Highlights of Shetland
Summary
Shetland has long been famous as a mecca for birdlife enthusiasts and its rich archaeological landscape can often be overlooked. However, the lack of intensive modern farming means that the preservation of these sites and their landscapes is exceptional and there is much to explore here, from ancient field boundaries and an Iron Age village to Viking longhouses and substantial relics from the two world wars. We visit the internationally important sites at Mousa, Scatness and Jarlshof and take the ferry to the most northerly island in Britain, Unst, thought to be the first footfall of the Vikings. Nowhere is farther than three miles from the sea and the beauty of the landscape – deserted sandy beaches, jagged coastline, heather-clad hills and mirror-like lochs – is guaranteed to stay with you long after you return home.
What to Expect
- Climb to the top of Mousa Broch, the tallest of this unique Iron Age structure at 13 metres – and enjoy the spectacular views over the sea
- Discover Scatness, an extensive settlement site with prehistoric, Viking and Pictish remains, built and rebuilt over thousands of years
- Explore Jarlshof, constructed by Neolithic farmers c2400 BCE and occupied, though not continuously, for over 4,000 years
