Shetland Safari

Shetland resident

[Nordic Walking update - the taster session on 7th August is CANCELLED.  The regular Saturday group walks and the 14th August taster sessions are going ahead.  See below for more details.]

In between Saturday walks, I recently visited the Shetland Isles for the first time.  The northernmost point in the UK has always seemed, and indeed is, remote.  As Shetlanders point out.... the nearest cinema or train station is in Bergen!  (Although locals are wondering how life will change when a cinema is opened soon.)

However, I wasn't going for the cinema.  I had heard of the stunning scenery and wildlife, and also hoped to visit some of the world-class archaelogical sites which litter the islands.

So, it was an early flight to Aberdeen and then a small plane the 200 miles north to Sumburgh Airport at the southern tip of Shetland.  From touchdown to driving away in the hire car took less than 15 minutes, even with a quick glance in the tourist shop.

A few miles up the road and we came across our first Shetland wildlife  -

Had the famous Shetland pony crossbred with some hardy long-necked sheep?

The famous Shetland ponies are all over the islands

Many roam free

An itchy ear needed scratching

Although the weather was variable, and at times "bracing", we were lucky enough to have a few sunny days watching wildlife at close quarters.  With the help of a great guide, John Campbell of Shetland Otters (http://www.shetlandotters.com/) , we enjoyed a day looking for and watching families of otters, which were unaware of our presence.

Otter cubs

Mother and cubs

Using a rock as a dining table

It's estimated that Shetland has about 12% of the UK's otter population.  Despite the fact that otters are very shy, they can be found alongside busy fish farms and Europe's biggest oil terminal (Sullom Voe).  Shetland is so thinly populated that the otters are very unlikely have their day disturbed by people.

Otters live on Shetland all year round, but many seabirds are summer visitors - coming to breed on the vast cliffs and live off the abundant food in the surrounding seas.  It's a birdwatchers paradise with huge colonies of gannets, skuas, kittiwakes, petrels, terns and.....puffins!  Below is a small selection of many photos of these photogenic birds...

Shall we go fishing today?

Sheltering from the rain

Looking south at Sumburgh Head

Two days later, the sun returned, and all but 3 puffins had disappeared out to sea.....

Intrepid photographer ignoring the gale, rain and 300' cliff. Wish I'd brought a longer lens!

This site has some excellent visitor information, and webcams - Shetland visitors' guide.  There's even  RSPB  Puffin cams inside a burrow.  Hurry, while the chicks are still there!  It's certainly a great place for a safari!

More later on the amazing scenery, landscape and history of the northern isles...........  

Nordic Walking update - the taster session on 7th August is CANCELLED.  The regular Saturday group walks and the 14th August taster sessions are going ahead.  Please call or email me for more  details.

Peter

07703-404-931