Walking the length of Shetland

"Moving slowly is the best way to take in the sheer majesty of Shetland's wilderness." So says, journalist Simon Parker after another visit to his favourite archipelago.

He is no stranger to the islands having started his epic 2020 pandemic project in Shetland – cycling from the northernmost tip of Unst to the southernmoast point of the Isles of Scilly and back. He returned in December 2021 to experience the invigoration and drama of visiting Shetland in the winter.

For his latest visit Simon slowed things down and put his best foot forward.

Whatever the mode of travel it is the majestic, dramatic natural beauty that keeps pulling him back. Here he answers our questions and explains why the Shetland Islands are so alluring.

Your latest visit involved walking across much of the archipelago, did that slower pace give you more of an insight into life in Shetland?

Absolutely. I’ve now cycled the length of Shetland twice and walked it once.

It’s much bigger than it’s often given credit. Especially when you consider how little the landscape changes, especially at walking pace. But in that comes the admiration for the undulating land and the crashing sea.

A slower pace also gives you plenty of time to think and chat with whoever you stumble across.

You are a self-declared enthusiast for Shetland. What is it about the islands that so inspires you?

The sense of utter peace and tranquility, albeit often in the form of a growling wind.

I’m also slightly obsessed with extreme points. So I love the idea of being right at the edge of the map.

What would you advise anyone who considering doing a long-distance walk in Shetland?

This isn’t a walk in the park. Shetland weather can be fierce and you should be prepared for long stretches of peat bog.

It would be a good idea to let people know where you’re walking each day. And pack plenty of warm clothing and extra water/supplies.

There are plans to create a “Shetland Way” walking route to attract more walkers to the islands. Would you be inspired to return to walk the route?

Absolutely. I’d love to come back in a few years and give it a go, but there’s still a lot to thrash out.

What’s the one piece of equipment that no serious Shetland walker should be without?

A warm hat and gloves. And a very good wind-break jacket.

Start planning your Shetland walking adventure.