The Shetland Islands in Scotland are the most northerly point in the UK in which to venture

For those seeking a remote adventure in the north of Britain, the Shetland Islands, an archipelago north of Scotland and bordering Norway, offer the best but without the tourist crowds. 170 km off the country's north coast, travellers will find tiny Shetland ponies roaming free, an outdoor sports paradise and a people who love to knit and keep their Viking traditions alive. The adventure on one of Britain's most picturesque islands begins now.

Enjoy a beach all to yourself in the remote and fascinating Shetland Islands © lucentius / Getty Images

Scottish souvenirs formed breathtaking panoramas

Where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea and Scandinavia meets Scotland, the Shetland Islands are Britain's most northerly point and comprise more than 100 islands, 15 of which are uninhabited. Explore Mainland, or take a boat to the second largest island: Yell, the bird paradise Fetlar, the remote Out Skerries, or to Unst, the northernmost island of the North Isles. Getting to the Shetland Islands can be an adventure in itself. To honour the island's maritime heritage, take the boat from Aberdeen and embark on a 12-hour overnight journey across the rough and stormy North Sea. Try spotting some dolphins during the day and at night enjoy the stars in a sky free of light pollution.

The magnificent and mysterious Jarlshof is a historic gem © Eleanor Scriven / robert harding / Getty Images

The history of the Shetland Islands

The Vikings took the Shetland Islands by storm. These islands were right in the middle of the Scandinavian maritime empire, so it's no coincidence that around 1200 years ago many settled here, building houses and farms. Visit Unst to see the Viking longhouses concentrated at Hamar, Underhoull and Belmont, a replica of a Viking ship and Shetland's most impressive menhir. Viking culture is celebrated every January during Up Helly Aa: wearing Viking costumes, the inhabitants drag a replica ship through the streets of the town holding torches before setting it on fire.

Shetland's pre-Viking relics date back millennia and many archaeological sites offer a glimpse of their ancient past, the best of these being Jarlshof on Mainland. Often described as 'one of the best archaeological sites in the British Isles', this is an extraordinary site that has been occupied for more than 4000 years.

What to see in Lerwick, capital of Shetland

Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, is a vibrant base from which to visit the islands. A peculiar, small town built directly on the sea with the waves beating directly on some of its buildings. It offers several pubs where live music can be heard weekly where local fiddlers showcase their talents and holidaying musicians can happily join in concert. The city's music calendar includes the Shetland Folk Festival, the Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival and the Fiddle Frenzy, a name that needs no explanation. Put on your dancing shoes and hit the dance floor.

The tame, sweet Shetland ponies will brighten your ride © Kevin Schafer / Getty Images

Sign up for our newsletter! For you weekly travel tips, special offers, stories from around the world and 30% discount on your first order.

Shetland Islands nature trail

Outdoor adventures

Shetland is a bird-watching paradise. In the summertime the Yell moors teem with numerous bird species: the lesser loon, the golden plover and if you're really lucky you might even get to see one of Britain's smallest birds of prey, the porbeagle. Head to the Hermaness Nature Reserve in Unst, which boasts wonderful bird-watching trails, or to the small, remote island of Out Skerries, which is occupied by rare birds during the migration months. It is even more interesting to watch them nesting on the steep cliffs at Sumburgh Head for example, where you can see fulmars and black urns along with Scotland's iconic bird, the puffin .

Apart from winged specimens, there is no shortage of mammals on Shetland: dratsies (otters) play on the surface of the water, whales migrate across these seas and selkies (seals) enjoy the rocks at low tide. But the best known animal is surely the Shetland pony, the largest population of which is found on Unst, where they roam freely grazing the grass. At one time, these small, sturdy ponies were used both to plough the fields and in the mines, where they were in great demand for their physical strength. Today, these animals still live and breed on the island, so it is easy to meet these furry friends grazing by the roadside during your journey. They are friendly and curious so hide any food you have in the back of your pockets.

Adventure lovers who need more adrenaline than a spectacular coastal walk can still satisfy their craving in the Shetland Islands. The sea enclosed between the islands creates the perfect environment for kayaking and sailing, and if you don't fear the icy waters, there are also surfing areas. The best can be found near Sumburgh Head, however friendly local surfers may lead you to lesser-known areas full of waves. The islands are also an excellentclimbing destination. The high black cliffs offer the most spectacular routes to tackle with the thrill of the North Atlantic Ocean beneath your feet.

The famous handmade garments can be a perfect souvenir © Ken Scicluna / Getty Images

Shetland wool: secrets of an ancient craft

The Shetland Islands are rich in sheep, which is why wool is at home, and why fine quality knitted products make the perfect souvenir. Patterns and designs vary from island to island and you can find everything from garments in bright colours to more subdued shades of brown or green. A Shetland wool jumper is not just for being fashionable, but the thick wool will keep you warm and protect you from the changeable weather that can change from sunny to rainy in a matter of minutes. The annual Shetland Wool Week at the end of September is the highlight for knitting enthusiasts.

Read also:

Fair Isle, a paradise just a few miles from Shetland

If the Shetland Islands are still not remote enough, take a boat or plane and head to theIsle of Fair. Situated between the Orkney and Shetland archipelagos, this lonely rock in the middle of the North Sea is populated by around 70 islanders who live on small farms in the southern part of the island, the remaining land being populated by sheep and birds. Fair Isle is internationally known for its Bird Observatory (destroyed by fire in 2019 but hopefully to be rebuilt soon) and its authentic knitted colourful patterns.