Central Shetland

3 hours with Ponies and Scalloway

 

Girlsta

Weisdale Valley

Strom/Whiteness

Wormadale Viewpoint

Tingwall

Scalloway Castle
(3 hour tour)

Scalloway Museum

(3 hour tour)

Castle Viewpoint

 

This tour takes you through the central part of Shetland. You will leave Lerwick, heading north along the east coast of Shetland. Further north is the village of Girlsta named after Geirhilda, daughter of Floki of the Ravens whose exploits are told in the Viking sagas. This area is important for aquaculture and you will pass by salmon and mussel farms.

 

A little further on you will branch off the main road to the west coast and pass through Kergord and the Weisdale valley. This is a fertile limestone landscape with some of Shetland’s few trees. The valley’s crofters were victims of the clearances in the 19th century.

 

You then join the main west/east road and head south along the west coast. This area is a series of long sea inlets, called voes in the Shetland, and the road follows the coast giving some spectacular views. You will pass through Whiteness and Strom. At Stromness Voe the Atlantic Ocean passes under a bridge, creating a sea water loch. You still stop at the Wormadale Viewpoint, where you can see much of the west coast and on a fine day a view of Foula, lying 20 miles to the west of Shetland.

 

The road continues on and takes you past one of our airports before rejoining the north/south road. After that you will travel through another of Shetland’s valleys, Tingwall. This takes you past the Lawting Holm in the centre of Tingwall Loch. This was the site of the Norse parliament, and was used until the late 16th century. You will stop to visit Carol’s Shetland Ponies, and receive a short talk about the animals.

 

After leaving Tingwall you will then visit Scalloway, which was the former capital of Shetland. Scalloway Castle, built by Earl Patrick Stewart, dominates the skyline. Next door to the castle is Scalloway Museum, which details the history of the Shetland Bus. This was a covert boat operation between Shetland and Norway during World War Two. You will have free time here to explore the rich history of the area.

 

After leaving Scalloway you will stop at the Castle viewpoint from where you can take photos of Scalloway and its harbour. You will then return to Lerwick.

 

 

Central Shetland

2 hours with Ponies

 

Our 2 hour tour is a shorter version of the 3 hour tour.  We depart Lerwick and head north as far as the village of Girlsta, turning west here straight to the Wormadale viewpoint. You shall continue on from here visiting Carols Ponies and arriving in Scalloway. Here you will have a short drive through the village passing the Shetland Bus Memorial and then stop at the Scalloway viewpoint, overlooking the village with the Castle prominent in the foreground. You shall then return to Lerwick.

We operate an accessible coach which will usually be available on this tour. If you have reduced mobility, or use a wheelchair, please contact us before booking to ensure that we can definitely accommodate you. (with small disabled logo)

 

"The island has beautiful scenery, starting in Lerwick, driving through fertile fields, seeing lovely vistas and sea views, learning about and visiting Shetland ponies, and visiting the beautiful town of Scalloway, with its interesting Shetland bus museum, sea views, and castle. Our guide was very informative and personable, and his son did a great job of driving us." Mark

 

 

Central tour – 3 Hour

Tour Details

Duration – 3 hours

Price – Adult £35, Child (Under 12) £30, Child (Under 5) Free

Included – Entrance to castle and museum

 

 

Central tour – 2 Hour

Tour Details

Duration – 2 hours

Price – Adult £25, Child (Under 12) £20, Child (Under 5) Free