More than wool: 7 ways to weave yourself into Shetland life

You've booked your workshops, checked your packing list, and organised your patterns: now what? While Shetland Wool Week is all about celebrating the textile traditions, there's much more to explore while you're here. If you have a free morning or afternoon or are staying for longer than a week, then this is your chance to immerse yourself in island life beyond the wool.

Here are seven suggestions to help you make the most of your time in Shetland.

Getting around Shetland

Before you set off exploring, it's worth knowing your options. Car rental is the most flexible way to explore, with several companies operating from Lerwick and Sumburgh Airport. Local bus services connect the main settlements, though they're less frequent than mainland routes.

Many visitors find that a combination works well: buses for longer journeys, walking for coastal areas, and the occasional taxi or a day or two with a hire car for those hard-to-reach spots. If you plan to travel to Shetland's outer isles, don't forget to check the ferry timetables and make a booking, which is advisable, especially during busy periods.

You don't have to be a geologist to marvel at Shetland's extraordinary landscapes. Some of the rocks here are among the oldest in Europe, and you can literally walk across an ancient ocean floor – or ophiolite – in Unst and Fetlar.

Elsewhere, you can see exposed fossils, walk on the impressive St Ninian’s Beach tombolo, or marvel at the cliffs in the ex-volcanic Eshaness peninsula. Look out for distinctive red sandstone formations and ancient fossils embedded in the cliff faces, some dating back 400 million years.

The Geopark Shetland website is a great place to start planning. If you're short on time, even a short stroll along the coast will reveal dramatic cliffs, unusual rock formations, and layers of deep time underfoot.

Reestit mutton soup, bannocks, buttery shortbread: Shetland's food culture is full of rich, comforting flavours. And there are plenty of opportunities to try a local favourite.

When you're out and about, look out for cosy cafés and eateries offering seasonal menus and a warm welcome. And don't miss the chance to try freshly caught haddock and chips or mussels harvested from the waters around the islands: the seafood here is exceptional.

You'll also find a growing number of honesty cake fridges tucked around the isles, offering up homebakes and traybakes for just a few pounds – a true Shetland experience.

If you're self-catering, visit the local shops to stock up on Shetland oatcakes, smoked fish, or island-made jams. You can also find plenty of locally grown produce, including tatties (potatoes), kale and a surprising range of herbs and fruits, often cultivated in one of the famous Polycrubs.

To recreate your Shetland favourites, why not try the recipes at the bottom of this article?

It's hard to separate Shetland from its musical traditions. The fiddle is everywhere, but it's not the only sound you'll hear.

Whether it's a spontaneous tune in a local pub, an open-mic night, or a more intimate gig in a village hall, there are plenty of ways to enjoy live music. Keep an eye on local noticeboards or ask around: it's often word of mouth. Or you can check the What's On Shetland website, which includes many listings.

And if you're curious about the islands' music history, the Shetland Museum's audio exhibits are worth a listen.

Shetland's creative scene goes far beyond knitting, weaving and textiles. Jewellery, painting, sculpture, printmaking, woodwork. Photography, ceramics, furniture... You name it, someone here is making it.

Several artist studios are open to the public, and many shops and galleries showcase locally made pieces. Following the craft trail can lead you to unexpected places and conversations. If you're lucky, you might even catch a maker at work.

Shetland dialect is a blend of Scots and Old Norse, and while English is widely spoken, you'll often hear delightfully local phrases.

Why not challenge yourself to learn a few words? "Peerie" (pronounced PEE-ree) means small, "spikk" (rhymes with "pick") is talk or speech. Try the greeting "Hiyi" (Hi-aye), which means "Hello," or learn "wirset" meaning yarn (perfect for Wool Week)!

Some of the best dialect discoveries happen in casual conversation, so don't be shy – ask questions and spikk awa.

If the Shetland dialect piques your interest, you will enjoy listening to Shetland Forwirds' Dialect Map of Shetland, where you can hear different words and pronunciations.

Shetland's beaches in September and October can be wild and windswept or surprisingly serene (like the weather). The water is crystalline and cold, but incredibly invigorating.

A dip in the Atlantic might not be on everyone's itinerary, but sea swimming is hugely popular, and for those who dare, it's an unforgettable way to experience the islands. Sea temperatures hover around 11–13°C, so bringing your swimsuit or trunks – or a wetsuit – will earn serious bragging rights.

If the thought of those chilly temperatures makes you hesitate, the outdoor sauna at Bigton offers the perfect warm-up: nothing beats a good heat session before plunging into the cold Atlantic.

St. Ninian's Isle and Levenwick Beach are two popular spots for a bracing dip. Some visitors swear by a quick plunge followed by a strong coffee.

Always check local conditions and consider going with others for safety.

Shetland's single-track roads offer endless vistas: rolling hills, sparkling lochs, and the occasional Shetland pony posing obligingly by a fence.

Plan a leisurely drive that includes weekend treats: perhaps a community "Sunday Teas" event or the Saturday morning bakery in Bigton, along with hidden-away honesty shops or roadside stalls selling fresh bakes.

These small surprises are part of what makes exploring the isles so special. And with your new dialect words in hand, you'll fit right in.

Wherever your Wool Week adventures take you, make time to step off the main trail and follow your curiosity.

You'll find that the fabric of Shetland life is as rich and textured as the knitwear it's famous for.