Shetland & Orkney Isles Travel Diary

Shetland Isles + Orkney Islands Travel Guide - Town of Scalloway with Castle

You might be thinking you’d seen our whole Scotland trip, but I’ve been holding something special back. I decided to try something new (to me) and do a video diary for part of our trip. It took a while to organize the videos, longer to do the audio, and a whole lot of patience on the part of my intern while we figured it all out. With all that in the past now, I’m SO EXCITED to share my Shetland Isles and Orkney Islands Travel Diary!!!

Shetland Isles + Orkney Islands Travel Guide - Town of Scalloway with Castle

Inspired by my dad’s longtime desire to visit these northern Scottish areas, my mom and I packed our down coats and fleece-lined boots and headed off for an adventure. We didn’t totally know what was in store and we couldn’t have imagined enjoying it as much as we did.

Shetland Isles + Orkney Islands Travel Guide - Town of Scalloway with Castle

Lots of sheep, – black sheep too – lambs, puffins, shetland ponies, and a whole lot of history kept us busy on the bus. And I couldn’t stop taking photos and video! I say it in the video, but many Scots have never been to Orkney and Shetland.

I can’t encourage them (and everyone) enough to go see this beautiful area. And, yes, April/May is a lovely time to go. It’s chilly but with the right coat, there’s nothing to worry about!!

YouTube video

 

Shetland Isles + Orkney Islands Travel Guide - Town of Scalloway with Castle

The World War II history on the islands is probably what surprised me most. The islands were in just the right location to be central, off the beaten track, and with full accessibility to the allies.

Shetland Isles + Orkney Islands Travel Guide - Town of Scalloway with Castle
Shetland Isles + Orkney Islands Travel Guide - Town of Scalloway with Castle
Shetland Isles + Orkney Islands Travel Guide - Town of Scalloway with Castle

Yep, just wandering around the main streets of Lerwick – thankfully on a leash. The locals didn’t seem phased, but I certainly did a double (or triple?) take.

Shetland Isles + Orkney Islands Travel Guide - Town of Scalloway with Castle

Need some more Scotland in your life? Whip up this easy scottish dessert for chocolate tiffin! Check out my Edinburgh Guides (StockbridgeNew Town + Old Town), our Fort William Travel Guide + Day Trips on the West Coast, and the best Castles in Scotland to visit! Check out the 3 things I wore in Scotland!

If you’re  also visiting England, try to visit the Cotswolds (with a stop at Daylesford Farms). And in the capital city, you MUST get market food in London at Borough Market.

A trip to Ireland in the books? See things to do in Cork, Ireland; where to stay in Dublin, and my Ireland packing list.

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