Essential Information
Are these academic tours?
The objective is for you to have an enjoyable experience in Shetland's magnificent scenery. Your Tour Leader is very experienced and will deliver the information at the level at which you feel comfortable. You will be encouraged to find out as much as you can by asking him and discussing what you see with others.
How fit do I need to be?
You will need to have an average level of fitness and satisfy yourself that you can undertake walks described before booking and be prepared for rough ground (e.g.: hill and coast paths) and unkind weather.
On our 'Rock On' Tour the furthest you will be expected to walk for any one locality is about 5km (3 miles).
On the ' Landscape Mysteries' Tour you can expect walks in any one day up to 15km (9 miles).
For the 'Spectacular Shetland' Tour, walks range in length from 3km to 18km (2 to 11 miles).
How tough is the terrain?
The toughest terrain you're likely to encounter is moderately steep grassy or heather slopes, boulder scree or rocky foreshore. However, we do need everyone to be reasonably sure-footed and to feel comfortable on moderate slopes.
Do I need to take Food?
Most hotels and B&B’s can provide packed lunches and/or evening meals if required. If you prefer there are plenty of establishments in Lerwick catering for all tastes and budgets.
What clothes will I need?
You will need the kind of outer clothes worn by people who participate in outdoor activities in the climate we have in the British Isles. Even in summer, you should be prepared for bad weather.
For comfort and safety in the field, essential items are:
- A small rucksack (or day-sack) large enough to carry your waterproofs and a packed lunch.
- A strong pair of walking boots.
- Walking socks designed to be worn inside boots
- A good quality weatherproof jacket
- A thick pullover or fleece
- Waterproof over-trousers
- A hat.
Changeable weather is the rule in Shetland. For safety and comfort, you should always carry weatherproof gear in a small rucksack. Even in fine weather you may find gaiters useful to keep trouser-legs dry on boggy ground. There will be times when we can wear lightweight summer clothes so it is always a good idea to bring sunglasses and suntan lotion.
For evening wear, warm casual clothes are what you will feel most comfortable wearing.
What other gear may I need?
- Bring a camera. - Shetland will give you some wonderful photo opportunities.
- You may feel more comfortable with a walking stick on rough ground.
- A hand lens is always useful and highly recommended.
- Binoculars.
- A good sense of humour and an open mind.
What risks are involved?
We take pride in looking after our clients to the maximum extent possible and you will not be brought anywhere that the Tour Leader thinks may be risky. Our health & safety guidelines are modelled on those of the Shetland Field Studies Group and the Geologists' Association. However, that said, in every situation in life there is always the possibility that someone may be injured. All our clients are required to contribute in taking responsibility for their own safety
What insurance cover do I need?
Each person that joins one of our tours does so on the understanding that he/she does so at his/her own risk.
Shetland Geotours has Public Liability Insurance Cover for guiding tours but Personal Accident cover and Personal Liability cover remains the responsibility of the participant. Participants with house insurance will probably find this included in their policy.