Trip Reports

Shetland - Islands of the Edge 2026

Shetland - Islands of the Edge, Chris Pearson, Jun 2026 3
Trip Report

Written by Leader Chris Pearson, June 2026

Our pioneering Jagged Globe Shetland: Islands on the Edge team have just enjoyed six memorable days trekking and exploring the islands and stunning coastal cliffs of the UK's extreme north. From our comfortable base close to the capital of Lerwick (and an unlikely murder hot spot if fans of Detective Jimmy Perez and the popular 'Shetland' detective show are to be believed), our team achieved all of its goals on the hit list including walks around the high jutting headlands at both the top and bottom of Shetland; as well as walks around the stupendous coastlines of the islands of Noss, Papa Stour, and the icing on the cake, Foula. Foula boasts the highest sea cliffs in the UK outside of St Kilda.

Walking on Shetland is more than just about the scenery, jaw dropping as it is. It's about the countless birds that nest on every ledge and unlikely steep cliff face. It's about being humbled into silence as fulmars ride the air currents effortlessly alongside you, as curious about you, as you are about them. It's about the thousands of gannets nesting on cliffs - the sight, smell and noise! And it's about the puffins. Always the puffins - everyone's favourite. Although the sudden splash of a seal is competition.

Thanks to a great team who adopted an expedition attitude to the schedule which gave the flexibility necessary with boat and ferry sailing being dependent on weather and sea state. The use of an astonishing combination of 12 ferries / charter boats during our brief six days on Shetland added further to the sense of adventure. I look forward to returning next year.

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