7 things to do in Shetland in spring

1. Lace up your walking boots

Longer days provide ample opportunity for extended hikes along Shetland’s stunning 1,697 miles of coastline. But it’s not just about the coastal scenery. You can also appreciate the tranquillity of inland lochs, the yielding crunch of a heathery hill and the “aw!” factor of all the new-born lambs and ponies you’ll spot on your hikes.

And, if geology’s your bag, you’ll find that walking is the best way to appreciate the natural landscape (which has resulted in the islands’ UNESCO Global Geopark status).

Great walks are on every doorstep, but if you need hiking inspiration, you can find it here.

2. Get close to nature

Shetland’s spring soundscape is, quite simply, life-affirming. Not only does it include the songs of skylarks and oystercatchers, but you might also hear the calls of migratory birds such as skylarks (laeverick), whimbrels (peerie whaup), and Arctic tern (tirrick).

And let’s not forget everyone’s favourite spring visitor, the beloved Tammie Norrie (puffin), who breeds in the cliffs around Shetland from April onwards. Follow the movements of these clownish little birds by keeping an eye on the puffin webcam.

Springtime in Shetland is a treat for the eyes too. Does anything sing spring more than a cliff carpeted in sea pinks? If so, I’ve yet to find it.

3. Take to the water

Being in or on the water in Shetland gives you a whole new perspective on these islands. There are many ways to enjoy the islands’ proximity to the sea, and spring is the perfect time to take the plunge, metaphorically, if not literally.

The sea swimming phenomenon has been gaining momentum in Shetland, and it’s not unusual to see swimmers emerge rosy-skinned from the water even in winter. Fancy giving it a try? The sea temperatures are pretty chilly at this time of year, but start the swimming habit now and you’ll be able to enjoy a whole summer of it.

If the thought of sea swimming in Shetland makes you shiver (yup, me too), there are many other ways to enjoy the water without getting wet. The rowing season takes off in spring, and local groups are always keen to recruit new members.

Another activity for the lengthening days is angling. With over 300 lochs to choose from, it’s easy to see why Shetland is thought to be one of the best spots for angling in the world. You’ll find full details on trout fishing in Shetland on the Shetland Anglers' Association website . This is also where you can buy a fishing permit, which gives you access to fish in all Shetland’s lochs.

4. Get on your bike

Cycling in Shetland can be truly exhilarating – when you’ve got the wind at your back there’s no better feeling.

Why not take your bike onto one of the inter-island ferries and visit Bressay, Fetlar or Yell by bike? That way you can explore the quiet roads at your own pace and see Shetland’s amazing nature up close.

Yes, the roads can be on the hilly side, but if need a little extra help, you can always rent an electric bike at Shetland’s Community Bike Project.

Explore a variety of cycle routes here.

5. Do some spring cleaning

No, not hoovering or dusting! Spring cleaning Shetland style is way more fun than that. Springtime sees the islands’ annual communal glow-up: residents join forces to clean the beaches and get them pristine for all to enjoy during the summer months.

The Voar Redd Upp (Shetland’s amazing community spring clean) has been running for over 31 years. In that time, it has cleaned over 1,900 tonnes of litter from Shetland’s coastlines, beaches, roadsides and public spaces. It’s one of the longest-running and largest voluntary community clean-ups in the UK. Why not join the more than 100,000 volunteers who have taken part so far? Register here

6. Tee off at a world-class golf course

The unique experience of golfing in Shetland has delighted visitors from near and far. What’s not to like about teeing off under the ethereal glow of the simmer dim? Golfing influencers and experts have claimed that Shetland has the best golf courses in the world – this spring you can see if they were right.

With courses at Dale, Asta, Whalsay and the Knab, Shetland’s golfers are spoiled for choice. Each course has its own characteristics and challenges, just waiting for you to discover. Find out more

7. Enjoy the best beaches

Spring is the time to revisit old haunts or discover new favourites. Whether you fancy an afternoon at the award-winning Sands of Breckon, marvelling at the distinctive red sands of Reawick or testing the surf in Quendale bay, there’s a Shetland beach for everyone. Find your nearest beach.

It’s time to seize the day(light) and enjoy everything this teeming archipelago has to offer. The only question is: what to do first?