Shetland Islands is an archipelago located at the northernmost edge of Scotland, characterized by its rugged coastlines, remote hills, and unique geological formations. This landscape provides a distinctive setting for outdoor pursuits, including several sports like hiking, road cycling, jogging, and touring cycling. The islands feature dramatic cliffs, secluded voes, and expansive moorlands, offering varied terrain for exploration. Its wild and remote nature makes the Shetland Islands a compelling destination for those seeking active experiences.
109
Routes
4.7
(415)
Average rating
2950
People visited

4.6
(41)
169
hikers
7.47km
01:55
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(22)
161
hikers
5.93km
01:36
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(15)
103
hikers
6.96km
01:55
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(24)
103
hikers
7.21km
01:55
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(29)
144
riders
24.4km
01:33
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
17
riders
79.0km
04:55
840m
840m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
riders
26.4km
02:02
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
4
riders
42.0km
02:44
580m
580m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
51
riders
93.7km
04:38
1,200m
1,200m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

28
riders
85.7km
04:00
1,080m
1,070m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

7
riders
68.5km
03:07
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
5
riders
36.7km
01:50
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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38
runners
6.96km
00:43
30m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
17.5km
02:10
270m
270m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
10.7km
01:18
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
4.49km
00:32
40m
40m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Shetland Islands offer a range of outdoor activities including hiking, road cycling, jogging, and touring cycling. The region features 249 routes for various skill levels, with over 13,000 visitors having explored them. These activities allow for exploration of the islands' rugged coastlines, remote hills, and unique geological formations.
Yes, the Shetland Islands offer a selection of easy hiking routes suitable for beginners or those seeking less strenuous walks. These trails often explore coastal paths or gentle inland areas. A dedicated guide provides information on easy hikes in the Shetland Islands.
The Shetland Islands provide family-friendly walking trails designed for various ages and abilities. These routes often feature accessible terrain and points of interest for children. Information on specific options can be found in the guide for family-friendly hikes in the Shetland Islands.
Hiking terrain in the Shetland Islands is diverse, ranging from dramatic coastal paths with cliffs and sea caves to remote moorlands and hills. The islands are known for their unique geological features, including stacks, geos, and tombolos. Ronas Hill, the highest point, offers expansive views on clear days.
The Shetland Islands are well-suited for both road cycling and touring cycling, with quiet, well-maintained roads. There are 47 routes specifically for road cycling and 47 for touring cycling on komoot. Guides are available for road cycling routes and general cycling in the Shetland Islands.
Specific regulations regarding dogs on trails can vary by location, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock. It is generally advisable to keep dogs on a lead to protect wildlife and farm animals. Always check local signage or specific route descriptions for any restrictions.
Public transport, primarily buses, can provide access to various hiking routes across the Shetland Islands. Some routes are specifically designed to start from bus stations, making them accessible without a private vehicle. A guide details hikes from bus stations in the Shetland Islands.
The summer months are popular for outdoor activities due to long hours of daylight, maximizing time for exploration. While specific weather conditions are not detailed, the extended daylight allows for more flexibility in planning routes. The islands offer unique experiences throughout the year.
The Shetland Islands are recognized for their remoteness, wildness, and rich Viking heritage. The islands are a UNESCO Global Geopark due to their complex geology. Abundant wildlife, including seabirds and Shetland ponies, and spectacular skies for stargazing or viewing the Aurora Borealis, add to their unique appeal.
There are 249 routes available on komoot for the Shetland Islands, covering hiking, road cycling, jogging, and touring cycling. These routes have received an average rating of 4.53 out of 5 stars from over 13,000 visitors. The most popular sport is hiking, with 105 routes.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for the Shetland Islands to help plan activities. These include guides for general hiking, running trails, and city hikes. These resources provide curated information and route suggestions.
Official information about the Shetland Islands can be found on their dedicated tourism website. The official website is www.shetland.org. For general tourism inquiries, the Shetland Tourism Association can be contacted at +44 (0) 7842 564 921.

