Seven adventures to add to your Shetland summer bucket list

A visit to Hermaness is one of Shetland’s classic summer experiences. Whether you’ve visited before or are experiencing the UK’s most northerly nature reserve for the first time, it’s the kind of place that you never tire of exploring.

Hermaness is one of the most majestic parts of Shetland, sitting at the northern tip of Unst. And since the installation of a boardwalk, it’s easier than ever to experience. Routed to avoid disturbing sensitive sites and the birds that nest there, the path takes you close to some of the most spectacular natural sites in the whole of the UK.

Whether you visit for the breathtaking cliffs, the colonies of gannets, puffins and other seabirds, or as a spectacular place for a picnic, it is always worth making a trip to the nature reserve.

Some of Shetland’s most impressive scenery can only be appreciated from the sea.

There are several ways to experience Shetland from the water, whether you fancy exploring the islands under sail, honing your photographic skills, or enjoying some of the most spectacular and important seabird colonies in northern Europe.

Check out the different tours that help you enjoy Shetland from the sea.

For those seeking an island adventure with wildlife and stunning landscapes, Papa Stour delivers.

If you love history, the outdoors and exploring, there’s nowhere finer than Papa Stour, the island situated off Shetland’s West Side.

Known as Papey Stóra in Old Norse (big island of the priests) there are centuries of history to discover. And with its range of sea caves and reefs, supporting amazing plants and marine animals, Papa is an exceptional place for kayaking and diving.

To get there, you’ll need to book the 45-minute ferry from West Burrafirth (four days a week), so it takes a bit of planning. But all the best things do – and you should also take the opportunity to explore the West Side. There’s a reason that locals say ‘West is best’!

Few wildlife encounters capture the imagination quite like seeing puffins up close. One of the most iconic spots for enjoying this in Shetland is at the ever-popular Sumburgh Head, right at the southernmost point of Shetland’s Mainland.

It’s not all about puffins, as there are many other species of seabirds to be seen at Sumburgh, including fulmars, razorbills, guillemots and more. How many species can you spot?

If you’re lucky, you may even get the chance to spot orcas which occasionally come in close to the shore to hunt.

A short ferry crossing from Bressay opens the door to one of Shetland’s most remarkable nature reserves – Noss National Nature Reserve. Assuming you don’t live in Bressay, you’ll first need to catch the ferry from Lerwick, before heading to Noss Sound, where you can catch a small boat to cross to the island.

From May to late August the ferry runs between 10am and 5pm. To avoid disappointment, you should call the Noss Information Line +44 (0)800 107 7818 on the morning of your trip to confirm that the ferry is running.

A ferry trip to Skerries offers visitors the chance to experience one of Shetland’s most distinctive outer island communities.

With around three-dozen residents, Skerries is one of Shetland’s smaller communities. But visitors are always welcome, whether arriving by the ferry from Shetland Mainland, or sailing into the marina.

Like many parts of Shetland, Skerries is home to varied wildlife including eiders, gulls and terns. The islands are also one of the best places to see harbour porpoises (neesick in dialect) and minke whales .

Eshaness is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Shetland and watching the Atlantic roll (or smash!) into the cliffs below, is a memorable experience.

The geology of the ex-volcanic landscape is spectacular, and one of the best ways to experience the area is on foot, with excellent walks taking in the natural beauty and some fascinating historical sites.