Unst – The Nature of The Top of Britain

Locations Overview:

  • Hermaness
  • Keen of Hamar
  • Viking Unst Project
  • Bobby’s Bus Shelter
  • Heritage Center/Boat Haven (if time allows)

Often referred to locally as ‘the island above all others’, Unst is indeed geographically certainly that. As the most notherly island in Britain this really is a must see for visitors looking to explore islands and break away from Shetland’s Mainland. Whether your interest is natural heritage, history, geology or archaeology, this island really does have it all. The islands outstanding natural heritage is our main focus of the day however along the way we shall make stops at such iconic visitor attractions as The Viking Unst Project and the quirky ‘Bobby’s Bus Shelter’ along the way.

We begin the day with Hermaness National Nature Reserve. We begin our North Isles experience by savoring the rich flora and fauna of Unst and head out onto Hermaness National Nature Reserve. Setting out on foot through the heart of the reserve, we can guarantee ‘up close and personal’ encounters with Great Skuas, known locally as Bonxies, which nest in large numbers on the moorland interior. Reaching the spectacular cliffs on the west side of the reserve, we will be greeted by perhaps the most captivating and charismatic birds of the trip, some of the 25,000 pairs of Puffins which make Hermaness their summer home. Breathtaking views of Muckle Flugga and the most northerly lighthouse in Britain are a further distraction, whilst the surrounding stacks and cliffs boast well over 20,000 breeding pairs of Gannets, the largest colony in Shetland. As well as seabirds, we shall be serenaded by other moorland species during our walk, from bubbling Curlews and cryptic Golden Plovers to the parachuting song-flight displays of Meadow Pipits and the ubiquitous Skylarks.

Later in the day we visit the Keen of Hamar National Nature Reserve, one of the UK’s most remarkable botanical sites, where the moon-like landscape of serpentine rock, collection of Arctic Alpines and an endemic plant, Edmonston’s Chickweed (found nowhere else in the world), make this a firm favourite. We shall also take time search for species such as Frog Orchid, Moonwort, Norwegian Sandwort and Northern Rock Cress and others.

We will also take time to explore Skaw and Lamba Ness, the former boasting a beautiful secluded beach with the backdrop of Britain’s most northerly house. Lamba Ness is the most easterly point of Unst and if the weather conditions allow we may spend time on a cetacean watch. If tides are right and with a bit of luck, we may even spot an otter along the way.

2024 Prices and Booking

April to September

* Please note that by mid-August a number of the breeding seabirds will have started to leave so may not be seen, but there is still a wide range of resident wildlife to be seen, with autumn migrants also possible.

Our Unst tours usually run between Tuesday and Friday when the ferry times are the most favourable for travel.

Small Group Tour

To give our guests the best experience our small group tour is usually limited to a maximum of four people. On occasion we are also able to offer trips for groups of up to 6 people so please do get in touch if you are travelling in a larger group and would like to book a tour.

We are only able to run this tour with a minimum of two people booked. If you are travelling solo and we are unable to match you with a group, we will offer you the tour at the two-person cost equivalent or offer you a full refund.

Private Tour

Exclusive booking is a popular option for our day tours. If there are less than four people in your group and you would like a private tour please see the prices below for exclusive tours.

Tour Cost

New in 2024 is the option for those staying on Mainland to book a tour to Unst with travel to and from Unst included in the tour price. For those staying further north, or with access to a vehicle, the original Unst tour continues to be available at a lower rate.

Unst tour

Small group

Exclusive

Unst tour from Mainland

Small group

Exclusive

1-2 people

£150 pp

£400

1-2 people

£188 pp

£475

3 people

£130 pp

£490

3 people

£155 pp

£565

4 people

£115 pp

 

4 people

£135 pp

 

Discounts

 

 

Discounts

 

 

Under 5’s

Free

 

Under 5’s

Free

 

5-11yrs

£75

 

5-11yrs

£94

 

12-16yrs

£100

 

12-16yrs

£125

 

Advance booking is essential for our tours.

Start point: For those booked on the tour starting on Unst your guide will arrange to either meet you at your accommodation on Unst, or at Belmont ferry terminal if you are travelling from further south. We recommend leaving your vehicle at Gutcher ferry terminal on Yell and travelling as foot passengers on the ferry to Belmont.

If you have selected the option with travel from Mainland included, your guide will either arrange to pick you up from your accommodation where practicable or will ask you to travel to a central meeting point in Lerwick.

Duration: Usually 6-7 hours. For those meeting the guide on Unst the tour will usually start around 09:00 – 09.30, with the guide confirming a time in advance. For those travelling with a guide from Mainland the tour will usually leave Lerwick at 08.00 and return to Lerwick by 18.30.

Refreshments: A light snack will be available as a courtesy. A grab and go is our default option for lunch. Most guests want to maximise their time with us and see as much as they can see, so we recommend that guests bring a packed lunch with them. If this is not possible the guide will make a stop for you to pick up something on route.

Contact us to Book »