Sea Kayaking in the Shetland Islands

Sea Kayaking in the Shetland Islands - 27th May to 5th June 2025

PLEASE DO NOT RSVP UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN PART OF THE PLANNING DISCUSSIONS AND HAVE PAID FOR THE ACCOMODATION

OVERVIEW - At this time of year, Shetland has the lowest average rainfall; the highest average daily sunshine; the bird life will be astounding; and it capitalises on lower ferry prices. This trip is for strong, confident intermediate paddlers - bolstered by some experienced advanced paddlers and additional leaders. There will be some space for none paddling partners.

The Shetland Isles probably constitute the most remote outpost in the British Isles. 130 miles north of the Scottish mainland and at the same latitude as Bergen and Helsinki, it’s cold, wild and windy. In May: the average rainfall is 55mm; the average sun is 6 hours per day; the average temperature is 8.1 deg C (from 5.6 min to 10.6 max averages); the average sea temperature is 9 deg C; and the average wind speed is 12.5 knots (14.4mph), which is low end Beaufort F4.

THE PADDLING - Reported to be fabulous when the conditions are right. It is likely to be challenging at times on some stretches: long distances without being able to land; westerly, unprotected Atlantic swell; associated clapotis; and exposed headlands; and quickly changeable conditions. We will paddle to the overall abilities of the group, but straightforward and easier intermediate routes might be harder to find. Often wild and remote. Be prepared not to paddle on a few days. Birdwatching, cycling, walking, caber tossing, reading, and playing scrabble might be necessary!

ACCOMMODATION - Due to the changeability and potential adversity of the weather, 

We will have proper accommodation to allow general comfort, drying out, and getting warm again. Camping can be grim up there. Realistically, it will not be possible to paddle every day. To guarantee some time on the water and to justify the long return trip, we will stay in a hostel on the main Island for 10 nights.

The accommodation is Voxter House. It sleeps 24, with 1 x 8 bed; 2 x 6 bed; and 2 x 2 bed rooms. Reports from those who have been before are positive. Nice inside with decent parking, drying and garden. It is fairly central too. Just over an hour’s drive to the furthest Mainland paddles. For logistical and practical reasons, I have capped the overall numbers to 14 in total, with 12 paddlers maximum.

PLANNING DETAIL - My Priority is to secure the accommodation. Ferries, travel, food and other planning essentials will be sorted out later.

1. Event co-ordinator & overall trip leader - Pete Riley

2. Co-leaders (which will add resilience and flexibility) - Mike Hayward, Simon Lerpiniere, Rob Gregory 

3. Trip type: Advanced sea

4. Level of ability:  Advanced / small number of very confident intermediate

5. Date: 27th May to 5th June incl. 

6. Planning details - to be determined nearer the time.

7. Anything else:

• We will operate as a team, we are jointly responsible for each other’s safety on the water.  

• Sea kayaks only.

• RSVP limit - 12 paddlers maximum).

• It’s cold up there! Make sure your dry suit is in good repair in advance of the trip.

• We will meet (or Zoom) nearer to the time to sort out safety gear, and to give finer tuning to the logistics.

Pete Riley