See and hear Shetland:

Its magnificent landscape, its history, its people, and its stories. If you have a week, a couple of days or even just an afternoon, Island Trails can ensure that your experience is a truly magical one. Each tailored tour is unique, meaning that you'll make the most of your precious moments on the Islands.  Join us for a guided walk or tour and experience the real Shetland!

Island Trails is owned by Elma Johnson, a native of the isles whose comprehensive knowledge and passion for Shetland's beauty, its past and its folklore has made her one of Scotland's most noted cultural tour guides & story tellers.

 

All photos on this page by Ben Mullay.

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To see more photos of Island Trails and Shetland check out the following Flickr links:
  
         Ben Mullay's Flickr Photos                James Tait's Flickr Photos
 

Island Trails Tours

We offer bespoke guided tours of the Islands where we will

• Take you on a tour that goes to all the places you want to visit whilst leading you off the beaten track to some of Shetland's lesser-known treasures.
• Share with you the fascinating history of Shetland, enlivened and enriched by the many myths, customs and folklore of the Shetlanders.
• Take the best routes to the most glorious views, the finest places for food and drink, the best shops to buy Shetland knitwear, jewellery and produce and the most comfortable places to lay your head.
• Show you birds, wildlife and of course the world famous Sheltand Ponies!

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 Short tours for cruise ship visitors

If you are visiting Shetland for a few hours from a cruise ship we can help show you around. Choose from a small group tour of the South Mainland or let us know where you want to go.  Tours are arranged to fit in with your time ashore and we will get you back to Lerwick in plenty of time to see old Lerwick before you depart.  Cruise Ships visit Lerwick from May to September each year.  It's a busy time for Island Trails so please book early!

 

Guided Walks

We offer a range of guided walks around the historic streets of Lerwick and around the prehistoric and beautiful sights of the South Mainland.  Be sure to check out our Tours page for more information.

In Aboot Da Night

At the end of your tour or should your ship be leaving late from Lerwick harbour, why not spend the evening with Island Trails owner Elma Johnson in the comfort of her own home? Enjoy a traditional Shetland supper of soup, bannocks and heather-fed lamb, while Elma tells stories of the past. You will also be entertained by some of Shetland's finest musicians who will entertain you with traditional music. There might even be dancing! Then we can return you to your accommodation or see you safely to your boat or plane.
 

"Elma's warmth, humour and enthralling gift for storytelling really captures the spirit of Shetland. I've travelled all around the world and I've never encountered a travel guide whose words so vividly evoke the beauty, mythology and realities of a place and its people. These tours are legendary."

Nick Bruno, Travel Writer