is a storybook corner complete with a solar-powered music system.

It’s all set within the developing woodland, consisting of more than 60 species of trees and shrubs which have become a haven for flora and fauna.

Planting continues on the upper part of the site, which stretches out of sight up the hill. And it’s worth the climb to the top to enjoy the view and imagine what the woodland will look like in years to come.

Da Gairdins at Sand is a popular spot with families and a great place for a walk and picnic.

It’s teeming with wildlife – the highlight being three large ponds which are home to hundreds of frogs. Make sure you tread carefully!

Da Gairdins operates as a registered charity and is set over 60 acres, a third of which is maintained woodland and gardens.

The different sections are great fun to explore from the dense conifers in the upper garden to the pampas plantations, willow walk and rhododendron beds in the lower gardens.

It’s worth taking your time in each of the different areas as there are a few surprises in store, one of which is the story behind the boat which is now being used as a shed roof.

You will need to visit Da Gairdins in all the seasons to fully appreciate all that the site has to offer.

If you have time afterwards children will love collecting shells at the nearby beach at Sand.

There is of course nothing like messing about on the water – as a visit to the Burn of Hoswick in the South Mainland will prove.

A nature trail has been created along the banks of the burn, the path linking the Sandwick communities of Hoswick and Swinister.

A quarter of a mile walk takes you across a series of bridges over water teeming with tiny fish and along a boardwalk that passes meadows full of birdsong in spring and summer.

Children will love crossing the stepping stones, splashing about in the shallow water, and seeing what they can catch in their pond nets.

The path then takes an unexpected turn, taking you into a magical hidden glen.

Retracing your steps and crossing the road you can continue along the burnside path down to Hoswick beach – where the eagle-eyed might spot nuggets of fool’s gold in the rocks behind the pebble shore.

A trip to Hoswick would not be complete without calling into the village’s visitor centre cafe.

And if your kids still have energy to burn, let them loose in the fabulous community-run play park nearby.

On a calm day, head further south to the Ness of Burgi in Scatness. It’s an area of dramatic archaeological and natural heritage that’s hidden in plain sight.

A short scenic walk takes you to the end of the headland. Then the fun really begins.

Rocks that look like a sheer precipice and impossible to scale are actually an easy scramble. Sturdy handrails mark the route.

Older children will feel like true adventurers as they traverse the ridge.

The reward on the other side is an Iron Age blockhouse fort surrounded in late spring and early summer by a stunning carpet of sea pink wildflowers.