About this tour
This five-hour guided tour traces Shetland's South Mainland from prehistory to present day. Walk across the striking sand bar connecting St Ninian's Isle to the mainland, scout for grey seals on remote shores, and climb to Sumburgh Head lighthouse within an RSPB reserve teeming with seabirds. The afternoon shifts inland to Jarlshof, where layered ruins span five millennia of settlement. Wind down in Hoswick village over tea and browsing local craftwork. An air-conditioned minibus handles transport between sites.
Highlights
- Cross the 500-metre tombolo to St Ninian's Isle
- Spot seals lounging on secluded beaches
- Sumburgh Head lighthouse overlooking seabird sanctuary
- Five thousand years of visible settlement at Jarlshof
- Tea and artisan shopping in Hoswick village
- Moderate hiking between coastal and archaeological sites
What to expect
Expect a mix of coastal walking and historical exploration. The morning focuses on St Ninian's Isle, where you'll traverse a natural sand causeway (the tombolo) to reach the isle itself—timing depends on tides, so your guide will advise. From there, Sumburgh Head offers cliff-top vistas, lighthouse access, and good odds of spotting seals and nesting seabirds depending on season. The afternoon turns to Jarlshof, an open-air archaeological site layered with Bronze Age, Iron Age, Viking and medieval remains. Walking terrain is uneven and occasionally exposed; bring waterproofs. The village break in Hoswick is gentler and social.
Good to know
Moderate fitness required—several hills and uneven ground underfoot. Wear sturdy footwear and layered clothing; Shetland weather shifts quickly. Entry to Jarlshof costs extra. Meals not included, though tea can be arranged in Hoswick. Tides affect tombolo access, so timing may shift.
Frequently asked
- How long does Shetland South Mainland Tour St Ninian Isle and Jarlshof take?
- Shetland South Mainland Tour St Ninian Isle and Jarlshof runs for approximately 5 hours.
- How much does Shetland South Mainland Tour St Ninian Isle and Jarlshof cost?
- Prices start from GBP $600 per person. Final pricing varies by date, group size and any add-ons — confirmed at checkout via Viator.
- Where does Shetland South Mainland Tour St Ninian Isle and Jarlshof run?
- This tour operates around United Kingdom. Specific meeting points and pickup options are listed by the operator at checkout.
- Who runs Shetland South Mainland Tour St Ninian Isle and Jarlshof?
- The tour is sold and operated by its supplier through Viator. New Forest National Park earns a small commission on bookings made via the link, which keeps this site free for travellers.
- Is the tour confirmed at the listed price?
- The price shown is the operator's "from" price as of our last sync. Final price, currency conversion, group discounts and cancellation policy are confirmed at checkout — always review before paying.
Tour sold and operated by its supplier via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original New Forest National Park summaries, not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.