Camping in Shetland Mainland
Dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and a distinctly Nordic flavor, Shetland Mainland has plenty to appeal.
Camping in Shetland Mainland guide
Where to go
Lerwick
Visitors traveling to Shetland by ferry from Aberdeen on the Scottish mainland arrive in Lerwick. Shetland’s main (and only) town, Lerwick is a pleasant place to stay for a while, with its pretty sandstone building-lined waterfront, unique shops selling local crafts and knitwear, cozy cafés and superb heritage museum. This is also the departure point for seabird boat tours to Noss and a good base for touring around Central Mainland. Ten miles southwest of town, a bridge connects the mainland to West Burra, which has a beautiful beach and opportunities to spot seals and otters. Here, Bridge End Outdoor Centre and Caravan Park has a few spots for carvans/motorhomes and tents.
South Mainland
Shetland’s south mainland is famed for its archaeological sites, including the prehistoric and Viking settlement of Jarlshof and the Old Scatness Iron Age broch and village. In spring and summer, plentiful puffins nest at Sumburgh Head, home to a lighthouse, visitor center and nature reserve. Handy for accessing the large tombolo of St. Ninian’s Isle, as well as the tiny island of Mousa, home to a towering Iron Age broch, the small Levenwick Caravan and Campsite has a handful of sites for motorhomes and tents.
Northmavine
The northernmost part of Shetland Mainland, the Northmavine peninsula is home to some of the island’s most spectacular scenery. Black cliffs, needle sea stacks, jagged arches, islets and skerries are scattered along the north and west coasts. The view from the slopes of Shetland’s highest peak, Ronas Hill, takes in much of the island. At the western tip, Eshaness Lighthouse is the starting point for a breezy coastal walk (at a safe distance from the edge) along sharp cliffs that plunge into a foaming sea. Nearby Braewick Café and Caravan Park accommodates tents and campers and also has a handful of glamping wigwam cabins.
West Mainland
The west coast is a popular area for boating and kayaking, as well as enjoying walks along the beaches at Reawick and Sand. The west is also a handy base if you are planning to take the boat over to Foula or Papa Stour. In the picturesque village of Skeld, adjacent to a marina, Skeld Caravan and Campsite has grass and hardstanding pitches.
Delting, Lunnasting and Nesting
The green, tranquil northeastern corner of Shetland Mainland is a favored area for anglers and wildlife spotters. Birdwatchers visit the headland of Neap to take the coastal walk out to the Staney Hog and Stava Ness, home to nesting puffins in the spring and summer. South Nesting Caravan Park is a peaceful site with space for tents and caravans/motorhomes