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VisitShetland, Market Cross, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0LU, UK
Welcome to Shetland
Cycling
Cycling around Shetland
Shetland has over a thousand miles of smooth roads, with endlessly varied scenery and astounding views just waiting to be explored by the cyclist. Head winds can be a problem but traffic is light, making cycling mostly a pleasure, particularly in those long 19 hours of midsummer daylight. Tracks and off-road terrain offer challenging mountain biking alternatives.
Safe and friendly
Though the islands are far from flat, most gradients are gentle. Main roads are wide and many sections also have a hard shoulder as a refuge. In most places you can see and be seen a long way ahead. Surfaces are well-maintained and, for most of the day, there is little traffic. The hundreds of miles of minor roads are narrower, with passing places, but on most of them visibility is excellent and there are even fewer cars, buses and trucks.
Two bikers
Off-road cycling
Shetland's size makes a cycle touring holiday with 30 - 50km daily legs a realistic option, although down the side roads you're likely to be delayed by conversations with friendly country folk going about their daily tasks on crofts and fish farms - as well as by unexpected encounters with birds and seals.
For more information on cycling in Shetland see Cycling in Shetland (1Mb PDF) leaflet.
Low Cost Accommodation
There are plenty of guest houses and B&Bs and several good hotels outside the main town of Lerwick. The Shetland Tourism Information Centre in Lerwick has full details and offers a book-a-bed-ahead service.
Most places have camp sites where you can pitch your tent. Low cost options in many rural areas are Shetland Amenity Trust's camping barns or bods-converted buildings of historical interest. Almost every village has a shop, so you can buy supplies en route without carrying a load of heavy stores.
On-road cycling
At this northerly latitude, sensible all-weather equipment is essential and, when the sun does shine, don't underestimate its strength. When the weather's just too bad, there are local leisure centres, museums and pubs to entertain you while the rain blows over, as it will.
You can meet local cycling enthusiasts during your stay. The Shetland Wheelers hold road events and time trials.
In Lerwick there are good bike shops offering cycles for hire and the usual spares and repairs.
The North Sea Cycle Route, a developing network of international links encircling the North Sea, passes through Shetland, with its ferry connections to Scotland and Scandinavia. Routes are being signposted and a map is available from the Visit Shetland in Lerwick.
What Next?
On This Site
- Learn about bike rental options in Shetland
- Download the Cycling in Shetland leaflet
- Find out about the inter-island ferries connecting the isles
From Other Sites
- Find the National Cycle Routes in Shetland
- Shetland is part of the North Sea Cycle Route
Advertising Feature
2009 Wildlife Holidays In Shetland
Shetland offers the best wildlife-watching in Scotland - FACT.
Over a million breeding seabirds, the highest density of Otters in Europe, regular sightings of Killer Whales and superb displays of rare sub-arctic flora. Our award-winning holidays offer everything from fully guided wildlife weeks and long weekends, dedicated birdwatching holidays plus photographic, walking and insight holidays.
Visit our extensive website www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk or call Shetland Wildlife on 01950 422483 for a choice of over 30 holidays!
Feature
2008 Photo Competition
VisitShetland are pleased to announce their fourth annual photographic competition, open to local and visiting amateur photographers. The competition seeks entries which capture the imagination and the role that the Shetland landscape plays in our cultural identity.
Feature
Shetland Food Directory
From lamb to seafood, Shetland's produce is considered a benchmark for quality. A new website, The Shetland Food Directory, lists sources of fine Shetland food and drink and some of the wonderful places to eat out in Shetland.
Feature
Buy Shetland Knitwear
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Choose from our wide range of Shetland knitwear including Fair Isle tank tops, cushion covers and bags. Also a range of rugs made with 100% pure Shetland wool.
Feature
Swan Trips 2008
Enjoy a trip on the Swan this summer and experience the world of a resilient vessel restored to glory. Join a crew who love the sea, and be part of a learning experience!
News
Treasure Returns to Shetland
Shetland Museum and Archives welcomes St Ninian’s Isle Treasure for three month loan...
News
Loganair Revive Norway Connection
Scottish airline Loganair is filling the gap left by Faroese shipping company Smyril Line when it severed Shetland's link with its Norwegian neighbours last year.