5 routes that make Shetland a cyclist's paradise

By Adam CivicoAugust 20th 2024

Cycling in Shetland is an excellent way to explore and witness the best of the islands. Biking is a truly eco-friendly way to travel and it’s good for the body and the soul.

Boasting over 1,000 miles of well-maintained roads and minimal traffic, cycling in Shetland gives the freedom to explore the breathtaking scenery, vibrant communities and spot some of our native wild animals.

Travelling at a leisurely pace, especially during summer’s long daylight hours, cycling provides excellent opportunities to connect with Shetland’s diverse natural environment. You’ll see soaring seabirds as you glide through valleys and pedal up unspoilt hillsides, may glimpse an elusive otter exploring the coast or even spot the unmistakable dorsal fins of orcas.

For seasoned riders seeking a challenge or those looking for a leisurely day out surrounded by natural beauty, Shetland is a cyclist’s paradise.

Recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark due to its exceptional geological heritage, Shetland is home to varied stunning landscapes. Each area has its charm and cycling gives you easy access to many destinations – all within pedalling distance.

Bringing your bike to Shetland

Staying safe

While Shetland is an excellent place to explore by bike, cyclists must remain careful. There are no dedicated cycle lanes so it's important to remember that you'll be sharing the road with other traffic.

Most drivers are respectful and leave plenty of room for cyclists, but it pays to be vigilant, especially on the main roads like the A970. You should always wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing and it is sensible to have your lights on at all times to increase your visibility. This is especially important at dusk and crucial after dark. Outside of Lerwick and the larger communities, there is no street lighting.

Once off the main roads, Shetland's roads are much quieter but remember that many are single-track roads. That means they are only wide enough for a single vehicle, however, there are many passing places. Cyclists should pull into these passing places to allow any cars to overtake safely.

You may also encounter tractors and other agricultural traffic depending on the time of year. And, as much of the land is unfenced, you could also come across a wandering sheep!

We're sure you'll enjoy cycling in Shetland and the spectacular views. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, too.

If you’re planning a trip here, bringing your bike with you is a breeze.

Bicycles are transported free of charge on NorthLink Ferries, though it's important to add them to your booking beforehand. When you arrive at the terminal, simply check in at the vehicle entrance, where you’ll be directed to wheel your bike onto the car deck and park it securely. Upon arrival at your destination, you’ll return to the car deck to collect your bike and disembark.

For those flying with Loganair, a limited number of bicycles may be taken on board, with a small fee of £20 for each leg of the journey. To ensure a smooth travel experience, be sure to deflate your tyres, lower the handlebars, and either remove or invert the pedals before boarding, allow yourself plenty of time to make these adjustments.

Public transport

Shetland’s Mainland is the biggest island in the archipelago but why limit yourself to just one island? The extensive bus and inter-island ferry network makes it easy to combine your cycling holiday with an island-hopping adventure. For details about Shetland’s bus, inter-island ferry and inter-island flight routes and timetables, please visit the Shetland Travel Information website.

Bicycles are allowed on ferries free of charge, though certain routes may require advance booking. Rest assured; friendly ferry staff are always on hand to help if you’re unsure about the process.

While there’s no blanket policy for bikes on Shetland’s public buses, they are generally accepted when space allows. Keep in mind that bikes share space with wheelchairs and pushchairs, which take priority, and smaller buses may not have room for bikes. To avoid any hiccups, you can always contact the individual operator of your chosen route in advance.

Cycle hire

If you’d prefer to hire a bike, rental options for bikes and essential kit are readily available in Lerwick, Sumburgh, Hillswick and Unst. With varied accommodation options in each, a cycling adventure is never out of reach. Crepair services are also available in Lerwick.

Check out the stay.shetland website for details of places to stay and then why not try one of these 5 suggested routes.

1. Lerwick

If you’re keen to stick close to the bustle of town, the Shetland Community Bike Project in Lerwick rents bikes for £13 per day or £70 per week, with electric bikes available for hire at £30 per day.

From here, you can head to the harbour and with a short ferry journey, take a scenic loop through Bressay and Noss.

2. South Mainland

Perched near the southernmost tip of the Mainland, the Sumburgh Hotel offers bike hire facilities (contact the hotel for details). This route offers a glimpse of the Scousburgh and St. Ninian’s iconic sands.

3. North Mainland

In Shetland’s North Mainland, Hillswick Shop offers electric bikes to hire for £15 per day. With rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops forged by volcanic activity characterising much of its shoreline, the North Mainland is a geological wonder, and a great pick for a more challenging cycle route.

4. Unst

In Unst, the UK’s northernmost point, bikes can be rented from Unst Leisure Centre starting at £10 per day for adults and £6 for juniors. This cycle route will take you to the renowned Hermaness Nature Reserve, home to thousands of migrating seabirds in the summer and spectacular all year round.

5. Scalloway

Scalloway is just a few miles from Lerwick and home to a fantastic museum, castle, shops, pubs and cafes. The islands of Trondra and Burra are linked by bridge and are worth exploring.

With stunning white sand beaches and relatively flat terrain, the Scalloway to Burra Circular is another great route to try.