Shetland Walks & Dips – Coastal Walking and Wild Swimming

Head to the edge of Scotland for this 7-night Shetland trip, combining coastal walking with regular opportunities to get in the water.

Based in Lerwick, we’ll explore the mainland and, where possible, venture to neighbouring islands, following clifftop paths, visiting wide open beaches, and seeking out quieter corners of the coastline. Along the way, we’ll make the most of Shetland’s clear waters, with plenty of chances to dip in the sea, sheltered voes, and local lochs.

This is a sociable, guided week where walking shapes the day, but getting in the water is very much part of the experience.

All travel during the trip is included, along with return ferry travel from Aberdeen, making it a straightforward way to explore Shetland as a group.

The Walks & Dips Experience

Join Large Outdoors for a week of guided walking around Shetland, with time built in to stop, explore, and take a dip along the way.

Most days will include at least one opportunity to get in the water – whether that’s a quick dip from a beach, a swim in a sheltered inlet, or a stop at a loch. Some days may include more than one chance depending on the route and conditions.

The approach is simple:
we walk, we explore, and when there’s a good spot, we get in.

There’s no pressure to swim every time, but if you’re keen to dip regularly, this trip gives you plenty of chances.

The Walking

Shetland’s coastline offers a huge variety of walking, from dramatic cliffs to quieter bays and inland stretches linking different parts of the islands.

Over the week, we’ll explore a mix of locations across the mainland and adapt plans to make the most of the weather and sea conditions.

Expect:

• Clifftop paths with wide sea views

• Coastal routes past beaches, geos, and headlands

• Access to remote and lesser-visited spots

• A relaxed pace with time to stop, take photos, and enjoy the surroundings

Routes are non-technical, with the focus on steady, enjoyable days out rather than covering distance quickly.

The Dips

Dipping is a key part of the week.

Shetland offers a surprising range of places to get in the water, and we’ll look to include dips most days where conditions allow.

These may include:

• Sheltered voes with calmer water

• Sandy beaches with easy entry

• Natural rock pools and geos

• Occasional freshwater dips in local lochs

Some dips will be short and refreshing, others a bit longer when the setting allows. Sea conditions, weather, and group preference will always guide what we do.

You’ll need to be comfortable getting changed outdoors and carrying your swim kit on days where we plan to dip.

Wildlife & Surroundings

Walking and dipping around Shetland means spending time in some of the UK’s quieter and more wildlife-rich areas.

Along the coast, we may see:

• Seals resting on rocks or swimming nearby

• Seabirds including puffins, gannets, and skuas

• Otters in more sheltered areas

• Dolphins or whales offshore

The combination of walking, time by the water, and regular dips makes this a refreshing and active way to experience the islands.

How the Week Will Flow

This is a flexible, weather-led trip rather than a fixed itinerary.

We travel together from Aberdeen by overnight ferry, arriving into Lerwick and heading out to start exploring.

Across the week, we’ll aim to include a mix of:

• The dramatic cliffs and coastline of Eshaness

• Southern highlights including St Ninian’s Isle

• Quieter central and northern areas

• A day visiting one of the neighbouring islands, if conditions allow

Each day will involve a guided walk, with planned stops where we can dip along the way.

Evenings are spent back in Lerwick, giving time to relax, eat, and enjoy the social side of the trip.

At the end of the week, we return to Aberdeen by ferry.