Wild Swimming
Shetland Walking & Wild Swimming Adventure
Escape to the edge of Scotland on this unforgettable 7-night Shetland adventure, where dramatic clifftop walks meet the thrill of wild swimming in pristine Atlantic waters.
Based in charming Lerwick, we'll explore the rugged beauty of Shetland's mainland and venture to neighbouring islands, discovering hidden coves, ancient archaeological sites, and some of the UK's most spectacular coastal scenery.
With leisurely walks suitable for all abilities and daily opportunities for refreshing sea dips, this trip perfectly balances adventure with relaxation.
All travel during the trip is included, plus we'll collect you from Aberdeen for a seamless island getaway that showcases the very best of Shetland's natural wonders.
Duration: 7 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Transport: Car-Free Trip
Group Size: Maximum 8
Level: Leisurely
Pricing & Accommodation: From £825 per person. Only shared rooms, available - see booking calendar for specific dates and pricing.
Booking Calendar…
THE SHETLAND EXPERIENCE
Join Large Outdoors for an extraordinary 7-night Shetland adventure that combines the best of coastal walking with the exhilarating experience of wild swimming in some of Scotland's most pristine waters. This carefully crafted trip takes you to the heart of the Shetland Islands, where dramatic landscapes, rich wildlife, and crystal-clear seas create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Discover Shetland's Walking Wonders
Shetland offers some of the UK's most spectacular and unspoiled walking terrain. The islands boast over 900 miles of coastline, featuring towering sea cliffs, secluded beaches, and rolling hills that provide endless opportunities for exploration. We'll traverse ancient paths that wind through landscapes virtually unchanged for centuries, where every turn reveals breathtaking vistas across the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Our walks will take us to iconic locations including the dramatic cliffs of Eshaness, where 200-foot granite walls plunge into churning seas, and the mystical Scalloway Castle area with its rich Viking heritage. We'll explore the unique geology of St Ninian's Isle with its famous tombolo (sand bridge), and venture to remote headlands where seabirds nest in their thousands. The relatively flat terrain and well-maintained paths make Shetland perfect for leisurely walking, allowing you to fully appreciate the stunning scenery without technical challenges.
Wild Swimming in Paradise
Shetland's waters offer some of the UK's most rewarding wild swimming experiences. The Gulf Stream's influence keeps water temperatures surprisingly mild, while the pristine quality of these remote waters provides an invigorating and refreshing experience that's hard to match elsewhere in Britain.
We'll discover hidden geo pools carved by centuries of wave action, where you can swim in natural rock pools with crystal-clear water and dramatic cliff backdrops. The sheltered voes (sea inlets) provide calmer swimming conditions, perfect for longer dips, while the more exposed coastlines offer the thrill of swimming in Atlantic swells.
Wild swimming in Shetland isn't just about the physical experience – it's deeply therapeutic. The combination of cold water immersion and stunning natural surroundings provides incredible mental health benefits, reducing stress, boosting endorphins, and creating a profound sense of connection with nature. The social aspect of group swimming adds another dimension, as you'll share these magical moments with like-minded adventurers, creating bonds and memories that last long after the trip ends.
Wildlife and Wellness
Shetland is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise. During our walks, we'll have excellent chances to spot seals basking on rocky shores, otters playing in kelp beds, and an incredible variety of seabirds including puffins, gannets, and skuas. The islands are also home to Shetland ponies in their natural habitat, and if we're lucky, we might catch glimpses of dolphins and whales offshore.
The combination of gentle exercise, fresh sea air, stunning scenery, and the mindful practice of wild swimming creates a perfect wellness retreat. You'll return home feeling refreshed, energised, and deeply connected to Scotland's most remote and beautiful landscapes.
ITINERARY
Subject to change based on weather and local conditions
Saturday - Departure Day Meet the group in Aberdeen at lunchtime for our journey north. We'll board the overnight ferry to Shetland, where comfortable cabins await. Enjoy dinner on board as we cruise through Scottish waters towards our island adventure.
Sunday - Arrival & First Explorations Arrive in Lerwick and head straight out to begin exploring. Our first day includes a gentle coastal walk to help you find your sea legs, followed by our inaugural wild swimming session in one of Shetland's beautiful sheltered bays. Evening settling in Lerwick.
Monday - Mainland Coastal Adventures Explore Shetland's dramatic western coastline with walks around Eshaness, taking in the spectacular cliff formations and lighthouse views. Multiple swimming opportunities in pristine geo pools and secluded coves. Wildlife spotting opportunities throughout the day.
Tuesday - Island Hopping Venture to one of Shetland's neighbouring islands (weather permitting) for a full day of exploration. Discover unique landscapes, archaeological sites, and enjoy swimming in waters few visitors ever experience.
Wednesday - Southern Shetland Explore the southern reaches of the mainland, including St Ninian's Isle and its famous tombolo. Coastal walks with stunning views and excellent swimming spots in more sheltered waters.
Thursday - Central Highlands & Hidden Gems Discover Shetland's interior landscapes and lesser-known coastal gems. A perfect day for wildlife watching, with visits to locations offering the best chances of spotting seals, otters, and seabirds.
Friday - Northern Adventures Our final full day takes us to Shetland's northern reaches, exploring dramatic coastlines and enjoying our last group swimming sessions in these magical waters. Celebration dinner in Lerwick.
Saturday - Departure Morning ferry back to Aberdeen, arriving in the afternoon with memories to last a lifetime.
WETSUIT ADVICE
We strongly recommend bringing and wearing a wetsuit for all our wild swimming trips. While skin dipping is always an option, the nature of our trips – with multiple swims each day – means that without a wetsuit, your body temperature may drop over time, and you could miss out on swims as the day goes on.
A wetsuit helps you stay warmer for longer, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience. It also offers protection from jellyfish, barnacles, and sharp rocks, plus added buoyancy and comfort in colder water.
Ultimately, the decision is yours – but please be aware that in some remote locations, our guides may deem it unsafe for you to take part in a swim if you're not adequately equipped.
👉 Read our full blog here: https://www.largeoutdoors.com/walking-news-blogs-galleries/what-wetsuit-should-i-use-wild-swimming
Essential Information
Activity
Duration: Seven nights, six days
Activity: Walking & Wild Swimming
Activity Rating: Leisurely
Group Size: 8
Dogs: No Dogs, except trained assistance dogs
Transportation:
Car-free Experience: We will meet up in Aberdeen City Centre. All transport during the trip is included.
Notes: If you've travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket) to allow for flexibility.
Flying to Shetland
If you wish to fly direct to Shetland we can collect you from Lerwick Airport or Lerwick Centre first thing in the morning on the first day. Please contact the office if you wish to fly.
Timings:
Meeting: 15:00 before boarding the ferry.
Train Station Collection: Alnmouth Train Station at 18:00
Finish Time: Our ferry is due in for 7am on the final day.
Not Included:
Travel to and from the meeting location or station pick-up.
Any extras, excursions, or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.
Any food, drinks, or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurants, pubs, or cafés visited.
Accommodation
Five nights in a hostel and two nights on the ferry.
Ferry Accommodation:
We have booked a number of cabins on board, these have a mix or twin and quads and are all en-suite.
Hostel Name & Address:
Isleburgh House Hostel
King Harald Street
Lerwick
ZE1 0EQ
Type: Hostel
Rooms Available: Twin Rooms, Shared Rooms
Beds: Bunkbeds
Bathrooms: En-suite & Shared
Meals:
Breakfast - Included
Packed Lunches - Not Included, we will stop at a local shop / cafe for you to purchase what you wish.
Evening Meals - Not Included
Soft Drinks - Tea & Coffee making facilities
Alcoholic Drinks - Not included.
Vegetarian, vegan, and meals made from gluten-free ingredients can be provided. Please select the relevant options during checkout.
Kits List: Walking Holiday / Weekend
FAQ’s: Answers to our most common questions
Travel insurance: We recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment, medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation), personal accident, and injury and death.
This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.