Shetland Islands Photography Tour

Discover the Shetland Islands: A Photographer’s Paradise! Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the breathtaking Shetland Islands, located in the wild north of Scotland. Join Darran and Julia on WPA’s inaugural group journey into this stunning landscape, where vibrant puffins and majestic gannets provide the perfect backdrop for your photography. Experience the magic landscapes of the Shetland Islands, a captivating archipelago near the Arctic, as we explore ancient towers and mesmerising landscapes, both in the northern and southern parts of the islands, all while utilising efficient ferry services to navigate these scenic treasures. What sets this trip apart is the extraordinary nature that surrounds you, offering countless opportunities for stunning shots and cherished memories. Join us and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Shetland Islands.

• Small group size of 8.

• Fantastic nature from flowers to birds. The diversity will surprise you!

• Beautiful landscapes and seascapes.

• Fantastic wild experience in the far north of Scotland.

Included

• Professional WPA Photo guides - your images come first!

• Local expert guide.

• All accommodation.

• All land transport with professional driver and local guide.

• Most meals, as per itinerary.

Not Included

• International Air tickets & flights

• Personal expenses

• Items not included in the itinerary

• Tips and drinks

• Travel Insurance

DAY 1 - SHETLAND ISLANDS

June 12

(Pre tour accommodation will be offered about the time of booking flights - 9 months before departure.) We meet at Aberdeen Airport and fly to Sumburgh Airport, Shetland Islands. (This flight is included.) We are met on arrival in the Shetlands by our local expert team. We drive north over the Mainland to our delightful hotel in Busta Voe. Workshop as times allows and have your camera gear ready. You will have some lovely scenes to photograph.

Hotel Accommodation - D.

DAYs 2/3/4 - SHETLAND ISLANDS

June 13/14/15

On your visit to Shetland’s most northerly island Unst, we’ll walk across the moorland to the wild and dramatic cliffs of Hermaness, where the skies are full of soaring and displaying Great Skuas (in Shetland called Bonxies, meaning ‘dumpy bird’). Breeding Snipe, Dunlin and Meadow Pipit display overhead and the plaintive call of Golden Plover can be heard. Unst also supports Wheatear, Twite and Whimbrel.

As we reach the vast seabird cliffs and gannetry at Saito, the sight that greets you really does take your breath away! A blizzard of Gannets ride the updrafts and swirl in vast flocks below you, as Fulmars and Great Skuas glide past. Puffins emerge from their burrows and scurry around our feet, as we look out to the remote Muckle Flugga lighthouse and the small rocky island of ‘Oootsta’ or Out Stack – after which there is no more Britain! On our regular short ferry crossings between islands, Gannets can be seen diving for fish in synchronised teams and the small harbours are a favourite haunt of Otters. Marauding Arctic Skuas harry passing Arctic Terns, as Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills stream through the narrow sounds on feeding flights between the islands. We shall be alert to the sight of any fins breaking the surface, betraying a Harbour Porpoise close inshore, or maybe even Orcas! Another inter-island boat journey takes us to Fetlar, so named from the Viking for ‘fat or fertile land’ and the fourth largest island in the Shetland Isles. It is a stronghold for stunning and rare Red-necked Phalaropes, as they delicately spin on small lochans, picking tiny insects from the waterside stones.

The itinerary continues…