Meet at the ferry terminal at 15.30 to load luggage on the van, and board the ferry. We have cabins to sleep in during the overnight sailing, and arrive at breakfast time the next day. Please note that we have a small programming problem with the meals for today - it is not self-catering, there are no meals included but you can of course buy dinner on the ferry, and breakfast is included the next day.
Cycling south through Lerwick and visit the Clickimin Broch, then on to the pretty village of Scalloway which used to be the the capital of Shetland. Then north to Voe and Brae
Cycling west towards Hillswick (with the WOOD clad St Magnus Bay Hotel on an island with no trees). Then continue to Stenness with views to the island Dore Holm (which because of the large arch looks like a pony drinking water). Do continue to the lighthouse at Eshaness. Option to walk along the cliff tops before returning
We have two ferry journeys to take us first to Yell, then after we cycle across the island a second ferry on to Unst. This is the most northerly of the main islands of Shetland.
Leaving the hotel at Baltasound to cycle to the end of the North Sea cycle route at the top of Unst. Then on to Hermaness nature reserve and views to the island of Muckle Flugga with its lighthouse.
Once again we have two ferries on our journey south.
Brae is at an isthmus between the Mainland and a large peninsula called Roe. We previously cycled to the west at Eshaness, and today we cycle to the north and south points. The last third of the day on Muckle Roe adds on more than 50% so there is an option pass on that and to do 55km and 673
Option to cycle to Muckle Roe, but it is hilly so maybe just go part way
We visit the tombolo at St Ninians is a beautiful spit of land between the mainland and the isle of St Ninians
Cultural day trip first to the Croft House Museum, then to Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, where we might see puffins. On returning to the hotel do visit the Jarlshof prehistoric and Norse settlement
After visiting Mousa all other Brochs will be disappointing, so probably best that I saved this for the end of the tour. We have time to walk around the island and soak in the atmosphere before cycling on to Lerwick.
This is our last full day on Shetland, so you might like to relax around Lerwick. It is a small town so you could also include a ferry across to see Bressay.
Today we cycle west to Hamnavoe. The heart of Hamnavoe is its harbour, complete with its pier. Here you can seen a selection of fishing vessels and pleasure craft. The pier is also one of the best places from which to get a sense of the layout of Hamnavoe, which is spread over the hillside above Hamna Voe in a way that is difficult to appreciate from many parts of the village.
Land Only - £2150
Deposit of £400 when booking, and the balance of £1,750 is due on the 17th February 2027
Written Notice Received:
Cancellation Charge:
by 17th February
£400 Deposit
after 17th February
£2,150 Tour cost
Please complete the booking form. The tour organiser will reply confirming if there is availability, and asking you to transfer the deposit into the Trust account. Shortly after that you will receive confirmation of your booking
The price of £2150 (land only) is based on a minimum number of 10 people taking part in the holiday. If there are insufficient bookings by Sunday 31st January 2027, we will contact you and return all monies paid.
The tour starts and finishes in Aberdeen, where the ferry leaves to sail to Lerwick on the mainland of Shetland. The tour goes to the north and south extremities on the mainland with an extension on to the islands of Yell and Unst
Travel to the start and from the finish is not included in this holiday. Thus, it is very important that you note that neither your Tour Organiser nor Bikexplore are responsible for you in any way until the appointed time at the designated meeting point.
Potentially a tour may be cancelled (e.g. if it does not attract the minimum numbers) so please do not commit to any travel arrangements until you have received confirmation that the tour will go ahead. In the event of cancellation Bikexplore will only be responsible for refunding you the cost of the tour itself.
Prior to the tour communication will be by email, but shortly before the tour we will set up a WhatsApp group. During the tour we will use WhatsApp to communicate details like café stops, meal arrangements, places of interest and any emergencies on route. Ideally everyone will bring a smart phone and be happy to be included in the group.
We will stay in a variety of standards of hotels (typically 3*). This is a remote part of the UK, and often we are lucky if there is a hotel in the places we want to go. We have a two night stay in each location.
All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Prices are based on two people sharing a room. When booking with a partner to share please specify twin or double beds. There are no single occupancy rooms available.
On the overnight sailings on the ferry we will have cabins for 2 people to share.
Breakfast each day is included and in addition dinner is included on five evenings. We will pay for our own lunches, café stops and beverages. The tour is in a very remote and sparsely populated area, and there are few cafe stops. Please carry sufficient food and water to last you all day if necessary. Most places are happy to accept credit cards but please carry some cash just in case.
Please advise the tour organiser of any dietary requests in your Booking application, and do remember to pack any medications that you need. Can you also remind the tour organiser of any dietary requests and health issues at the start of the tour.
TYPE OF BIKE
A touring cycle, gravel bike, hybrid, tandem, recumbent or lightweight road bike would all be suitable for most of this holiday. However, a gravel bike (or touring bike) would cope better if we come to any unpaved or rough sections. In general the road surfaces are much better than average for the UK
MAINTENANCE
You should ensure your cycle is well maintained, paying particular attention to wheels, tyres and brakes. A low bottom gear (eg. small chainring the same size or smaller than the largest cog on your rear wheel) is recommended. Mudguards are optional but demonstrate respect to those who are following you in wet weather. Lights are recommended in the very unlikely event of arriving back late and useful if walking outdoors at night. A bell is advised. Water bottles are required to ensure you are hydrated at all times. You must carry sufficient spares and tools to deal with punctures and minor repairs, including two inner tubes, spare gear and brake cable, split link and spare brake pads. There are no bike shops on route after we leave Lerwick. You are advised to use 28mm tyres, or larger, to suit the variable terrain.
The luggage weight for transfers is limited to 10kg per person, which is usually sufficient for any holiday, washing spare clothes each night.
Please bring a bike lock suitable to your attitude towards the risk of theft.
This is a cycling holiday with for 12 days with several days, typically with a moving on day followed by a shorter circular day trip (which could be a rest day). There is a rest day planned in Lerwick so you have time to look around.
Most of the cycling is on minor roads, but we also use cycle paths and there are some sections on main roads. People tend to cycle in small groups, and meet up with the rest of the group at view points and cafes. The tour should be manageable for someone who cycles regularly and has reasonable fitness. There are some longer days and some days with a lot of ascent, as well as shorter and easier days. Please train for the tour and ride some hilly 80km day trips in preparation.
People may want to stop for photographs, look at the view or explore some local attraction and this is encouraged. You are on holiday. If you wish to go further from the group and do your own thing then please do advise the tour organiser.
The weather in the British Isles can be very variable so please carry waterproof clothing and sun screen. You might end up using them on the same day.
The average maximum temperature in Lerwick is 11 degrees C, while the average rainfall for the whole month is 50mm. In comparison figures for London are 15 degrees and also 50mm.
Do bring thin layers, so you can adjust as necessary. Diane and I like open water swimming, and there will be some opportunities to swim or just paddle if you would like to join us. Please only do what you are safe and comfortable with. A swimming costume, goggles and microlight towel would not add much weight to carry.
Please carry waterproof clothing and sun screen.
Helmets are optional, but are recommended.
The tour organiser will email a link to Plotaroute with all of the planned rides for the tour. These can be downloaded to your Garmin, or other cycle computer , or phone. If you do not use such technology please do bring the relevant pages from a road atlas and highlight the planned routes. Maybe bring the road atlas pages as well as a Garmin.
There are lots of maps available. I have Philip's Orkney and Shetland: Leisure and Tourist Map ISBN 10: 1849077088 / ISBN 13: 9781849077088.
There are a few guide books available. I have just purchased Shetland: Your Essential Travel Guide: Goodlad, Laurie - but if you can get it direct from 60 Degrees North Publishing for the same price as Amazon
Holiday costs have risen so we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance in case you have to cancel for any reason.
You should be up to date with vaccinations and boosters as recommended for the UK. There are no additional medical recommendations, but please do bring any medications that you need to use. Please also make the tour organiser aware of any health issues.
No passports or visas required for British citizens travelling from Aberdeen to Lerwick
Northlink Ferries service the route from ABerdeen to Lerwick and as the ferry sails overnight we have booked cabins.
Shetland Council Ferries provide the small ferries that link the islands to the Mainland.
The Mousa Boat provides access to the island of Mousa and the fantastic broch
Martin Jamieson - mdjamieson@hotmail.co.uk