We had booked a 'landbridge' ferry ticket to Shetland - this is a combined ticket for the short ferry from Scrabster on the mainland to Stromness in Orkney (2 hours), then you drive across to Kirkwall in Orkney where you get a different overnight ferry to Lerwick in Shetland (7 hours).
It was a beautiful evening on the flat sea to Orkney which surprised us - we were expecting choppy seas! Purdy had a ticket for the dog lounge so we could sit indoors or be out on deck. On the second leg, we had a dog friendly cabin and went straight to bed as we didn't board until about 2330. We had a cup of tea onboard in the morning before disembarking.
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| The Old Man of Hoy on route to Stromness |
We arrived in Lerwick on a lovely, still cloudless morning! After an early lunch in a church (a random find) we headed to Skeld where we were going to be based at a marina/campsite for a while.
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| Demounting Muy at Skeld |
A few people mentioned there was a Gala on at nearby Aith so we headed over. We met loads of locals who were all really chatty and friendly - and didn't mind us quizzing them on life in Shetland. Apparently the weather was the best they ever get - and BBQs were all planned to make the most of it. It surprised us how warm it is - the sun is hot but the wind cools it down. So on days where there is no wind, it is really pleasant. We thought it would be all gale forced wind with rough seas! We have had no wind and flat seas so far! |
| Local Viking group |
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A pie eating competition - why not! Phil
managed to blag a leftover! |
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The local lifeboat is a Type Severn
and it was access all areas for the day |
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| A pair of powerful MTU V10 engines. |
So far Shetland is treating us well - hardly any rain and very friendly people. It doesn't feel remotely Scottish or British here - just as a different country. The accent and words used are completely different and really interesting to listen to.
Not many trees, although there are some surprising plantations dotted around and in people's gardens. There are dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches and tons of sheep!
