ACTIVITIES
Activity Holiday
Shetland is a great place for an active family holiday. The 15 inhabited islands boasts over 500 miles of well-maintained roads, inter-island ferries and bridges making them really easy to explore. There is always something interesting going on so you will never run out of things to do. Walkers Shetland has a fascinating and unique natural environment waiting to be explored. The collection of scenery and geology, bird life, sea mammals, wild flowers and beaches makes up a Shetland offers some of the finest walking in Europe. The combination of spectacular coastal scenery on both North Sea and Atlantic facing cliffs, quiet inland lochs, and gentler heathery hills is unsurpassed. The Shetland Geopark was awared membership of the European Geopark Network (EGN) in Setpember 2009 in appreciation of the unique landscape, biodiversity and geological heritage. Cycling
If cycling is your thing, there are hundreds of miles of smooth road to enjoy. The size of Shetland makes a cycle holiday a realistic option but be prepared to be delayed by conversations with friendly locals and stop to take in the breathtaking scenery. Bicycle hire is available locally, see our links page for further details. Golf There are three main courses. Shetland Golf Club is based just outside Lerwick and hosts a challenging 19-hole golf course. Visitors are welcome at the club where you will be surprised at the low cost green fees. Just over the hill is the nine-hole Asta Golf Club and the most northerly golf course in Britain is run by the Whalsay Golf Club at Skaw on the rugged northern tip of the busy fishing island off the east coast of Shetland. Beware to be distracted from your game as you enjoy watching the local gulls, skuas, seals and porpoises. Even further north, in Unst, there is a small, unofficial golf course among the sand dunes and links at Burrafirth, a spectacular, fjord-like inlet at the north end of the island. Sea Angling and Loch Fishing Shetland is an excellent base for sea angling. Whether you are after some mackerel, ling or haddock for a superbly fresh meal, or want to take on the bigger challenge of halibut or porbeagle shark, Shetland waters are amongst the most promising you will find anywhere. See our links page for charter vessels. Shetland has legendary trout are another attraction for anglers, while the wild brown trout is the fresh water lochs are a best-kept secret. There are more than 300 lochs scattered all around the islands, ready to be tempted by a fly or spinner. The extensive and accessible coastline offers a paradise for sea kayakers. There are hundreds of miles of cliffs, deserted beaches, countless cave, stacks, arches and sheltered inlets. Kayakers can get exceptionally close to seals, seabirds and otters with opportunities to look for whales are you enjoy the seascape. To explore our fabulous coastline, sheltered voes, remote islands and abundant wildlife in peace and quiet from a sea kayak, with a fully qualified local leader contact Sea Kayak Shetland. Diving Being an island, Shetland is perfect for water sports. Exceptional underwater visibility makes it perfect scuba-diving country, sport divers and underwater photographers. The underwater wildlife is truly astonishing, one of the richest marine environments around the British Isles. Dinghy sailing is hugely popular in Shetland, where traditional sailing and rowing regattas are a big part of summer social life. Visiting crew are always welcome in weekly races at clubs around the islands - and the wind surfing is out of this world. There is some wonderful surfing on the three beaches right next to Sumburgh Airport at the southern tip of the islands. Local surfers can show you many other good spots for the most northerly barrels in Britain. Geocaching in Shetland There are over 60 geocaches in Shetland. Geocaching the 21st century alternative to the traditional treasure hunt but instead of the treasure being found where X marks the spot, the treasure is hidden according to a specific GPS point. This is an ideal activity to see the spectacular landscape of Shetland whilst providing an adventure along the way. Become a member on the geocashing website and enjoy this modern activity. NATURE AND WILDLIFE
Bird Watching Shetland is the place to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and amazing rarities. Get up close to tens of thousands of breeding Gannets, Guillemots, Puffins, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Fulmars at the Sumburgh Head, Noss or Hermaness nature reserves. The birdwatching is not confined to the summer: there are Gannets and Fulmars around the coast for most of the winter, along with residents like Shags, Cormorants, Tysties, Eiders and Ravens, while Great Northern Divers, Slavonian Grebes, Herons, Whooper Swans, Iceland Gulls, Turnstones, Purple Sandpipers and Snow Buntings are among the regular winter visitors. Shetland is a brilliant place to watch sea mammals all year around. The species you are most likely to see are the Common Seal, Grey Seal, Otter and Harbour Porpoise. You can hear the seals singing on the beach below Brekka Lodge. With patience you have a good chance of spotting the shy and elusive Otters with around 1000 living on the isles, making this one of the main strongholds in the UK. Our guests have seen one only 100m from Brekka Lodge! For more images and an inspiring insight into the secret lives of Otters in Shetland click here. There are also frequent sighting of Orcas (Killer Whales) hunting seals inshore, or a school of White-sided Dolphins chasing a shoal of fish, or even a Minke Whale. These pictures are of Orcas, Risso Dolphins and Long-Finned Pilot Whales, all taken 10 minutes from Brekka Lodge by local photographs Hugh Harrop and Jon Dunn. Shetland Ponies
The Shetland pony is famous throughout the world and you can see them grazing by the roadside, on the beaches or on the heathery hills. These captivating friendly creature stand up to 107cm (42 inches) high at four years old or over. They are charming and instantly recognisable photogenic creatures will be a firm favourite with adults and children alike. Flora Shetland has many botanical stars and a few species of hawkweed and a chickweed that grow nowhere else but there are many different plant habitats providing dazzling displays of colour, ranging from marches and meadows to arctic alpine tundra. Landscape
Shetland has beautiful rolling hills, flat plains and stunning sandy beaches but unfortunately not any major forests to speak of. There is something to suit everyone and you are sure to all have a different favourite spot before you leave. Drive around the corner and something new will appear to take your breath away. However, do be tempted to leave the roadside and venture cross country to see some of the best landscape and scenes in Shetland. HISTORY, MUSIC, CULTURE AND TRADITION Archaeology Shetland is an archaeologists dream come true. Wherever you go in the islands you can see evidence of the people who lived there previously. Some of the earliest and best archaeological sites are right next to the modern shoreline. The only complete broch – an Iron Age drystone hollow-walled structure – in the world is on the uninhabited island of Mousa, while the well preserved Clickimin Broch stands by a lock in the middle of Lerwick. Two of the best sites are right next to Sumburgh Airport: the recent archaeological dig at Old Scatness has turned up some amazing finds, including entire buildings overwhelmed by a sandstorm, and the famous Jarlshof, a multi-period settlement. Geneology Shetland has exported a range of famous products for centuries: wool, lamb and knitwear, fish, ponies and in more recent years, oil. But by far the most important, but perhaps less obvious of these, is people. You will find Shetlanders all over the world and if you are interested in tracing your Shetland ancestors there are many people who are willing to help you. Maritime For thousands of years the sea has been the central fact of Shetland life - a source of food, employment, timber, fertiliser and, before roads were built in the mid-19th century, the main means of getting around the archipelago. Until the 1930s the sea was also the only way to travel to and from the outside world. The maritime history of Shetland is both interesting and facinating. Thanks to renowned fiddlers and musical ambassadors like Aly Bain and newer Shetland groups, such as Fiddlers Bid and Filska, Shetlands music also has a place on the international stage. Musicians are not only interested in traditional music either; their talents embrace classical, jazz, blue and rock genres. There are annual music festivals such as the Shetland Folk Festival, the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival and Shetland Blues Festival but the local music can be enjoyed all year round. The award-winning Simmer n Sessions are a chance to enjoy the Shetland music. Culture The rich, unique and vibrant culture of Shetland will give you lots to investigate, explore, see and do while visiting Shetland. Heritage Officially part of the United Kingdom, the Shetland Islands are certainly Scottish but are not part of the tartan culture of Scotland. Locals have their own dialect which is closely related to both Auld Scots and the ancient Norn language that pervaded the North Sea countries of Norway, Denmark, Shetland, Faroe and Iceland in Viking times. The most northerly outpost of the UK, Shetland has been described as the best way for British holidaymakers to go abroad without a passport. The rich and varied heritage is carefully preserved and readily available to locals and visitors through a range of heritage centres, local museums and interest groups throughout the islands. Vikings Shetland plays host to the largest fire festival in Europe – Up Helly Aa. There are many local smaller country festivals between February and March each year but the largest is held annually in Lerwick on the last Tuesday in January. After a torch-light procession of up to a thousand guizers through the streets of Lerwick a full-size replica Viking longship is ceremonially burned. The guizers and onlookers then retreat to local halls for a night of revelry, dancing and partying. Summer visitors can get a flavour of this mid-winter extravaganza at the Up Helly Aa exhibition in Lerwick where the regalia, props, costumes and a replica longship are on display. There is also an Viking parade as part of the Shetland Hamefarin event in 2010 and Tall Ships Races Visit in 2011. SHOPPING, FOOD AND EVENTS Shopping Inspiration from the environment, coupled with generations of skill fuel the creative craft producers of our islands. A wide range of local Shetland crafts is available, including fiddles and woodwork, ceramics, jewellery, soap and confectionary. Stockists and factory shops can be found throughout the islands.
Food The Shetland Islands are famous for their cuisine and our local produce is considered by many to be a benchmark for quality, from lamb to seafood. The esteem in which our food and drink are held is based not only on the wonderful environment in which our produce is cultivated and gathered but also on the care and commitment of producers. Details of suppliers and restaurants can be fond in the Shetland food directory. The annual Flavour of Shetland event and Shetland Food Festival is well worth a visit. Try the new Shetland cheese! A guide to local food and drink is provided free of charge in the accomodation. It lists local suppliers and recommended restaurants for eating out. Place to Go and Things to See Summers here are drier than on the west coast of Scotland but when you do have a wet weather day there is still plenty to do. There are a wide selection of wonderful indoor attractions in Shetland. There are a number of visitor attractions all across Shetland which are worth visiting during a trip to Shetland. In Shetland, we have a range of operators providing internal tours - by both land and sea. Most specialise in a particular area, allowing you to build your holiday around your favourite elements or pick and choose to gain an overall view. See out useful links page for our recommendations. Events There are various annual events held throughout Shetland to which visitors are warmly invited. Refer to the Visit.Shetland.org website for further details or look at or links page. Tickets for events and festivals across Shetland, for a variety of promotors and organisations can be purchased online at The Shetland Box Office website. The Cunningsburgh District Agricultural show, held on the second Wednesday in August each year, is only 1 mile from our 4 star holiday accommodation in the south mainland of Shetland. 
walkers paradise. 
Kayaking 
Sailing and Surfing
Wildlife 
Music 
