8 things to see and do in Shetland in autumn

The nights here in the Northern Isles are starting to draw in; they say that spring creeps in slowly over the moss, and autumn comes galloping in on a horse, and there’s a tangible difference in these darkening days. However, we’re here to squeeze out those last drops of summer and autumn before the cloak of darkness closes in.

They say that spring creeps in slowly over the moss, and autumn comes galloping in on a horse, and there’s a tangible difference in these darkening days.

Here are a few suggestions for things you can see and do in Shetland in autumn.

Crofthouse Museum

Nothing screams ‘cosy’ more than Shetland’s Crofthouse Museum in the South Mainland. Open seasonally, the Crofthouse welcomes visitors until the end of October, where visitors can warm themselves beside a traditional open peat fire and learn more about what it was like to live in Shetland in the late 19th century. Autumn, or hairst, as it’s known in Shetland, was a time of hard work; of bringing in the harvest and making ready for the approaching winter. Custodians are only too happy to share seasonal stories to help you understand the importance of this new season to Shetlanders in the past.

Burn of Lunklet

Set deep in the heart of the West Mainland, the Burn of Lunklet is coming into its best season as heavy rainfall causes streams and lochs to swell. Just outside Aith, this short walk along the water’s edge takes you to one of Shetland’s most impressive waterfalls. If you’re feeling brave, an icy dip in cold water is said to be good for both body and mind! After a bracing walk or dip, call in along the Original Cake Fridge for a warming cuppa and a slice of something sweet.

Haar Sauna

Moving south and sticking to health and well-being, why not book a session at Haar Sauna on St Ninian’s Isle? Haar Sauna is an authentic wood-fired sauna set right on the sand with views out to sea. Combine your sauna with a hike around the island and a bracing dip in the North Atlantic.

Shetland Wool Week

October sees the return of the hugely popular Wool Week festival and its celebration of all things textile. Classes book up fast but don’t worry if you miss out on a class. There are events all over Shetland to celebrate Wool Week, including Sunday Teas, Maakin an’ Yaakin (knitting and talking) evenings, exhibitions, tours, and musical events, which everyone is welcome to attend. Bring your knitting and a strong sense of adventure, and get ready to immerse yourself in all things woolly!

Glansin Glass

It’s not all fiery autumn colours and crisp days. Autumn can bring unsettled weather, particularly as we approach the equinox. If the weather keeps you indoors, why not book a workshop at Glansin Glass in Unst? Glansin Glass provides short classes where visitors can create their own contemporary fused glass coaster or hanger. These sessions are suitable for everyone, young and old, and you need no prior experience.

Look out for migratory birds

Shetland is a haven for migratory birds, and autumn birding in the isles is excellent, with many rare and scarce migrants blown off course during storms. The RSPB have built hides at RSPB Spiggie and RSPB Sumburgh Head, providing both shelter and the opportunity to spot wildlife. Spiggie is particularly good in autumn as the wildfowl season brings vast flocks of whooper swans, teal, and wigeon.

Get into the hills

It can become more tricky to find hikes as the seasons change and the ground becomes wet underfoot, but there are some excellent walks that you can do in autumn that generally follow a path, making it reasonably dry and accessible. Some of our favourites are:

• Culswick Broch, West Mainland, which follows an old farm track out to the broch. Allow 3 hours for this 3-mile walk.
• St Ninian’s Isle Circular, South Mainland. This route remains relatively dry for most of the year if you follow the coastline around the island. Allow 3 hours for this scenic walk.
• Brigs o’ Vementry, West Mainland. This one is less well-known, but a rough track leads out to the stone causeway between Vementry and Clousta, and a waymarker marks the start of the walk. (To get to the Brigs o’ Vementry, follow the A970 from Lerwick, turning onto the A971 at Tingwall. Drive for 16 miles before taking the B9071 towards Aith and Voe. After three miles, take the turn towards Vementry (just after Michaelswood in Aith) and drive almost to the end of the road, where you’ll find a cattle grid with a waymarker that says “Path to Clousta”.)

Stenness

You’ve been to the Eshaness cliffs in Shetland’s North Mainland but want a more sheltered walk that’s not as exposed to the chill wind and deafening roar of the crashing waves? Park at Stenness, just above the beach where haaf fishing boats once worked from, fishing the deep-sea waters beyond. From here, follow the coastline south for unrivalled views of the Dore Holm, an incredible gravity-defying natural arch that takes the full force of those Atlantic onslaughts each winter. Find a sheltered spot, and sit a while with a picnic.

By Laurie Goodlad
Born and raised in Shetland, Laurie loves the unique history and culture there so much that she started her own tour company offering visitors the chance to see the isles through the eyes of an islander. Find out more at www.shetlandwithlaurie.com

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