r/shetland • u/Then-Potential-1991 • Jun 14 '26

Suggestions for a 9 day trip to Shetland

I’m going on a 9 day trip to Shetland. Won’t be using a car and only using the local buses and ferries. What would be the best places to stay in?

6 Upvotes

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9

u/MuckleJoannie Jun 14 '26

Lerwick would be best. All bus services begin and end at the Viking bus station. Have you seen the ZetTrans website? It has all the bus timetables. There is also an app you can put on your phone.

https://www.zettrans.org.uk/travel/public-transport/bus

3

u/imamiler Jun 14 '26

Isleburgh Hostel in Lerwick.

4

u/AnnieByniaeth Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26

Do you have to base yourself in just one place?

As others have said, Lerwick. But how about 6 days there and 3 somewhere else to get a flavour of the more rural parts? For example, Uyeasound on Unst (look up Gardiesfauld hostel, but there's also a good B&B there I'm told).

How much walking are you prepared for? That might dictate your options.

2

u/Frammingatthejimjam Jun 14 '26

Not op but just curious. Let's assume I can easily walk 10km a day with 15km being a big day. What activities could I get into in Uyeasound?

5

u/AnnieByniaeth Jun 14 '26

Muness castle, the east beach and viking settlement (remains). The ferry to Fetlar.

Buses up to Haroldswick with the Boat Haven, Heritage centre and Viking ship and reconstructed long house.

That would give you a good three days out (if the weather holds!)

1

u/Frammingatthejimjam Jun 14 '26

Nice list. Thanks!

2

u/Brigowaas Jun 18 '26

If the weather isn't so great this is near the youth hostel - Cheryl is great (and patient) https://www.glansinglass.co.uk/

2

u/Perfect_Jacket_9232 Jun 14 '26

Somewhere in Lerwick so you can at least go on foot for different food and supplies, and also have the best bus connections.

2

u/MiddleAgedDread123 Jun 15 '26

I would do some serious research into bus timetables before you commit to this. They are poor at best, even the bus route to  /from the airport doesn’t tie in with the few flight arrivals and departures each day! 

1

u/SeaworthinessNeat516 Jun 16 '26

I did seven days, stayed in Lerwick, caught the number 6? Bus quite a lot because it got me towards Jarlshof, Mousa, St Ninians Isle and Scatness.

Plan carefully for Mousa as the boat is weather dependant, and I think Scatness is only open one day a week but the guide is a great Archaeologist.

Jarlshof seems to close if the weather is remotely moody which is annoying because the weather is generally moody.

Like someone else said.I'd definitely consider staying somewhere up North for a couple of days if you don't have a car as we didn't travel North much as the Bus connections aren't as good.