The Bearded Blogger
- Mar 17
- 5 min read

Shetland Island Hopping - a castaway adventure

Peace and solitude was calling! Living close to London and in dire need of some rest and relaxation I decided to head north to the dramatic, rugged and truly beautiful scenery of the Shetland Isles where if you saw a vehicle that would be a novelty!

Shetland boasts many islands but for this trip I chose to visit just a couple, as I feared if I saw anymore I would want to stay indefinitely!

Now, although I was dreaming of peace and some very much needed 'me time', I do need my creature comforts so, I chose to base myself in a charming little family run hotel on the outskirts of the islands capital - Lerwick, a small picturesque waterfront town featuring an array of small independent shops and coffee houses.

Let's go island hopping.

Grab a cuppa, curl up, get comfy and have your annual calendar to hand as after reading this mini blog you may wish to head north too!

Having settled in all too quickly to the laid back life of Lerwick, my first mini adventure would be too the Isle of Bressay and Noss, just a short ferry ride away.

Now, the reason I chose this as my first island was owing to the impressive lighthouse which stands on its southern tip. This was my first view of the Shetland Islands when I ventured onto the exterior deck of the northbound Northlink ferry from Aberdeen and I was simply awe inspired.

Northlink Ferries in Shetland — Arrival in Shetland

The ferry for Bressay & Noss berths just north of the marina/harbour on the main road through Lerwick and about a five minute walk from the town centre where the small independent shops and family run hotels are located - very convenient!

The ferry operating the short crossing is Fivla.

Let's hop aboard and embark on a castaway adventure.

Fivla ferry to Bressay & Noss Shetland — Fivla

Prices and time tables adorn the exterior wall of the office adjacent to the ferry berth.

Lerwick ferry to Bressay & Noss — Ferry berth in Lerwick

Bressay ferry information in Lerwick — Bressay ferry information

Foot passenger and vehicle embarkation commences a few minutes prior too sailing; being a very small ferry this doesn't take long.

Foot passengers embark via the vehicle deck and enter the accommodation by a small door off to one side and proceed down a very narrow inside/outside corridor where the ships' WC facilities are located.

Passing the WC's we descend down an extremely narrow and steep staircase down to the lounge, located beneath the vehicle deck, which consists of rows of free standing brown coloured faux leather upholstered benches facing forward on pine coloured laminate hard flooring.

If you have walking difficulties I would strongly suggest you remain on the vehicle deck which is permitted, even if you are travelling as a foot passenger - the stairs down to the lounge really are steep!

Small portholes allow natural light to enter the lounge though being so high up you cannot actually see out of them.

No vending machines are available for beverages or snacks as the journey time is so short therefore, top tip - bring your own snacks for the day ahead.

Make use of the power sockets within this lounge to charge your phones during the journey - the Isle of Bressay & Noss is beautiful and I'm sure you will be taking lots of photos, I certainly did!

Payment for this voyage was actually undertaken whilst the ferry was underway. A member of the ships' crew comes around to take the fee which for me was only £6 for a day return - a cheap day out!

Cash and card payments are accepted however, being in the bowels of the ship contactless payment doesn't work therefore use chip and pin if paying by card.

After a short though comfortable crossing, upon arrival in Bressay & Noss I am presented with beautiful scenery, friendly locals who will say good morning to you and fresh air.

Undertaking no prior research on how to find the lighthouse, I literally followed my nose; following the road past the 'ferry terminal' which consisted of a waiting room and a WC, turning right at the first junction and continuing south for around an hour.

Enroute to the lighthouse I passed a small convenience shop - a great opportunity to stock up with water and snacks - it is a long walk! But, I was not disappointed when I finally arrived; a great elevated position to sit and watch the beautiful birds majestically flying around the rugged outcrops.

If you are up in the Shetlands and looking for a nice day out I would definitely recommend this little excursion!

Now, heading back to Lerwick and in dire need of a hot bath, I took the time to think about other possible excursions. I wonder how far north I could travel?

Well, thanks to the lovely personnel within Lerwick's tourist information bureau, apparently I could venture up too Yell, around an hours coach ride north of Lerwick to Toft then a ferry ride to Ulsta - I had to go, if only to get a selfi next to the islands namesake!

Let's go and check it out

The coach station in Lerwick is just on the outskirts of the town, close to my hotel.

The journey north is long however, extremely scenic!

As the journey north progressed, more and more passengers aboard the coach disembarked meaning when the ferry came into view on the horizon I was the last person aboard!

The ferry terminal of Toft consisted of a quaint little hut with a seating area and an exceptionally clean WC.

Two ferries operate a shuttle service to the Isle of Yell, Daggri and Dagalien, both of which were much larger than I had anticipated.

Foot passenger embarkation commenced shortly before sailing, embarking via the vehicle deck.

Just like on the ferry to Bressay and Noss, a crew person comes around and takes payment from the passengers however, on this voyage I was the ONLY person aboard and during both voyages I didn't see a single person, crew or otherwise.

I really am on a castaway adventure!

A flight of stairs gives access to the main passenger deck

Both vessels are extremely easy to navigate, as passenger amenities are located on one deck and comprise of an open plan lounge with vibrant pink coloured upholstery, a children's playroom, vending machine and WC.

A small exterior deck permits excellent views of the passing vistas

Upon arrival I simply made my way down to the vehicle deck and wandered ashore with no idea where I wanted to go - my aim was just to have some 'me time', peace and solitude.

Well, I certainly succeeded as during my day ashore I didn't see a single person!

This is truly bliss!

Very conscious of seemingly being alone, other than many sheep roaming around, I leisurely made my way back to the dock - I didn't want to miss the last coach back to Lerwick!

I had a truly wonderful time visiting Shetland and I will definitely return to stay longer & explore more islands.

Northlink Ferries provide a highly comfortable and reliable service from Aberdeen to Lerwick - see my blog link at the bottom.

On my voyage back to Scotland having had an excellent short break, I stood on the ships' exterior deck and watched the towering cliffs of the Shetland Isles glide past - their dramatic façade teaming with wildlife.