FAQs ABOUT SHETLAND WOOL ADVENTURE TOURS

If you can’t wait to experience the real Shetland until next year . . .


. . . make sure you’re signed up to our mailing list, where we’ll be letting our inner circle know about any extra spaces that may crop up on this year’s tours. And you’ll be first to know about spaces for next year, before we tell our Instagram followers, or put up dates on our website. 

But in the meantime, why not get yourself a copy of the Journal, so you can get an authentic feel for the place, whilst staying cosy in your hand-knitted socks at home.

If you’re thinking you might like to travel solo . . .

. . . most of our tour guests come on their own. As our tours have such small groups, it’s a really lovely, warm atmosphere to share stories (and knitting tips) with your fellow Adventurers. 

If you’re thinking of coming separate from a Shetland Wool Adventures tour, keep your ear to the ground, for next year we will be launching an individual itinerary planning service.

If your partner or friend is thinking of coming to Shetland too, but they aren’t such a keen knitter . . .

. . . send us a message so we can come up with a plan. If your partner is a weaver or spinner, some of the workshops may well be of value to them. And definitely some of our walking heritage tours. 

Depending on our lodgings for that tour, we may be able to accommodate them, if you are happy to share a room. 

Our tours only have 6 to 8 people — it’s a really lovely and intimate experience — but we need to be mindful of the other guests as these are really unique learning opportunities. We’ve found that a lot of people come away having learnt more than they anticipated having come on their own.

Soon, we will be launching itinerary planning services, so if your partner or co-traveller isn’t able to join us on the tour, we can suggest some wonderful alternate activities for them to meander through. Just pop us an email with a bit more info about their hobbies and interests and we can help them to get an equally rich flavour of Shetland, whilst you’re on your Wool Adventure.

When it comes to rooming options on our tours . . .

. . . depending on where we are staying, there may be a limited number of rooms available for single occupancy. Occasionally, we may ask you to share with a fellow Wool Adventurer of the same sex on a twin-basis, if you are travelling on your own. If you are happy to share, there will be a discount applied to your tour fee.

We recognise that some of our guests prefer to have space to themselves, so please do let us know if it is important to you. You can find these details in our individual tour brochures. Or send us an email if you’d prefer.

If Shetland’s weather is a bit wild while you’re here . . .

. . . we won’t be put off by a little wind and rain. We’re hardy folk here in Shetland, so our tours will continue regardless. The changing colours of the sky and landscape in stormier weather are fantastic.

It is the responsibility of the guest to arrive in ample time, should the weather impact arrival or departure. And don’t forget your travel insurance.

If you’re looking forward to exploring Shetland outside of our planned activities . . .

If you’re arriving in Shetland a few days before or after your tour officially starts, we’d love to suggest some alternate activities for you. Send us an email if you’d benefit from a list of suggestions and practical details to arrive early (or extend your stay). 

Then you’d just need to meet us in Lerwick on the starting date, for your warm welcome dinner.

We'll make sure there is plenty of time between the activities and workshops to relax, unwind, shop or just sit and knit.

What to pack for your visit to Shetland . . .

If you're planning to visit Shetland, you should pack clothing suitable for the unpredictable weather. Here are some items to consider packing:

  1. Waterproof jacket: The weather in Shetland can be very changeable, and rain is always a possibility. A waterproof jacket will keep you dry and comfortable.
  2. Layers: Even in the summer, it can be chilly in Shetland, so bring layers like a fleece, jumper, or long-sleeved tops that you can add or remove as needed.
  3. Waterproof footwear: The terrain in Shetland can be wet and muddy, so pack waterproof shoes or boots that can handle the conditions.
  4. Hat and gloves: These items will be useful if the weather turns cold or windy.
  5. Sunscreen and sunglasses: Despite not being hot, the sun in Shetland can be intense, and it's easy to get sunburned. So, bring sunscreen with a high SPF and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
  6. Insect repellent: If you plan to spend time outdoors, especially near water, insect repellent will be useful to protect against midges.
  7. Camera: Shetland is a beautiful place, and you'll want to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
  8. Binoculars: Shetland is a great place for birdwatching and marine life spotting, so pack a pair of binoculars to make the most of your trip.
  9. Maps and guidebooks: While there are many things to see and do in Shetland, the islands can be remote and hard to navigate. Bring maps and guidebooks to help you plan your trip.
  10. Cash: While there are ATMs in Shetland, not all businesses accept credit or debit cards, so it's always a good idea to have cash on hand.
  11. Diary or sketchbook: The beauty of Shetland is sure to inspire you, so bring a diary or sketchbook to record your thoughts and capture the scenery.

Get More Information

If you’re looking to explore Shetland with a small group, in your own time and on your own terms, pop us an email and we can weave together a personalised itinerary for you. Choose the textiles and knitting activities that light you up the most. And how many days you want to spend on this wild isle. Plus get recommendations for favourite (and the cosiest) rooming.


Compose a custom tour for your Fibre Guild or knitting circle

PRIVATE SHETLAND TOURS

Our office address is:

Shetland Wool Adventures
7 Mounthooly Street
Lerwick
Shetland
ZE1 0BJ
​United Kingdom


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