Every year, Puffins- or “Tammie Norries” as we call them- come ashore to breed after spending winter at sea. Loved for their black and white plumage, these cheeky birds have become a symbol of Shetland.
Sumburgh Head, where the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, is the best spot in Shetland to catch a glimpse of them up close. Plus, it's home to a 19th century Stevenson lighthouse, clifftop walks and a plethora of wildlife.
Leaving Lerwick, we'll take a scenic drive along the east coast passing centuries old croft houses and pausing for a view overlooking Mousa. This uninhabited island is home to one of the best preserved Iron Age brochs in Scotland.
Arriving at Sumburgh Head, take a walk along the cliffs in search of Puffins. Several other species of seabird can also be seen, including Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Oyster Catchers, Wrens, Twites and Fulmars. Keep your eyes peeled for White-sided Dolphins, Harbour Porpoises, Killer Whales, Mink Whales and Seals too.
Our Puffin Express guests also enjoy included admission to Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, the oldest in Shetland having been built in 1821. Take a look inside the engine room, tour the information centre and pause for coffee and cake in the café.
Journeying back to Lerwick, we follow Shetland's west coast, rounding the Loch of Spiggie and Rerwick Beach where you'll often catch a glimpse of seals basking on the sands below. Continuing north, we'll pass St Ninian's Isle with its impressive tombolo beach. The island has a rich Viking history and is famed for treasure unearthed here in 1958 (now on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh).
